Trusting God

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Several times over the last few weeks I have referenced the fact that I feel God is working in my life and that I see changes up ahead. In March, I shared here how I felt that God was making some changes in my life and how very thankful I am that He is there with me each step of the way. And, in April I shared here how grateful I am that I can turn my worries over to God and mentioned that there were several situations where I needed to be patient and wait for them to resolve.

Today I can still state with confidence that God is working to make some changes in my life and I can still say that I am ever so grateful that I can turn my worries over to Him. However, I must admit that I never saw certain events coming up ahead of me. And, because of these events, I am more and more thankful that I can turn to God. This last week I have been surprised, shocked and saddened by the events that have taken place.


To explain a bit, I probably should back up just a bit and share in more detail. Over the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to be on a project at work that brought many new challenges and offered a chance for me to grow in many ways. The downside, however, was much stronger in that it forced me to make distinct choices between work and family. It brought much stress into my life and made me question what it was that God really wanted me to do from a professional standpoint.

Over the last few months, the work had slowed a bit but we were beginning to gear up for the next large project. About two weeks ago, the board of directors met and decided they would be delaying this next project for two years. That announcement coupled with many financial problems the company is facing led to a decision to lay off a number of employees in my department. I did not lose my job and have been assured I have a place in the company for as long as I desire. However, it brought about the loss of jobs for two of my most precious co-workers of whom I wrote about in this post. I am saddened to the point that I have shed many tears over the last couple of days. Many tears for them and where this sudden loss of job leaves them and their families. And, quite honestly, tears for me as I look at facing the coming months working without them as part of my team. Months without their constant support to get through the tough times. Months without their smiling faces and constant encouragement.

You see, if it hadn't been for these women I probably would have left the company 4-5 years ago. So, now to know they will no longer be there has led me to begin questioning once again if this is really the place God wants me in the years to come. It makes me wonder if this is one way that God is guiding me towards those changes I feel are up ahead. At the same time, the human part of me is thinking, "God, why does it have to hurt like this? Why do others have to be affected so harshly in order to show me where you want me to be?"

Of course, because God is God, there is probably more to His plan than just where He wants me to be. He looks at the big picture and moves to affect the lives of many. I realize He may have a plan for my former co-workers (ouch... I don't like using that word "former") and this is how He is working in their lives. And, at the same time, He is using the same situation to work in my life, as well.

All of this to say... I know God is working in my life. It is causing me to lean on Him even more. I have spent the last few days listening for God's voice, crying, praying, playing all my favorite Christian songs. All these things seeking His comfort. Seeking His guidance.

I am finding comfort in God. I have determined that I may never know WHY God chose to work in this particular way, but I trust that He knows best.

I feel that there is not a short ending to story. Not for me and not for my dear friends that lost their jobs this last week. But, I do know, that God is with us and He will not let us walk this road alone. He will show us the way if we are listening. For me and my family, He is already showing us some possibilities if only we will be patient.

In closing, I'd like to share a scripture that has always been a favorite of mine and that has gained a more personal meaning to me over the last few months. I have a feeling I will be turning to this scripture many times in the months to come.


"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:31 NIV





7 Thoughts Shared:

Nancie said...

Thank you for sharing God's guidance upon you. We may not always understand why certain things happened. But the quiet assurance that God is in control brings comfort to us in the midst of the pains or confusion we may be going through at times.

I am thankful to God for strengthening you as you look to Him. It is encouraging to see you seeking Him and trusting Him. May He keep you near to Him and continue to bless you in your walk with Him and as you serve Him wherever He places you.

Take care. Have a blessed week!

Stephanie said...

Melanie,
You sound like myself~ I always get attached to people whether I am at work or not. I hurt when they hurt and it sounds like you are experiencing some of that. You were correct to assume that God is allowing their jobs to end because He has another path for them to take. I love the movie the Sound of Music and there is a line in the movie where Maria says,"Whenever God closes a door, He opens a window". It will be interesting to see where each of you are in the future and how those plans God had for y'all came to fruition. In losing the constant companionship of your work buddies, maybe God has brought others into your life through blogging that can fill in that gap.

I will pray for you and the change you are experiencing. Thank-you also for your encouraging words on my post for today. We all need those prayers b/c today is a hard day.

Tricia said...

Thanks so much for sharing your heart. I will be praying for you as you continue to seek God's guidance and His peace and comfort.

It is amazing to me how great God is, He has comforted and strengthened me in this past month through a trial I could never have imagined going through, and it is far from over, but God is so faithful, and has been right there along the way, and I have been earnestly seeking Him.

I think that that is the key, we must seek Him and His ways, and turn to Him in our heartache and not the things of this world. And you are doing that, so God will come through mightily for you, just hold on!!

Tracy said...

Thanks for sharing this. My heart goes out to you, and your friends. So happy you're trusting in Him despite the hurt and confusion you feel. I'm praying for you and your friends.
Blessings,
Tracy

Cheryl said...

You are so sweet to be concerned about others! I love the verse you shared. Everything will work out for you and your friends as you are praying and believing that HE will take care of it and HE tells us HE will. We just have to let HIM. God Bless you for being a wonderful friend to these co-workers.

Shari said...

It is good to hear that you are trusting in God and believing that He is working in your life. Sometimes I wait and wait and wonder why it's all taking so long. I struggle with the waiting part. I'm looking forward to seeing the positive changes He is going to make in your life. I feel like He has those for me too. You can only be in a rut for so long and things eventually change.

Paula V said...

Hey Melanie. I'm new to your sight but I read this post. I praise the Lord that He has given you wisdom to seek Him and the assurance that He is with you and He is working His plan for your good (Romans 8:28). I can tell from your post that there is depth to your walk with the Lord in spite of the unanswered questions. I can attest that good does come out of job losses and job changes. I lost a job once and it was the best thing ever.

When things look the worst, that is when I believe God is up to His best for us!!!

Impossible odds lead to amazing miracles! That is from a recent sermon series at church and I am claiming it for myself. God is going to do an amazing miracle in my life and He will also in yours and your two friends.

As I read your post I thought of many posts I've written lately such as: Waiting for Patience, Worthy of Trust, Why God? Why?, and Give Me! Give Me!

If you have a chance, I invite you to come over and check out those posts and all of them as time allows.
Grasping Him,
Paula