Well, after almost three years of working for LifeWay Christian Resources, my time there is over. This past Thursday at 2:30 in the afternoon I was told that my department, the Church Relations and Consulting Call Center, was being deleted. Although it was somewhat of a shock that it happened so quickly and that it was the whole department, I must admit it wasn’t completely unexpected. LifeWay, like many other companies, is having to cutback in several areas because of the economy. LifeWay has been a great employer and has been very good to me. I hold no ill-will towards them. Unfortunately, though, when companies have to do this, and I trust that it was necessary, it isn’t just numbers on paper but people’s lives that are affected. So my only sense of sadness and concern is for my co-workers and for the almost 80 other LifeWay employees in other departments who are facing unemployment.
You always say that when stuff like this happens you’ll trust God in it, but you really don’t know how you’ll act until you’re in the situation. If you know me at all you know I’m prone to be a worrier, but God was so faithful, as He always is, for when I heard the news there was just a peace and a calm which came over me. Admittedly, about four months ago I started sensing from the Holy Spirit that a major change was about to happen in my life, so Katie and I were waiting for something to happen even though we didn’t know exactly what it would be. We were a little prepared for this, but still, God gave me peace when I could have been worried and He provided joy when I could have felt devastated. He truly is a Great and Awesome God!!
Job 1:21 says, “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We can’t praise God in the giving and not praise Him in the taking. We would be hypocrites if we did. Yes, my job situation is different now and my future is unknown, but my Lord still sits on the throne and my salvation is still secure in Jesus Christ. Nothing has really changed. The Father who gives us every Spiritual blessing in the heavenlies is still my provider. Although He used LifeWay to supply my needs, LifeWay was never my provider, only the instrument of provision. And so I’ve lost nothing for God will raise up another instrument when the time is right.
Until that time, I will wait in anticipation for God to show me what He has for me next. LifeWay has given me a generous severence package so that is a blessing within itself and will give me some time to pray and study as God prepares me for this next step. Please pray with Katie and I as we lift up my ex-co-workers.
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
18 Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
– Habakkuk 3:17-18
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