On this past Tuesday, I received a phone message from my manager when my family and I came home after a joyous lunch at a restaurant. His voice sent a sense of urgency to my ears on this particular day of my vacation. Immediately I called him back only to find out that all the positions within the programming department will be terminated by the end of April – he and I included. At that very moment, I was shocked but remained calm lest my 2 young boys may notice my emotions. Then I went to my bedroom, closed the door and told my wife about the news. Of course, she was stunned also as I saw her unbelieving eyes.
As my wife was sending out emails to her Bible study group for prayers, I sank into a chair in the family room, pondering why the Lord allowed this hardship to happen. Then He reminded me of His guidance and provision during my two previous job losses. If He had helped us endure and pass those difficulties, He will surely do the same this time, because His Love never fails and is unconditional, and because He is faithful. At this, I found the renewed strength to move on, to forget what was behind and to strain toward what IS ahead.
I cannot see what is in front of me, but God the Almighty has already planned the best for me and for my family. We just need to wait patiently. Just wait.
Yes, my wife and I prayed, and an indescribable feeling of peace filled our hearts. Before I went to work the next day, I also prayed that the Lord may help me keep my smile on my face so as to be a witness to my co-workers. When my co-workers saw me at the office, all of them gave me a surprise look because they expected me to be very angry for what had happened. Instead, what they saw in my face was a big smile, the smile that could only come from the peace the Lord gave me.
When a door is closed, God opens another. We have been offered to take a position in another company. Though the benefits are not as good as previous, the salary remains the same. Yes, I still do not know what the future holds, but this adversity has further strengthened my faith in the Lord who always watches over us no matter how small or how big our problem is.
I praise God for His provision, guidance, peace and the smile He put it on my face as a witness of His glory. Amen.
Copyright 2011 Dicky To
A most beautiful heartfelt testimony, young man! I’m sure many hearts will be inspired to seek our Lord as their helper in every need also. May He continue to guide you in your walk with Him. Blessings to you and your wonderful family.
~shalom
Jeanne
The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.
by Leo Buscaglia
Wonderful testimony of God’s faithfulness!
Dicky, what an amazing testimony of God leading your life, even when you are not aware of it.
He ALWAYS takes care of his children. Always.