OK God...now you have my attention

On Tuesday of this week, I found out that the department I work in was getting shut down - meaning that I am losing my job effective July 15th. Even with all of the problems in the mortgage industry, this still came quite unexpectedly and was pretty shocking to us.

Interestingly, I had been saying to Sarah over the last couple of weeks, "What would we do if I lost my job?" We both decided that if for some reason that happened, it would be a pretty clear signal that God was nudging us in to the next stage of our lives on the mission field.

We have many decisions to make in light of this situation. First of all, I am sure that I am still going to Ireland this summer as planned. If anything, this experience has strengthened my conviction that I need to make changes in my life and continue down the path that God is leading me.

I also wanted to share a couple of things God is teaching me so far through this:

Humility - This is a big one that I'm learning. I have been very blessed with a successful career. I always thought that if you worked hard, did the right things, and "played the game" in the business world that you would continue to move up the ladder and enjoy success. But just like in our Christian walk - you cannot earn your salvation by how hard you work at being a Christian or by doing the right things. Playing the game of going to church means nothing unless your heart has been changed by the grace of God. Anything you have is not because of your own merits, but because it is gift from Him. A gift that He can give and also take away.

Trust - I know that if we are going to be serving in the mission field, we need to know how to trust God completely. This experience will be a good opportunity for us to walk the talk and learn that God is in control. Last night I was praying that God would help me to trust Him. This morning in my devotion I was reading Psalm 56 and was comforted by these words: v. 3-4: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid." (ESV).

Please pray for us as we go through this challenging time. Pray that God would use this situation to build us up, to teach us, and to help us learn more about what He has in store for our lives.