We've known him and his family for years. Our families go on vacations together, play sports together, and worship together. God has blessed our friendship. We love them dearly.
This week, God has continuously placed this scripture in my path. It's Jeremiah 17:7-8. "But blessed is the man who trust in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. I read it in several devotionals, heard it in my Bible Study yesterday, and just read in a blog a few minutes ago. I've heard it said that if God gives you the same scripture twice, He's trying to get your attention! I've seen it almost half a dozen times THIS week--and it's only Thursday! God has my attention! I have been trying to discern why this particular scripture at this time. Now, I know. It's actually for my friends! I'll see his wife at a luncheon in just a few hours. Along with hugs, I can give her something more substantial...a Word from God. Isn't that what we all need? To hear from Him? We have to keep the communication lines open all of the time...not just in a crisis. He longs for us to spend time with Him each day. It may not be the same time each day or the same place. He simply desires us...He created us for fellowship with Him. We gladly fellowship with family and friends, but do we always give Him that precious commodity...time?
Our friend texted my husband yesterday at lunch that his job was being terminated...or he could be relocated with the company 1000's of miles away. With their family being here and down in Alabama, they are choosing to stay here. I talked with him last night. He is at peace about it, but he knows that he needs to start searching to see where God can best use him.
Where can God best use us? We don't have to lose a job in order to follow His will for our lives. We simply have to say "yes" to our Redeemer and Creator. He will show us where He wants us...right beside Him.
Many Blessings,
17 comments:
I love this post, Susan it reminds me to be listening to God at all times and that sometimes what He shares with us is so we can be a friend to someone else and share His word.
We must trust in all things we do... a lesson I learn over and over again.
Hi Susan, this is a very good post. It sent my mind back to something I read yesterday. I underlined it because it rang true to me and immediately thought of it as I read your post.
I have a small book group that meet at my home and we are in the final days of our current study, "Becoming a Vessel God Can Use....by Donna Partow - excellent read. The chapter I was reading is 'God Speaks Through Us, Through His Word," which is what He is doing through you.
The portion I underlined was, If God is in control and He loves us, then there are no crises, only circumstances sent by a loving God to bring us closer to Himself.
This is exactly what He has been preparing you for all week long. To be the vessel that He can speak through to reach this family to let them know He knows and He is in control.
Blessings,
Vickie
Susan, I have found so many times that loss of a job is such a huge blessing. I think it gets us out of our comfort zone of working for that same company for upteen years. I think many times it's a push of God's to get us to step out in faith to do something different for Him. I know when I lost a job years ago, it was such a blessing. I can see how that loss lead to another job which five years later lead to this job I have now. It is through this job that a co-worker set me up with my beloved. And you know how I feel about him and that situation...God ordained. I have to believe He allows these loss so that we either will 1) get off our tuff or 2) just simply have the courage to see a new opportunity to work/serve/grow for Him.
I love that scripture. THe words seemed so familiar. I had to look at the location several times but that Jeremiah location doesn't seem familiar to me. So, I must've just heard the words over and over without ever knowing the location. That scripture is so powerful, I think I'll post it on my blog. We can get everything we need out of those verses.
You are right about your friend. She will covet, need, enjoy your hug but it is His Word that will keep her and give her the most strength.
That is an awesome scripture to give her. Maybe you can print it on fancy paper and make it a small 4x6 frame. I love doing that for people. Scripture is so powerful.
Much love,
Paula
Father, thank You for Your Word that comes in such a timely fashion. Thank You that You have the perfect job for Susan's family friend. Reveal this to the bread winner in this family Father, as You are the Bread of Life. We love You Lord. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Susan,
My brother-in-love has been unemployed for over a month now. My sister and her husband are clinging to that scripture with every breath they take.
Holding on to the hope of trusting in their creator. We all need to be praying for and lifting each other up with God's word.
Thanks you for the reminder.
Blessings, Cindy
God IS in control. Unfortunately for us, he doesn't give us the itinerary, so we never know what's coming up next. So we are forced to sit back and "Enjoy" the ride. Of course, with God as the pilot we should trust. But we still want to have a joy stick (steering wheel) of our own. Or at least a view of the GPS!!
Hoping your friend will lean on the Lord during this time of flying blind.
This message struck a chord with me at every turn.
"We don't have to lose a job in order to follow His will for our lives. We simply have to say "yes" to our Redeemer and Creator. He will show us where He wants us...right beside Him."
I am doing a Wonderful study by Lysa Terkeurst right now - "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God"
Just say YES! Lifting up your friends for guidance and provision. They are blessed to have a godly friend to encourage them in their difficult time.
I love "It does not fear when heat comes....leaves are always green"! Wow! We just need to stay abiding in the Living Water! He is faithful!
Praying for your friend and for God's direction and perfect provision for him and his family.
Hugs,
Sharon
Great post! "He will show us where...right beside Him" I love that! I am so thankful for the times my friends have shared a "word from the Lord" with me...I know your friend was blessed.
Blessings!
Teresa
What a powerful message God was sendng you! What a wonderful blessing for you and your friends. What an example of faith and trust as they are meeting this challenge head on but with God at the helm!
How blessed your friend is that you were listening. I said a prayer for them, we have been in that exact same place so I know what they are going through and speaking from experience God always provides. Jackie
What a wonderful and timely word from God for your friends! I am so thankful for His Word...for the anchor it is in our lives!
Blessings, sweet Susan! Will be lifting up your friends!
:) K
Oh how blessed your friend must have been when you shared that scripture with her. I love that you were paying such close attention to God that you "got it". Awesome!
We just found out that if the surgeon doesn't release Gene in November to be able to do his job at full duty, he loses his job. So scary, BUT you have given me a great truth to stand on & share with my husband. Thank you my southern belle. Will pray for your friends & I admire his peace.
Love you,
Lelia
Susan, this is beautiful.
"Where can God best use us? We don't have to lose a job in order to follow His will for our lives. We simply have to say "yes" to our Redeemer and Creator. He will show us where He wants us...right beside Him."
You have given me much encouragment today...not about losing a job, but about declining a job offer. I was phoned and offered another job this week (the 4th job offer in less than 2 months - and I'm NOT looking for work!). I have been struggling, wondering, "God, do YOU want me back at work?" (The Christian Bookstore I worked for went bankrupt in August.)
I have loved being home again full-time. My son goes off to University in another year and so time remaining with him at home will go by so quickly. The day this last job offer came my son had said in the morning how much he enjoyed having me home again. Not only that, but over the last two months I have been able to add another hour of prayer into my day and that has been so precious.
I loved how you wrote that God wants me right by His side. Susan, there's no better place to be. Although I could take this job and work with Him by my side, I'm sensing He still wants me to stay home.
Last night I read a devotional that said, "Time is more important than money"..."Money is renewable, time is a limited resource". It talked about giving people your time and focusing on what's important, priorities that last. It said in capital letters, "YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE."
I'm trusting the Lord as I decline a job offer to give time to my family and stay by His side.
Love ya,
Joy
Oh so sorry to hear about your friend. It is such an unsteady and frightening time. I worry a lot about my hubby's job security even though I know that God is in control. Thanks for the scripture reminder of that.
I have heard some interesting messages from God lately and I hope to post about them soon. There is NOTHING like the "high" of having God speaking to you!!
Have a great weekend Susan, I hope you get in some good runs....
Hey Girl,
Once we become the Lord's...He is always our employer no matter what man may hold that title God is it in the ultimate.
May He be your friend's Jehovah Jirah!
I am praying
Pamela
PS. I loved the trunk or treat post too!
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