We shouldn’t be surprised when God is amazing, but we always are. It’s amazing to me that God was preparing our and especially Chris’ heart ahead of time. We had no idea that a lay-off was coming our way, but for at least three weeks prior, he has been saying to me things like, "I just don’t know what God has planned for me. I don’t know what my next step should be. I just feel like there’s change coming." !!! I don’t know that he was thinking job change, but apparently God was. And because of that softening and preparation in our spirits, this loss has not felt as devastating as I imagine it could have.
The other amazing thing is how God blessed a step of obedience on our part. Long story-short, I asked literally 12 people to watch my kids this semester during my teaching, and got a NO every single time. I began to wonder if I was trying too hard…if maybe God wasn’t telling me HE was shutting this door…if I was supposed to go to my boss and tell him (ONE week before the semester started) that I couldn’t fulfill my obligation of teaching. The classes were full to capacity of students expecting me to be their instructor, and one week would certainly have put my boss in an unwelcome bind.
We both prayed about this and felt that it would be unethical of me to back out of this commitment so late in the game. We agreed to a daycare situation which was much less than ideal and more complex and stressful than anything I wanted to add to my life. We did this as an act of obedience, so that my witness would not be undermined by my backing out of my responsibilities at work.
So, back to work I went! Two weeks later, Chris is laid off and is currently home to watch the kids while I’m gone. Plus we have the cushion of my income for now. God is amazing.
Things are feeling up in the Thorn household! We are so thankful that God is in control and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Chris was given a fair severance package, so we are not feeling panicked (yet!), but we have made immediate lifestyle changes and cut out some activities that were financially draining. It’s been an adjustment having him home all day every day, but for the most part, it’s been good. The house is clean and the kids are doing more to help around the house! And Chris makes dinner almost every night, too. I could get used to this, I think.:) He is going for a second interview for a company this week and we are praying for wisdom as to just where that next step lies.
As crazy as it sounds in our current situation, I still feel confirmation in my spirit that Evidence should be moving forward with a recording project this year. Talk about a financially draining commitment! But I keep receiving such encouragement and repeatedly feel pressed that this is a right move. I think it’s cool how God makes us rely on Him for every detail, so we can never question that the end result was because of Him. www.evidencesings.com
Please pray for us! There are good things ahead!
Grace and peace,
Becky
