“…‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you only need to be still.’” Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV)
We were at a Bible study last night, a parenting one, and we got on the topic of what characteristics females like about males and what traits males like about females. One of the things us women decided we liked about our male counterparts was that they were our protector, in charge, and able to take charge when we needed them to. I am the type of person who doesn’t need to be in control. In fact, unless it’s an area that falls under my gifts and talents, when I am in charge I usually make a bigger mess than if I’d let someone else decide.
That got me thinking about God…and the current situation our family finds ourselves in. I’ve talked about this topic previously, but January 5th I was informed my job would be phased out beginning February 1st. That gave me approximately 26 days to find new employment as the bills wouldn’t automatically cease just because my paycheck did. The first thing I did was fast…and the second thing I did was ask for prayer from a select few: Our church family, biological family, and some trusted friends. I didn’t go around telling everyone I knew what was happening because I was choosing to trust God for the situation, but I did ask those God laid on my heart to share with to come alongside us and pray with us. Then I waited. And God gave me peace. Peace that can only come from Him because earlier in this trial, I was feeling anything BUT peace.
It’s now February 4th…three days after the deadline and while God has shown me a glimpse of the greatness He has in store for this next chapter of my life, all the details haven’t been revealed yet. And, I still have peace despite not having all the answers. I realized last night while riding home with my husband from Bible study, that peace is constant because of Who is in control. I gave our trial to God on January 5th, minutes after getting the news. I then backed that up with fasting, a way to draw closer to Him so I could hear His voice, and then choosing to obey the littlest whisper that I heard, even when I thought I might have heard wrong.
Some people may criticize my approach. They may think I’m stupid for “giving it all to God,” and think I’m using the phrase “letting Him fight my battle for me” as an excuse to be lazy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m diligent to obey when He speaks, and at times during this process I’ve panicked and spun my wheels despite His assurance that I don’t have to, but overall I’m choosing to trust that when God tells me “I’ve got this,” He does. But how do I really know He does? From His words in Scripture. God never changes. What He did for the people in the Bible He wants to do for me…and He is waiting to do for you if you ask. God took care of Abraham and Sarah, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Esther…and He is waiting to take care of my family with that same love and protection He used with them. In the summer of 2013, when I first lost one-third of my income (the beginning of the end I guess you could say), God gave me a verse that I have clung to since: Exodus 14:13-14: “…‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you only need to be still.’” (NIV) God continues to remind me of that verse and His promise first for the Israelites hundreds of years ago, but also starting in 2013 through the present for my family.
I may not have the answer yet as to what God has in store, but I know it’s going to be something great. Until then, I’m glad He’s in charge and not me. After all, He created the world. If/when He wants me to have a job, He’s quite capable of making that happen.
What about you? Are you struggling with a trial or challenge? If so, have you considered giving it to the One who created everything?
© Cheri Swalwell 2015