Life Happens, and I am not Immune

What do you do when you’re told that your job is being down-sized, and that you have less than a month before you’re out of a job?  Before Friday, I would have said, “I have no idea” because this only happens to people you hear about.  Yet, that’s just what happened one hour before I left work for the weekend.  My boss, a co-worker and I were told that our positions, along with those at sister companies across the area, are being consolidated in one location because “it is better for the business” and the customers.  So, what do you do?

Well, I went home, told my wife and we prayed.  Then, I put my boots on and played in the snow with my girls.  What else could I do at that moment, mope?  While I did experience anxiety during the meeting, I could not help but notice the sense of peace in my heart that I can only attribute to God and His mercy.  One thought that kept running through my head was that worrying and mulling over my situation would do absolutely nothing; instead, it was time to act: first by confessing my trust in God and His sovereignty, second by praying for the Lord’s discernment and will to be done, and third by pounding the pavement to look for a job.

Another thought that’s been running through my mind is how exciting it is to see what God is going to do.  Interestingly, my wife and I have been praying lately on my current job situation and that God would work something out that would allow me to pursue a doctorate in about a year or so (as we have sensed the Lord’s calling in this area for over four years).  In addition, I’ve become increasingly dissatisfied with my current position, desiring more to do something more in tune with where I sense the Lord calling me.  Is the Lord now answering our prayers and have my desires been something of the Lord’s preparation?  Honestly, I don’t know, but I can’t help but feel (as does my wife) that the Lord is doing something right now and look forward to the upcoming days.

Why am I bring this up?  Well, first as a praise to God.  As I stated earlier, my normal reaction to such drastic situations is to become anxious and constantly dwell on the ‘what ifs.’  I am by nature a worry-wart.  This sense of peace and anticipation for what God’s doing is not a normal reaction on my part.  Praise God for his mercy!  Second, I bring this up as a prayer request.  I have no idea what’s going to happen; eventually, our short severance package will run out.  Will I have a job by then to cover our mortgage, food and other needs?  What will I be doing?  Please pray for the Lord to be kind to provide a job quickly and that my wife and I seek first His kingdom, trusting Him for His provision (Matt. 6:25-34).   

So, I ask that you pray for me and my family as we enter into uncharted territory.  Please pray that I do not succumb to anxiety, instead eagerly pray, seeking the Lord’s guidance and provision.  And please pray for the Lord’s provision now and especially after April 1 if I do not have another job by then.