It’s true. When I re-did this blog less than a month ago, I really had no clue what God-story would be written for our 2017. But here we go…
Last week, after being employed in sales at the same company for 13 ½ years, my husband’s job was cut. Surprisingly, when he telephoned with the news, I felt peace over panic.
Peace because I had been praying for the job situation. It was not the outcome I had hoped, but I felt confident that it was God’s will for our situation. Had I not already been in prayer about it, it may have stung more. Instead, it was much easier to accept because I immediately felt that security from God that this was His plan and He would use this for good.
Peace was present due to praise. It may sound strange, but in the middle of the of the disappointment and sadness I could not help but check off a mental list of all the ways God blessed us over the years through my husband’s company and simply thank Him. On the top of the list: we vacationed in Hawaii three years in a row as a reward trip, I accompanied him on a trip to San Diego (one of my favorite places I’ve ever been), and (most importantly for me), I got to live my dream as a stay-at-home mom. (Some days it feels more like a nightmare than a dream, but seriously, I truly am grateful.) ;) No matter how it ended, I will always be grateful for those opportunities and memories.
Peace because He has already proven Himself faithful. We went through this same trial almost exactly 14 years ago. We had only been married four months when his job was cut. However, I was working back then and covered our family’s health insurance through the company I was employed so that part was not as scary. But God was faithful. He took care of us then, and He will take care of us now. In fact, God has proven Himself so faithful that I wrote a book sharing my testimony entitled God Keeps His Promises. And God still keeps His promises.
So, there are a lot of uncertainties as our family heads into 2017. Will he find a job sooner than later? Will I have to go back to work? Time will tell, I suppose. Until then, I will trust Him with this chapter.
I will continue to pray, give Him praise, and wait expectantly!
Perhaps your 2017 has brought challenges or unwanted change. Whenever life gets hard, I encourage you to seek out God’s promises, meditate on His comforting words, and choose peace over panic.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Copyright 2017 by Christy Long. All Rights Reserved.