My plane just landed about an hour ago, and I'm exhausted. I've just returned from some serious vacation time. Why so much? Well, I am starting a new job next week.

You may remember, back in March, I was let go at my company after being there for 10 years. My boss walked into my office that Monday morning and said, "Russ, we have to let you go. You need to be out of here by 5:00 pm."

What started out as a typical Monday morning quickly shifted to a life- changing experience in just a matter of hours. At first, I was kind of numb. Ten years at one job was a long time.

Yet, as my boss walked out of my office that day, I began to weep. Not at the job loss. Not at an uncertain future. Not at the abrupt ending of my income. No. When I wept, I was weeping over God's goodness. I had no idea what the next day held, but I knew God was good, and he could be trusted. I realized that my life, my future and my family was really in his hands.

Weeks passed with no promising offers. An interview here and there, but nothing that was real attractive. My faith was a roller coaster of emotions. Yet, I knew deep down that God had something for me and my family.

One morning, I got a call from a local company--Nokia. We talked for a bit, and then I went in that day for an interview. By the end of the interview, they had verbally offered me the job. In a matter of hours--just like that morning in March--my career was back into full gear.

Everything about this new job is incredible. From the salary to the responsibilities, this new position is a giant step up for me.

When I look back over the past four months of unemployment, it was a good time. Times of rest. Times of seeking God. Times of prayer. And yes, times of questioning God. Yet, God has proved himself faithful.

I could have battled all the "what if's" and spent endless hours worrying and stressing over my situation, but I decided not to. I knew God could be trusted. I knew he could provide for me and my family no matter what happened. So, I decided to rest, and let God bring about the right job at the right time.

I want to encourage you that God can be trusted. No matter if it's unemployment, fears, family problems, marital issues, personal struggles or just questioning your faith, God is there for you. Through his Son Jesus, God is ready to help you through any problem, any situation, any circumstance.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct your steps" (Proverbs 3:5,6).

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
|  web:    http://www.season.org

© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission