Have You Dismissed an Angel Unaware?

I enjoy watching episodes of Undercover Boss. This series shows how owners or CEOs of businesses go undercover to evaluate their employees’ performance. While disguised in wigs, beards, makeup, and uniform, bosses are surprised by unacceptable work conditions and conduct.

When asked to train the new employee (the undercover boss), top-performing employees will show how they take pride in their work while others will show rude behavior. When the time comes to unveil a boss’ identity, participating employees are shocked, top performers are rewarded, and disgruntled employees are fired.

This TV series reminds me how we can be sometimes as it relates to how we treat prayer answers.

You may have heard this verse quoted or even quoted it yourself; Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

We’ll pray and ask God for a solution, but when the answer arrives, we may dismiss it because it didn’t show up in the type of package we expected. We may have struggled a long time to find a solution within our surroundings or social network. However, when an answer to our prayer arrives from outside of our realm, we doubt it.

I remember while taking care of my mom, sometimes I would think Lord have mercy, or I need some help. Sometimes I prayed for this, sometimes I didn’t, but I would about it briefly, then detach from the thought, and go on about my day.

One time after thinking this, I received a call from a representative from my mother’s insurance company informing me about a third-party service that could come and assist me. I slightly dismissed the lady by telling her to email me the information while thinking about how many tasks I had to manage. After reading the information, I remembered what I thought. I was so accustomed to being in survival mode. I quickly assumed that the representative was offering a service that would be an additional expense.

Once I thoroughly read what the service provided at no additional cost due to insurance coverage, I accepted the help. The company provided a team of professionals who provided the assistance I needed beyond my expectations. Their service took a tremendous amount of stress off me by providing solutions which ultimately let my mind rest from being a constant problem solver.

I’ve been a rather quiet person since childhood. During my life, I’ve observed some people who have been loud, boastful, arrogant, and dismissive of those whom they didn’t think they needed because they weren’t on their socioeconomic level. Some of the people they dismissed were the most loyal people I know, including myself.

Those who thought they were above everyone were always striving for the latest trend or trying to oppress those whom they thought were beneath them. They also didn’t realize that the people they dismissed were answers to their prayers whether it was to help with a project, provide emotional support, or network loyalty. Their only concern was to benefit financially from those whom they dismissed. What’s so interesting about this situation is that people who are often dismissive of those whom they think are beneath them will get angry when those who came as an answer to their prayer leave.

The Ideal Image

When we think about angels, the thought that typically comes to mind is an image of a cherubim with wings. Although this is the ideal image of an angelic being, if we were to see one, we would be afraid. On the other hand, angelic behavior can be reflective of someone outside of our social or cultural realm, work opportunities that are not prestigious, but stable, and other resources that are not loud, flashy, or popular.

Our tendency to gravitate toward that which is difficult to obtain often stems from experiences of rejection and constant negotiation with those who pretend that they will provide solutions but fail to deliver. As a result, we rely on ourselves to resolve issues. Thus, continuing a cycle of repetitive stress.

Who or what have you dismissed because it or they didn’t look, talk, walk, act, or dress like you expected? The person or resource may not have shown up with a bag of money, a trending outfit, expensive car, or prestige title. However, they may have offered genuine love, concern, loyalty, solutions, and skills needed to help you accelerate to the next level in your life.

While we must be mindful of everyone (new and existing) to evaluate their intentions toward us, we also must be discerning to determine if someone or something is the answer to our prayer. Our past struggles don’t have to be our future. The way to conquer this apprehension is to be receptive and not prejudice regarding what or who can help us.

While none of us are angels, I’m sure you’ve been an angel when you were prompted to do something good for someone. You may not have spoken to the person in a while or been within proximity of them. However, you may have had an intuitive feeling to call, visit, or do something for them. When you showed up in whatever form, you may have answered their prayer.

Isaiah 58:9 says “ Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.” However, this will happen after you’ve answered someone else’s call. See Isaiah 58 for more insight. You answer someone’s prayer, and the Lord will answer your prayer through someone else.

As we move forward, let this year be one not only of motivation, but one of accepting angelic assistance that may be outside of your social or cultural norms, and be an angel to others when you’re led to do so.

Take care,

Steph