That Used to Be Me

After work today, Rick and I were shopping at Sam's Club, and we ran into some friends from church. After greetings, one of the group told us she just lost her job. She'd had it less than a year, but when she accepted it,  she was hopeful the position would provide job security and retirement benefits. Her position has been entirely eliminated, so she has neither at this time. My friend is a single gal - intelligent, capable and a consummate professional. She has lots more potential - humanly speaking - than I did when the same thing happened to me nearly six years ago. But, nonetheless, she's feeling pretty devastated, I'm sure.

I won't tell the story entire story again, but my experience was devastating to me as well. At the time, I was bringing home 2/3 of the family income, and we were in major financial difficulties too. The new job I was so hopeful about - and so sure were we of God's Hand in the employment when it was first offered - turned out to be a major nightmare.

And I had prayed for deliverance. When it came in the form of 'termination', I wasn't really shocked or surprised. A chain of events was put into motion - like carefully placed dominoes when they begin to fall, 'Click, click, click'. God insulated me and gave me grace to endure. He took my hand in His and led me through the valley of the shadow, and it was a dark, dark time in my life.

That was six years ago. And sometimes I'm still in the valley of the shadow, but much of the time the skies are bright, and sometimes I'm journeying in full-on sunshine. The constant is the faithful Shepherd who continues to lead.

I'm praying with good confidence for my friend, He's her Shepherd too.