Obedience > Sacrifice

Perhaps we’ve seen this, read it, heard it before. Subconsciously, some of us may have written it off as just another one of those quotes that has little importance these days. I’d like to give you dissenting opinion on that with a practical example.

Years ago I was employed by a major telecom company doing work in Information Technology. From what I could tell, my career was stable having recovered from a job transition a few years prior, and I had expectations for a rewarding future. As time went on however, I began to experience some turbulence (as I’ll call it). Each time I would pray about it, asking God for direction and or permission to leave, His answer was always clear. “Wait for me to tell you when to leave” is what I understood Him to say.

I will never forget that summer day when the buzz coming from Rumor Central was much louder than normal. As I began to think about what might be happening, I distinctly remember God telling me, “You’re going to be laid off today, but don’t worry. I’ve got everything under control.” I could not believe what I had heard. Within a few minutes, I was summoned to a room upstairs, with others. The events that unfolded shortly thereafter verified that indeed I was being laid off.

Strangely enough I remember being completely confident that I was headed for a better job. Yes there were times when I thought about my having 3 children under 10 to feed and clothe, not to mention some debt had accumulated. The assurance that God had everything under control helped me stay the course. His provision during this time afforded us three months of severance pay.

During the fourth week of my job search, I received a call. The caller asked a few questions to make sure I was the person that someone else had recommended. I was then invited to interview as a consultant for their firm at a major financial services corporation. I interviewed on Thursday of that week and a hiring offer was extended for the next Monday. I delayed the starting date a week to notify the other firms that had begun responding to my job search correspondence, that I had accepted employment.

Now for the best part…For two months I received my severance pay, plus my pay on the new job. As it turns out, the project for which I was consulting was a little behind, so that overtime was authorized. Because I was being paid on an hourly basis, this meant larger checks every two weeks!

Additionally, prior to my being “downsized”, I was compelled to participate in an Employee Stock Purchase (ESP) program at the telecom company. Once the initial layoff dust settled, I went back and researched the terms on that program. Ultimately I was given the option of having my funds returned, or having those invested funds immediately invested in company stock to be purchased at one-half the market price. I’d only wished (looking back) that I had invested more now; but I was reluctant to do so. The ESP program was only offered once every two years, and the results from the prior period weren’t too favorable. I requested the stock and consequently, doubled the value of my investment.

What am I saying? I am saying that what would appear to be a very dark and scary moment for you, your family, and your career may not be that at all. For me, it positioned me very well to pursue my Information Technology career goals and in addition, transition into new endeavors: Pastoral Ministry and writing. When I lost the job at the telecom company, I would never have believed I would be doing what I am now.

For those of you who have a personal relationship with God, I dare you to trust Him to bring you through whatever you’re going through and bless you while doing it. For those of you who don’t have that relationship, I dare you to develop one with Him. You will never be the same and you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Pastor Andy Logan

http://www.aplogansr.com