Change can be uncomfortable. In March of 1999; I went through a season of change in my life–a change that many people are experiencing today in this economy. After ten years of service with this company, I was laid off without warning.
I remember that morning so clearly. It started off just like any other Monday morning, but I had no idea what was coming. At 10:00 am, my boss walked up to me and said, “Russ, we have to let you go. You need to be out of here by 5:00 pm.” What started out as a typical Monday morning quickly became a life-changing experience in just a matter of hours.
At first, I was kind of numb. Ten years at one job was a long time. Yet, as my boss walked out of my office that day, I began to weep–not at the job loss; not at an uncertain future; not even at the abrupt ending of my income. No. When I wept, I was weeping over God’s goodness. I had no idea what the next day held, but I knew God was good, and he could be trusted. My life, my future, my family was really in his hands. I was already in God’s hands before that Monday morning, but now the revelation of that truth had come to life.
Months passed with no promising offers. An interview here; an interview there. Nothing came my way. I was riding the roller coaster of emotions. Yet, I knew deep down that God would not fail me. I could trust him.
One morning, I got a call from a local company. We talked for a bit, and then I went in that very day for an interview. By the end of the interview, they had verbally offered me the job. In a matter of hours–just like that day in March–my life had changed.
When I look back over the past four months of unemployment, it was a good time–times of rest; times of seeking God; times of divine provision; times of prayer. And yes, even times of questioning God. I figured if David and Jesus could ask “why” (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34), then surely it’s okay for me to ask “why”. Yet even in my questions, God proved himself faithful.
I could have battled all the “what if’s” and spent endless hours worrying and stressing over my situation, but I chose not to. I knew God could be trusted. I knew he would provide for us. So, I decided to rest, and let God bring about the right job at the right time.
I want to encourage everyone reading this that God can be trusted. No matter if it’s unemployment, fears, family problems, marital issues, personal struggles or just questioning your faith, God is there for you. Through his Son, Jesus, God is ready to help you through any problem, any situation and any circumstance.
Jesus said, “So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don’t worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:25-34).
Prayer: компютриFather, I want to trust you more. I want to understand your heart, your will, your desires for me. I want to live in your faithfulness, because you are completely and totally faithful. Today, I choose to trust you. I choose to not listen to me circumstances. I will rest in you.
