Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Encouragement (02/23/12)
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TITLE: Keeping Supper Warm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Margaret McKinney
02/29/12 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
It’s not a big deal. The kids and I will finish supper and watch a movie, or maybe read a few books. After all, next week we’re all going away for a few days, and that’ll be fun. Please, I don’t want you to feel bad for me and the kids. We’re going to have a great night.
I know this is hard, but just for some perspective – remember your last job? You were there ten years, and it seemed like twice that. You rose quickly in the ranks and had more work than you knew how to handle! But you loved it – you loved the challenge of learning new things, and you loved encouraging the younger guys at the office. For a few years there, it was the perfect blending of faith and occupation.
But then your boss (who was also your friend, remember?) tried to define you, fit you into his mold. He didn’t mean to, but he steered you away from God’s path, and it took a few years for you to realize you were lost in a wilderness. You wandered around for a while, trying to find the way back to your own boundary line, just like those crazy Israelites.
And all along, God knew what he was doing.
It was a long process, extracting yourself from the web of that old company, re-defining yourself according to what God had taught you. You disappointed your friends in the process, and damaged a few relationships, but it was the right choice.
This new job appeared, and I knew it was the right one. I knew it before you did. When you were still wandering in the desert, I prayed for this job. I begged God to open your eyes and show you his will. This job was the doorway to a world of opportunities to serve, and when it landed in your lap I was positive it would make you happy.
You were stubborn, and I was patient. God was, too. There was some repair work to do, and he helped you rebuild those boundaries according to his original plans. He is so faithful, even when we aren’t.
Especially when we aren’t.
Now that you’ve been there nearly nine months, you expect it to be easier. And it is a little bit easier than that first day. God has thrown surprises your way, and you’ve handled them well. I keep reminding you that this job is his choice for you, so you can follow his tether as long and as far as he’s going to pull it. He won’t steer you wrong.
I know you’re disappointed that it’s another late Thursday, another night you can’t put the kids to bed, another ten o’clock dinner, but just remember it’s still God’s job for you. His plans for you are huge and daring, and sometimes you have to be faithful in the annoying and insignificant and unfair to get to the wide open wonder he has in store.
Hang in there.
I’ll keep your supper warm and we’ll watch your favorite movie when you get home.
*Author’s Note: Last Thursday, after thinking this topic was so broad it was too difficult, my husband called, angry about a confrontation with his boss. He worked until midnight, and I remembered the long road we walked to get out of his old job and into this new one. God did amazing work during the transition, and I wanted to give Him the glory for that while reminding my husband of His faithfulness.
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Well written piece...and certainly on topic. Nicely done. Thank you.
God Bless~