It's hard but necessary

I have 4 more days of work and then, well, I'm unemployed.  For the past 13 years, I have held down the same job with its increasing stress level, management changes, major parent company changes, and layoffs.  I have  learned a lot (good and bad) and those things will follow me to my next stop.

However, truth be told, over the last 4 years of the 13 years, I began to grow restless.  Not sure why but a new job felt like it was in order.  I would put my resume out there, get a couple of bits, went on a interview or two, and then I would hide my resume.  I know I wasn't alone in this and I knew I needed to find out what was going on.

About 2.5 years ago, I thought I would switch it up and moved to another state. I was blessed to be able to keep my job and work remotely.  I told myself I would give it 1 year and then see if I wanted to stay or find a new job.  A year come and went and the feeling of change became more and more present.

It wasn't until after Christmas of 2015, that something that I had come across a few times before found me and fell right in my lap.  When it did, I took it under serious advisement and prayer.  That was just the beginning and then things started to happen.  I'm not there yet and honestly, I believe I'm on a detour. 

However, while I am here, I am learning to be content.  Like the Apostle Paul says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." - Phil 4:11 (NIV)  I'm on a different kind of journey.

Over the past few days, Romans 8:28 keeps showing up in my reading.  It reads:  And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (AMP)  

It appears that 2017 is a season of growing for me.

~O.C.

Putting the New Year in (a different) perspective

Today is New Years Eve and I'm sitting on my bed trying to coordinate an outfit for dinner in a few hours.  I can't help but think about resolutions, what God has for me, and what lies ahead for 2017. How can I, a disciple of Jesus Christ, do my part better this coming year?  

My thoughts quickly turned to an earlier revelation.  When I saw this on Facebook (see picture), I read it, then reread it, and silent exclaimed, Amen!  I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the things that I am seeking answers for but have not asked the One who is more than able.

I'm sure you can agree that there are those situations or circumstances, in our lives and in others, where asking for guidance, help, strength, etc are easy to do.  However, there are those times we won't ask Him and make the decision to carry the burden ourselves.  We have it figured or planned out, right down to the outcome.  Once our course is set, we put it into play with results, at times, less than desirable.  Even if the results were desirable, you may still be missing what God had intended for you.   

The word of God says, "You desire but do not have, so you kill.  You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.  You do not have because you do not ask God" - James 4:2 

We know we can approach Him to ask because, "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence" - Eph 3:12 and "This is the confidence we have in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" - 1 John 5:14 - 15

If you are so inclined to make a resolution, why not resolve to go to the Father in heaven and ask? Every desire or thought can be molded into a faith building, life changing, God praising experience by the One who created you.  It may not turn out the way you wanted, however, you can best believe it will be better than you thought.

Happy New Year!!

~O.C.