It was Tuesday afternoon, and Jessica was still in her oversized sweatshirt and soft cotton joggers, her long wavy hair braided lazily down one shoulder. The kitchen carried the warm aroma of garlic and ghee as her mom stirred a bubbling pot on the stove, humming an old worship song under her breath.
Jessica entered the kitchen with a quiet sigh, rubbing her temples as she reached for a glass of water.
"Did you sleep well, beta?" her mom asked, glancing over her shoulder.
Jessica shrugged. "Kind of. I was up until nearly 2 a.m. praying... thinking... trying not to overthink." She offered a tired smile.
Her mom gave her a look full of grace and reassurance. "That's not wasted time. God was listening."
Jessica sat down at the table just as her phone buzzed beside her glass. She absentmindedly picked it up, expecting an update on the church volunteer spreadsheet or a friendly meme from Lydia.
But her eyes widened as she read the email subject:
Subject: Potential Sponsorship Meeting – Elias Ventures
Her breath caught.
She opened the email, heart racing.
> Dear Miss Maren,
Thank you for reaching out to Elias Ventures. Your email stood out to us for its sincerity and purpose-driven vision. Our team would like to schedule a virtual meeting with you to learn more about your business and how we might partner with you.
Are you available Wednesday at 10 a.m.?
Warm regards,
Corporate Affairs Team
Elias Ventures
She gasped, hand flying to her mouth. "Amaa!"
Her mother turned quickly. "What is it?"
Jessica held up her phone, unable to hide her joy and disbelief. "They replied. They want to meet with me tomorrow! Elias Ventures!"
Her mother's face lit up like a sunrise. "Oh! Hallelujah! I knew your prayer wouldn't go unheard."
Jessica stood up, holding the phone to her chest, then looked up with misty eyes. She walked to the small prayer corner in the dining area, knelt down, and whispered:
"Thank You, Jesus… thank You. You hear. You always hear. Even when I whisper. Even when I cry. Thank You for this door, for this chance. You are my provider—Jehovah Jireh."
She took a moment there on the floor, just soaking in the quiet joy of answered prayer. Then she stood, hugged her mom tightly, and let her voice tremble with awe.
"I don't feel ready. What if I sound too nervous? What if I say the wrong thing? Maa, this could change everything."
Her mother cupped her cheek. "Do you think the same God who gave you the vision won't give you the voice? He will fill your mouth, Jessu. Just like He always does."
Jessica took a shaky breath and nodded slowly. Her lips whispered the verse that had anchored her lately:
> "The Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard." – Isaiah 52:12
---
Later that day, Jessica called Lydia, pacing back and forth in her bedroom.
"Jess! What? They emailed? That's incredible!" Lydia shouted into the phone. "I'm coming over."
"No no—Lyds, I need to think and pray, not spiral into outfit decisions with you," Jessica said with a laugh.
"Prayer is part of the outfit process!" Lydia countered. "Okay fine, but I'll send you a few confident-girl outfit ideas. But more importantly—Jess—this is the kind of thing that happens when you stay rooted. When you wait on God."
Jessica sat on the edge of her bed. "But what if I ruin it?"
"You won't. You're not walking in there alone. The Holy Spirit's got your back."
"I've never done anything like this before."
"That's what makes it beautiful. You're not leaning on experience—you're leaning on faith. That's where God shows off."
Jessica smiled. "Thanks, Lydia. You always know what to say."
"I don't. But He does. Let's pray tonight, okay?"
"Deal."
---
That same afternoon across the city, Michael sat behind his desk at Elias Ventures, reviewing the latest partnership requests. His eyes scanned through names, summaries, and pitch decks—most were fine, some promising, a few bland.
Then, one stood out.
Jessica Maren.
He clicked it open. The proposal wasn't extravagant—it was thoughtful. It had a quiet authority to it, written with clarity and purpose, not polish.
There was something in her tone that made him pause. It was rare to read something so faith-centered in such a formal setting. Her vision for her business was laced with Scripture, compassion, and a desire to serve.
Michael leaned back in his chair for a moment. "Hmm."
He didn't recognize the name. He didn't yet know that he had seen her the past Sunday morning at church, helping and serving.
Still, something in him stirred.
It was something deeper.
He didn't know her.
But God did.
And that was enough—for now.
---