Trust

When you work for an elected official you always know that the existence of your job could end with the next election. I took this job in January knowing that it was very much a possibility that my job would be over after the election. I had been at the Summit County Prosecutor's Office for 4 1/2 years and, while I enjoyed the job, I felt God's tug on my heart to work for Judge McKenney in Probate. So, I left a job that was secure for one that was not secure. It was a step of faith and one that I do not regret making. So, as I await the word on whether my time in probate is finished I am reminded of God's goodness. I have often thought that it would be nice to know God's plan. If I knew why God called me to probate and what He had in sotre for me after then maybe it would be a bit easier. I realize though, that this is not entirely true. Look at the prophets in the Old Testament. God revealed to them what He was going to do and why He was going to do it. Did this help the prophets? Not really. Look at their lives and their reactions to God's word - Jeremiah wept, Daniel was saddened by the destruction of Jerusalem, the minor prophets were not entirely pleased with the sacking of Israel and Judah. No doubt, the prophets trusted. No doubt that the prophets often knew exactly what God was going to do and why He was going to do it, but they were still saddened by it. So, while I wait I know that God is sovereign. I have prayed that God would give me A job - I have also prayed that His will be done. I trust Him, but that doesn't mean that I have to be thrilled with the process. I do consider it pure joy because I know that the testing of my faith develops perseverence. But that doesn't mean that I have to be happy. The prophets were joyful in God's sovereignty but not happy with the process. Jesus was joyful with the cross but asked that the cup be taken from Him. Yet, we willingly and trustingly submit to God's will. And no matter what happens in life; no matter what happens with my job; no matter what happens in the world it all pales in comparison to eternity and I rest in that. He is the Author and Finisher of my faith and I trust Him for that.

Follow?

What does it mean to be a follower of Christ. Often I interact with others who claim to be Christians, but their actions and their words show that they are indeed not followers of Christ. Yes, we are known by our actions. This does not mean that we are perfect, but it does mean that our actions will continue to conform to the life of Christ and not be conformed to the world. Our faith, our beliefs, our teachings should be offensive to the world. The world doesn't understand the truth of the Gospel and they don't want to. Jesus told us that the world will hate us because it hated Him first. Sounds fun doesn't it?

Step Out

The past year or so has been a rollercoaster ride. For a while I have been praying that God would either get me into politics or take the desire away from me. I am a republican working for a democrat so it was impossible for me to be involved with the party of my choice.

I decided that politics was out of the question and I have become uninterested in the whole game. So, over this past year I have felt God tugging on my heart. I was sure that the upcoming change that I knew was coming wasn't going to be getting involved in the political field. Melissa and I then began to look at going overseas as missionaries. I have never struggled and wrestled with anything in my life. After months of discussing and praying we decided to begin the process of going to either Austria or Germany.

We started the process (filled out applications and contacted the necessary people) and even began to look at airline tickets for our first visit. Although this is still an option and something that I am still interested in God began closing those doors.

While He was closing those doors He was opening other doors. Judge McKenney wanted me to be his staff attorney and to head up a big project that he is starting. The job has a 12 month "certainty". After 12 months, depending on which party wins the election I may be out of a job. So accepting the job is a step of faith. I decided against it. I still wanted to pursue going overseas.

I was then asked again if I wanted the job. Melissa and I talked one night and she said "you have closed that door so many times and it keeps opening, maybe you just need to walk through it." So I did. Is it a step of faith? Yep. Is it more uncertain that it would have been had I stayed at the prosecutor's office? Maybe from a temporal perspective but we must remember that God is in control of all things. We all (believers) want to follow Christ. We all want to do what He would have us do. But actually following is not an easy thing. If it was, we would all be doing it.

Does all of this mean that things will work out exactly as I want them to? Nope. Does this mean that the right party will win the next election and I will keep my job? Nope. Does this mean anything other than the Creator of the Universe has asked me to step out of my comfort zone and follow Him? Nope, but that sure is comforting.