Monday, December 29, 2008

Out of Work, but Not Off Mission


I recently spoke with a Hoper (a believer who lives by these values)who lost his job. As we talked, I began to get more and more excited about his life and the journey God has him on. Remarkably, in the midst of what should be a time of doom and gloom he senses God at work in his life in wonderful ways. He knows that God is good and has always provided for him and his family. Sure he'd like to have income coming in like he was, but he knows it is just a matter of time before God provides. What great faith!

The thing he asked me to pray for was also astounding. He didn't want me to pray for the job he is interviewing for. He wanted me to pray that God would allow him to live on mission no matter where he works. This man wants to show and share the love of Christ with our lost and dying world. He believes that the job he will be getting will simply be a tool that allows him to pay his bills so he can live to give the hope of Jesus to other people. Those he will be working with in the near future are simply soon to be dear friends that he is going to share his life and Lord with.

I am praying for him. I am encouraged by his faith and his Biblical mindset that has him focused on the Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

His story reminds me that God has us all where He wants us right now. Some have a little and some a have lot, but those who have Jesus have all that is needed to do everything God wants with their life. Like Paul, they can say "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments." Habakkuk 3:17-19

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It is so true that God has us where he wants us right now. I lost my job 3 months ago and have been searching for another one. During this time I have found I am not worried about finding another one, God will take care of me. During my time off I have had the pleasure to have been led to Christ and baptized. He will never give us more than he can handle.