When Things Don’t Make Sense
As I write, there are a lot of circumstances in my life that do not make sense. For some people, it started a long time ago. Yon, my husband, retired from the military leaving the security of a well paying job with a guaranteed upcoming promotion, only to instead take almost a 50% reduction in pay and benefits, so that we could answer the call to church-plant in the Denver metro area and start a ministry. This area is way more expensive than where we were coming from so to them, it was definitely a head scratcher!
For me, following God’s call made sense. But now, fast forward nine months into that decision, and things are appearing to be a little more confusing. For starters, Yon’s job, which is supposed to be teleworking from home, hasn’t been that way for the last three months. In fact yesterday, he started at home at 8 am, and then without notice (people his age need a nap!), he had to go to the hospital (he works in security) from 11 am to 4 am. Then after getting about 3 hours of sleep, he woke up around 7 am this morning to get ready for a long day of back-to-back meetings.
The proverbial ‘icing on the cake’ came during Yon’s first meeting today, (and that is why I am writing), where he found out he would not be promoted to a position he applied for within his company, even though he was their number one qualified candidate. Why? Because promoting him would require them to move which hospital systems he works with. Since the current one indicated he is a key personnel they want to stay in place as they consider whether or not to renew their $10 million contract with his employers, they will not risk promoting. There’s a lot more I could say, but I won’t……
The point of this is not to complain or seek sympathy, but rather to share that following Jesus does not guarantee life will always be easy, make sense, or guarantee blessings. Sadly, there are people who falsely promise one or all of those things, while others will look at our circumstances and pass judgment incorrectly. But all that couldn’t be further from the truth!
It’s times like these where we have a choice on what we believe, as well as how to interpret and respond to the circumstances of life. Yon and I could doubt our call, question our decision making, or even give in to hurt and disappointment. But none of those options change our situation, strengthen our trust and faith, or line up with the truth of scripture. In fact, giving in to those thoughts could propel us down a path, where we shake a fist at God saying things like: “How could You let this happen? Don’t You care? After all we did for You, God You owe us!”
Instead, we are choosing to rest in God’s sovereignty over our lives as expressed in the Bible, and trust He has a plan and purpose that we cannot see. To be honest, I don’t know why and nor do I enjoy the circumstances that have happened, I still trust God.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
God spoke these often quoted words through the prophet Jeremiah, when the Israelites were in captivity. And in spite of their circumstances, He called them to trust Him for their future, and thrive not just survive in their present. (See Jeremiah 29:1-7)
The point is, when circumstances of life do not make sense, feel good or seem fair, we have a choice on what to believe and how to respond. God wants you to trust in Him and that His plans are for your “welfare and not for evil,.... a future and a hope”.
Thriving for us right now is Yon continuing to do his job well and the work of ministry we have been called to, all while still trusting in the Lord. While I may never understand or even like what has happened, I still trust God. I know our future is planned, good and filled with promise and hope. If that is never here in Denver, it’s okay because eternity is a long time of enjoying all that He has promised.
Whatever is not making sense to you right now, I pray our story helps you find strength and encouragement to continue to trust in the Lord too.
