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30 days and Counting

Today is Black Friday, yesterday was Thanksgiving (American) which means in one month we celebrate Christmas.  For North America and much of the world, this season represents joy, festivities, yuletide cheer.  (What is "yuletide" anyway?  The dictionary defines it as "the season of yule", that helps!) 

For me, this season is a reality check, a slap in the face, a wake-up call.  Two months ago, I found out that even a pastor is not immune from being laid off.  I am without work, without prospects and I have 30 days and counting.  "30 days for what" you ask?  30 days for my severance pay to run out.  Merry Christmas, you're out of money, and a Happy New Year. 

Here's where that "FAITH" thing kicks in.  Just yesterday, a friend who I haven't spoken with in 20 years phoned.  It was great reminiscing with him, catching up on family and friends, and laughing a bit about the past.  Almost immediately I found  myself sharing the story that I was out of work.  (I have to admit, getting a call from an old "friend" you haven't spoken with in 20 years is normally a sign that they just signed up for some multi-level marketing scheme.  AND telling that person that you have just lost your job is like throwing chum to a very hungry pool of sharks.)  However, I let down my guard and let it all fly, total vulnerability.  After 30 minutes of sharing great memories and hearing about new ones, he said something to me that surprised me.  He said, "you sure seem to have a good attitude about losing your job and no prospects".  Without thinking and without hesitation I blurted out, "you either believe what you have been preaching or you don't".  In other words, I believe.  I believe in a God that says "all things" work together for good for those who love God (Rom. 8:28).  I believe what Job said, "I know that you can do "all things", and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2).  I believe what Paul said in 1 Cor. 10:31, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do "all" to the glory of God.  I believe the Holy Scriptures when they say, "in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works "all things" according to the counsel of his will." (Eph. 1:11).  For by Him "all things" were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible..."all things" were created through him and for him. (Col. 1:16).

I believe my Lord, my Saviour, my King and my God created me in His image to bring Him glory.  I believe he has my next steps already planned and my job is to continue proclaiming His name, loving Him and loving others.  So, am I worried?  Oddly enough, as I get closer to D-Day, my faith seems to grow.  My hope rests in Him.  How about you?

Oh yeah, and my friend that called, he was not selling anything, just being a friend.  Thanks Jim.
 

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