I want to share a lesson that I thought I'd learned before, but evidently I had mere head knowledge that had not become heart knowledge. Always believing that God is a Father who wants good things for His children, I have never questioned that He would work things out for good in my life. Even when I have made wrong choices or someone else has wronged me, I knew, if I kept my heart pure and had faith, He would somehow make things right.
This past year was a tough one for my family after I lost my job. I was able to spend a lot of time in fellowship with the Lord, get a lot of writing finished and spend time on my photography and note cards. But our finances suffered horribly. There were some pretty bleak times in the Patrick household. But I never doubted that I would find the right job.
I took advantage of every avenue I knew of to look for work. Company after company would approach me on LinkedIn and other sites to say they were interested in me. I would send off my resume, go in for interviews and be told that I was a great candidate for the job. Then, I would get that email or phone call, telling me that they were "going" with someone else. They were never able to tell my why they weren't hiring me.
I began to question God in His timing. "Lord, you know we're drowning in a mountain of debt here. I'm trying so hard to find employment. Why aren't you opening doors for me? Why aren't I finding favor with these companies who are seeking me out?" I struggled with bitterness and anger. I couldn't understand why we were having to wait so long for His blessing. If I only knew what I was doing wrong, I would change it...quickly.
Once again, I learned my lesson and this time, it sunk down in my heart. A chain of seemingly random events began, starting last summer. I met this person here; they introduced me to that person there; who started hanging out with friends that I hang out with, and sure enough, everything came together, without me even having a hand in it. I have been offered a position with a wonderful company that is far and above any of those other jobs that I so desperately hoped for. God's timing...He had to work out all the details. He had to nudge each person in the chain of events, to play their part in bringing this opportunity across my path. That's why, Dear One, it's so important to be open to the leading of the Lord. He may want to use you to bless someone else and if you're not paying attention, you could miss the opportunity to be a blessing.
I can see, now, that God was watching over me and He knew that better things were ahead. I had only to lean on Him to see me through those tough times. I'm so grateful for each person who played a role in this six month period of events that led me to the place I am now! I'm thankful for God's timing and His grace. If you are waiting on a blessing, take heart and know that He is aware of your circumstances and He will watch over you to perform His word!
From His Lap,
