Five Minute Friday: Still

Five Minute Friday- (4)

Changes were anticipated, but not at this level. The company had been sold and there was overlap. At first, duplicate positions were eliminated; a sensible and expected move. But that turned out to be the calm before the storm.

One Wednesday morning, months after the first job cuts, my Husband called home with one request: pray! They were making more cuts.

By the end of the day, we found out it was more than cuts: the staff roster had been slashed.

That evening was my night to lead out in our church’s weekly prayer meeting. What would I talk about? How could I lead this group in prayer when I needed a leader in that very moment?

But God! He led me to Exodus and showed me this specific passage:

But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” ~Exodus 14:13,14 (NLT)

Like the Israelites, I had started to let panic and fear take over. Worst-case scenarios started to consume my thoughts. Then I read the verses and took a step back to breathe.

The Israelites almost missed the enormous miracle that was before them because their attention was not on God. Standing still meant trusting God to work. They stopped trying to implement their own ideas in their own strength. His ways always supersede ours. In the stillness, they were of a better mindset to see and hear God.

In the stillness, God reminded me that these work changes were not personal. It was not something that my Husband caused. This was bigger than him. God had led Him to this job at the right time. If it was his time to go, then God would lead him to the next place too. He is always one step ahead of us.

I don’t want to miss God’s miracles.

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Joining with Kate tonight and the five-minute Friday community.

 

  • http://queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.wordpress.com Amanda Simkin

    What a great post about fears, something we all have.

  • bluecottonmemory

    I am holding this close. I am going to stand still and watch him rescue me! Thank you, Sabrina! I so needed this! Shalom!

  • Amy

    I love that passage of scripture and use it in one of the messages I share about fear. It seems that the fear and panic wash over us so quickly when we face changes with unknown ends but the reminder you shared here today can calm all our fears. Thank you for sharing.

  • vernette

    What a powerful post! It is not easy in the face of the storm, in this case job loss to remain steadfast in the Lord. And praise Him for reminding you through His word that He is ever present…in the middle of the storm. Something I needed to be reminded of today. Thank you. Prayers for a new job. Stay strong in His word.

  • Karen Brown

    I know the panic that comes with a job loss… and I love your words here: “these work changes were not personal. It was not something that my Husband caused. This was bigger than him.” It takes humility to see that your story is not the whole story. And it takes humility to stop moving and to be still in Him. Beautiful post! Prayers for a new job soon!

  • http://denisedilley.blogspot.com/ Denise Dilley

    Love this reminder! Sometimes we try to do all the work (more like just worry!) and all God wants us to do is stand still and trust Him. More times than not I find myself doing just the opposite. Gotta remember to trust Him to rescue me!!

    Stopping by from FMF…

    Blessings!