...we start looking for that window.
Erik got the news that his current contract is ending much earlier than we expected. He's handling it better than I think I would be in his shoes. We knew this was a risk with contracting but I'm not sure that knowledge really makes it easier to take. The upside though, they didn't have to give us notice at all so we're thankful for the three weeks we have.
When something like this happens, it's easy to get angry or to wonder what on earth God is doing. We could easily be like the ancient Israelites right now screaming, “why did you bring us out of Egypt just to let us die in the desert!“ It would be easy to forget the wonders we've witnessed on this journey already and only concentrate on the negative of the situation. Instead, we keep going back to the fact that we know the Lord led us to this contract and therefore has a purpose in this also. Of course, I'm a “planner” and well, it kind of messes with my plans. I'm being reminded that my plans are not always the same as God's plans. (just like the Israelite's plans were not God's) The Bible does tell us though:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
As humans we can't possibly see how a contract ending early could “prosper” us but we know that God has our best interest at heart. If He can bring beauty from ashes, He can certainly bring good from this.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
If nothing else, this situation can be used to increase our faith in our Lord. We are finding that we must “trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.” If we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths. That's what we want, God's will and not our own. If God's will for us right now is to go through some “trouble“, will we not also thank Him in that as we thank Him for the “blessings“? Ever since we began this contracting journey we've asked the Lord to open the right doors and close the wrong ones. This one is now closing and so....we're looking for the new door that's opening.
If the Lord prompts you to pray for us, please do - we need peace, wisdom and direction....and of course, an open door.