The past six months of my life have been some of the most faith-challenging months I can remember. One month ago today I still did not know if I would have a job the next week.
Even when we have faith in God and we know He is our source for everything, there are moments of weakness when the reality of your situation puts a strain on that faith.
Briefly, my employer of almost eleven years was moving out of state and for months I had the uncertainty of not knowing whether the new employer would hire me. I know that God is my source, not my employer. Our employers are the conduit through which His provision flows. When one stops, God uses another conduit. So, when I work, I do it as unto the Lord. He is my provider, the giver of all good things and the provider of all my needs. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
I prayed, brainstormed, spoke in faith and worked more on my own projects and plans, trying to create more conduits through which God's provision could flow. But there was an internal battle going on to stay strong and walk in complete trust in Him. The most difficult times were at work, when reality would come crashing down on me. At my age, it is nearly impossible--in the natural--to apply for a 'regular' job and get called in for an interview, let alone get hired. Age discrimination exists, but you don't really see it until you are over 50. Too young to retire, too old to get hired. That's reality. Another reality was that I still needed a steady income. At work there was talk, uncertainty, some people leaving for various reasons and no answers concerning jobs. It was in these times of uncertainty that fear and anxiety would try to grab hold of me. But when my mind quieted, I would hear the still, soft voice of the Holy Spirit say,
"Do you trust Me?"
"Why, yes Lord! Of course I trust you. I know you will make a way. I know you already have a plan for my future but I just don't see it yet!"
But there wasn't much peace about it and fear and anxiety kept creeping into my mind and emotions, so did I REALLY trust Him? I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25 NKJV I have stood on this scripture many times and it has always been true. Yet those times of doubt still crept in, bringing fear and anxiety.
What I experienced in the last few weeks leading up to May 9th, was a new level of faith, having complete trust in Him and His process. When I'm in a situation like this, I feel that I must be "doing something" to help fix it. But there are situations we can't fix and we must rest in Him and trust that He will do what we cannot do. That takes a deeper level of faith and "resting in Him". We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT I reached the place in my mind and emotions where I was okay with whatever way my situation worked out. Wherever He put me, He would provide for all my needs. He would not forsake me nor leave me lacking. I would step off that cliff of financial uncertainty and trust He would not let me fall. Peace, that passes all of our understanding, comes. I finally completely settled it in my heart..."Yes Lord. I trust you. Whatever happens, I know your hand is upon me. Whatever You do, is for my benefit and You will supply all my needs!" That surrender brings total peace.
Back to May 9th....It was my next-to-the-last day of employment. The 10th I would have gone in to sign my termination papers. I got a call to come in for an interview. In just a couple of hours, I had a new position with our new employers! This position is such a blessing in many ways. I can see God's hand on this and it is the answer to many prayers I have prayed over the years concerning my job! My work environment is so peaceful. And there is peace all around...because I completely submitted my will to His. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT
One last fact I have learned in my life is that God is never early, but He is never late either. I am a planner who doesn't do things on the fly, so that drives me crazy. But He reminds me "Do you trust Me?". Maintaining your trust in the 11th hour isn't easy in our flesh.
No matter what your situation, when you can finally let go of it all and stop trying to figure out how God will "work it out", you truly have faith. Rest in Him. Pray about it and watch how He works. Just remember, He won't be early and He will probably work it out in a way you would never have imagined! The reward for your faith and trust in Him will be that His answer is far better than what you asked for.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Whatever you are facing, whatever you are praying for, whatever you desperately need from God...be still and hear "Do you trust Me?" and step off, knowing He won't let you fall.
Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,
Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
Even when we have faith in God and we know He is our source for everything, there are moments of weakness when the reality of your situation puts a strain on that faith.
Briefly, my employer of almost eleven years was moving out of state and for months I had the uncertainty of not knowing whether the new employer would hire me. I know that God is my source, not my employer. Our employers are the conduit through which His provision flows. When one stops, God uses another conduit. So, when I work, I do it as unto the Lord. He is my provider, the giver of all good things and the provider of all my needs. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
I prayed, brainstormed, spoke in faith and worked more on my own projects and plans, trying to create more conduits through which God's provision could flow. But there was an internal battle going on to stay strong and walk in complete trust in Him. The most difficult times were at work, when reality would come crashing down on me. At my age, it is nearly impossible--in the natural--to apply for a 'regular' job and get called in for an interview, let alone get hired. Age discrimination exists, but you don't really see it until you are over 50. Too young to retire, too old to get hired. That's reality. Another reality was that I still needed a steady income. At work there was talk, uncertainty, some people leaving for various reasons and no answers concerning jobs. It was in these times of uncertainty that fear and anxiety would try to grab hold of me. But when my mind quieted, I would hear the still, soft voice of the Holy Spirit say,
"Do you trust Me?"
"Why, yes Lord! Of course I trust you. I know you will make a way. I know you already have a plan for my future but I just don't see it yet!"
But there wasn't much peace about it and fear and anxiety kept creeping into my mind and emotions, so did I REALLY trust Him? I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25 NKJV I have stood on this scripture many times and it has always been true. Yet those times of doubt still crept in, bringing fear and anxiety.
What I experienced in the last few weeks leading up to May 9th, was a new level of faith, having complete trust in Him and His process. When I'm in a situation like this, I feel that I must be "doing something" to help fix it. But there are situations we can't fix and we must rest in Him and trust that He will do what we cannot do. That takes a deeper level of faith and "resting in Him". We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT I reached the place in my mind and emotions where I was okay with whatever way my situation worked out. Wherever He put me, He would provide for all my needs. He would not forsake me nor leave me lacking. I would step off that cliff of financial uncertainty and trust He would not let me fall. Peace, that passes all of our understanding, comes. I finally completely settled it in my heart..."Yes Lord. I trust you. Whatever happens, I know your hand is upon me. Whatever You do, is for my benefit and You will supply all my needs!" That surrender brings total peace.
Back to May 9th....It was my next-to-the-last day of employment. The 10th I would have gone in to sign my termination papers. I got a call to come in for an interview. In just a couple of hours, I had a new position with our new employers! This position is such a blessing in many ways. I can see God's hand on this and it is the answer to many prayers I have prayed over the years concerning my job! My work environment is so peaceful. And there is peace all around...because I completely submitted my will to His. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT
One last fact I have learned in my life is that God is never early, but He is never late either. I am a planner who doesn't do things on the fly, so that drives me crazy. But He reminds me "Do you trust Me?". Maintaining your trust in the 11th hour isn't easy in our flesh.
No matter what your situation, when you can finally let go of it all and stop trying to figure out how God will "work it out", you truly have faith. Rest in Him. Pray about it and watch how He works. Just remember, He won't be early and He will probably work it out in a way you would never have imagined! The reward for your faith and trust in Him will be that His answer is far better than what you asked for.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Whatever you are facing, whatever you are praying for, whatever you desperately need from God...be still and hear "Do you trust Me?" and step off, knowing He won't let you fall.
Be a Kingdom light shining in the darkness,
Deborah Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
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