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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Where I am (Part 1) - Security

My world has been shaken yet again. To the core, it seems.

You can say all the right things like, “God is in control,” or “Depend on Him,” all you want. Believe me, these are things I already know and have known with each trial He has brought me through. I can testify that God is faithful and that he WILL NOT fail.

And yet I have been struggling. It seems that a world-quake has come and left my seemingly perfect little life in shambles.

We have become one of the many families lying amongst the carnage of a failing economy. Mike lost his job. His last day was Friday the 17th.

We have known about this for a couple of weeks now. We were very fortunate because normally in his business, the day they tell you is your last day. But since he is the only one in the area that does his job, they asked him to stick around for a couple of weeks to button things up.

As the uncertainty of the future has set in more and more, I have found myself wrapping my arms around my man and longing for him to wrap his arms around me and make me feel secure once again.

I don’t think this is a wrong response per-se. In fact, it has been a bit of a gift, drawing us closer together as a couple. But, how much more do I need to be seeking God’s loving arms for security?

And believe me…. I AM!

I receive daily devotional thought emails from someone. They are taken from a book entitled Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. They are all written from Jesus' perspective to the reader. So, it's almost like I get a little email from God on a daily basis. And they have hit home so often here lately. For instance, last Wednesday, this was in my email inbox:

"TRUST ME, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the Rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord , the Lord, is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.

Psalm 61:2-4: 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

This is not the end of this story. God is working in some amazing ways. I will be posting more later on this week.


P.S. If you know us "IRL" (in real life), you need to know that we are shielding our children from as much of this as possible. Sarah knows some, but not everything. Please respect our wishes and do not discuss this with our children. I also ask that you not bring this up and spread this information around. We are not talking much about it with most people (like general people at church and stuff). Again, please respect our wishes in this area. I really don't want to have to answer a ton of questions about it.

13 Comments:

Melinda said...

Sweet friend,

I'm lifting you up this very second. No platitudes...just prayer.

Love and hugs to you this day,
Melinda

bigadd said...

Mike & Donna,
You and so many others we know in a similar situation are in our prayers. You have the only real support group there is to get you thru this situation.
James

Lisa K said...

I will be praying for God's comfort, security, and provision. We love you all!
Lisa

Brittany said...

I'll be praying for you as well.


I'm interested in your email devotions. I get one that I really like, but am always open for something new. Would you mind either posting a link to getting it started or email me personally? Thanks,Donna.

Sallye said...

Donna,

First let me tell you how very proud I am of you. You are sharing information on a need to know basis, and we don't need to know a whole lot to pray for you.

Like Brittany, I would also be interested in receiving the email devotional.

Thank you that instead of getting out the sack cloth and ashes, you have decided to stand on your Rock and believe in the God that loves you beyond measure.

I am praying for you.

Sallye

KindaSassy said...

Yup, these are testing times. And I dont think it strange that you are clinging to your husband and to God at the same time.
Of course it goes without saying that I will be lifting your family up to the Lord.

Angie said...

I'm so sorry to hear this and will be praying that another job will be found soon.
Angie

Unknown said...

So glad we can trust in the Lord! Still praying for you and your family during such a difficult time. Thanks for sharing - I know it's encouraging to others.

Fran said...

Praying praying praying.
Love,
Fran

Antique Mommy said...

Rowing that boat right along with you sister.

Mephibashef said...

My hubby and I are feeling the economic crunch too... and I certainly will keep you in my prayers. I found a devotion that comes to my email daily and it was written by a guy who had his entire world turned upside down - lost so much, but kept a journal, and was faithful to document this journey through life, and with God. It might be worth a look too:
http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/pages.asp?pageid=27810

Tonya said...

praying for you and hope you're vacation is the best one ever!

bethj said...

Praying for you and your family. We went through the same thing about two years ago. My husband did not have a job for a whole year, even though he's very well educated and highly qualified in many areas. God met every one of our needs that entire year - He is FAITHFUL. It taught us to depend on Him and trust in Him. It created greater brokenness and humility in our hearts. Did your husband get a job yet? Praying for you and know the Lord is with you!