About a half year ago I shared what it was like for me to change career (you can catch up with that story here ) It’s been almost a year now since the career change, and I figured that an update is due.
First, unlike what I was doing before, I find that my work now has significance. Actually, I’m currently reading Ecclesiastes and the “Teacher” might disagree with that sentiment! All the same, let me explain — I can see how what I do now has potential to positively impact individuals, and bring about the sort of society God would like to see. This is much unlike my previous career where my efforts went towards helping increase efficiency and company profits. Speaking of efficiency … have you seen the suggestion to have a 120hr work-week? Drop a comment and let me know how you feel about that.
Where was I before that detour . . .? Ah! Updates . . .
The second update is that I’m still struggling with the lower income. So I find myself swinging like a pendulum; on the one hand, I’m relaxed and trust that “the Lord is my Shepherd, and I have all that I need” then I swing to the opposite extreme of panic and wracking my brain looking for ways to supplement my income. While on this end of the pendulum, I tell the Lord that if He gave me just a little more income, then I could spend less time talking to Him about my needs, and more time praying for situations and people; which is way more productive than focusing on myself. (The Lord must smile and shake His head at that “piece of advice” I have been giving Him. )
A few days ago, while on the trusting God end of the pendulum, I shared this Bible verse with a few friends:
“For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. "
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
The first person to respond was a friend who has built a thriving business overseas. Allow me to spare you the details, but trust me when I say he has an “extremely healthy bank account.” In his message to me, he said that he was really in need of God’s help and that the Lord had prompted me to share that particular verse with him. As he received reassurance from the Lord, I simultaneously received correction from the Lord. See, in the past year I’ve wrongly assumed that having “just a little more money” would settle my heart and restore peace. But this friend’s response told me that I was very mistaken.
Peace can only come from God. No amount of money can give me the security that I seek. Only God can.
It also made me realise that I’ve been waltzing with fear, and allowing fear to lead the dance. So I have made a choice to walk away from the waltz, and trust that God is holding my hand and taking care of me.
I should also add that despite my worries and persistent request for “just a little more,” God has actually been faithful throughout the year, and I have not lacked a single thing! So really, my lack of faith has had no basis, and is totally misplaced!
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.”
Psalm 25:1 (NIV)
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