From the last post: “This is why the lesson hurts. It is a sacrifice to trust God. It hurts because you think this lesson should teach you this while the Father says, “No, it will show you this.” It hurts because you think this lesson should last one semester when the Father says, “No, this lesson is post graduate work.” It hurts because to trust means to sacrifice and to sacrifice means to die—which means surrendering your desires to those of the Father.”
How does all of this play into your daily life? Perhaps this story will help. The emotions were a mix of high anxiety and high expectation. We would be on the phones taking calls the entire class period. The instructions were given and the support mechanisms were in place. We were ready—as ready as we could be. The phones began to ring meaning the game was on. The day went well. The anxiety gave way to excitement as we talked amongst ourselves. It was a successful day—or so I thought!
The course final exam was on Monday followed by more time on the phones. Tuesday would be the graduation with phone calls prior to the celebration. I saw one of my classmates in the parking lot shake someone’s hand before heading to their vehicle. As I approached them I asked if everything was all right. “I have been terminated,” came his reply. After a brief exchange of words I headed into the class expecting it to be my turn. What I found out instead is that the class was instructed to get to their respective desks and begin receiving phone calls. I went to my newly assigned desk where I began making the necessary preparations. Prior to taking my first call, I was approached by one of trainers and asked to follow them. I was told that I would meet with a supervisor and another trainer. I thought, “This is it!” We talked. They expressed some concerns over some of the calls that I received the previous Saturday. The supervisor laid out some expectations that I gladly accepted. I was released to begin taking phone calls. The evening went well. Driving home I had a conversation with the Lord thanking him for his goodness and his provision in my life. The next day I reported to my desk as a new team member. I spoke with my supervisor as well as the team coach, who would work with me for a few days. The day went great as did the next two days. Each day while driving home I expressed my gratitude to the Father. On the third day, it happened! I was approached by my supervisor about two-hours before my shift ended. I was asked to follow him. I was taken to a room to meet with a manager. “How are you doing,” the manager asked? “I am not certain. I am meeting with you,” came my reply. “Yes I know, we have decided that you are not a fit for our company. You have been terminated,” they said. I share the story for this reason. In the last post I mentioned the deeper the relationship the deeper the trust. What do I do? Should I continue to trust the Father after this? Is this the time that I should tell the Lord that I have come far enough? I might be inclined to do that except for one very important fact. Allow me to quote what was stated last week. “It hurts because to trust means to sacrifice and to sacrifice means to die—which means surrendering your desires to those of the Father.” This is where the relationship can go very deep. If I am indeed dead to sin and alive to God, how does this affect me? Am I a vessel that is being used for the Father’s higher purpose? If I say “no” now do I thwart the Father’s plan?