God is With Us

" and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

A few weeks ago marked the completion of leading 5 families through 12 weeks of a family devotion I wrote. It also marked the week I went back to work after being a stay-at-home mom for the last 7 years. Both of these were huge milestones for me. First, I have never led 5 families to do anything before. Also, after not working for 7 years, I really was not sure what I was qualified to do anymore outside of cleaning toilets.

Stay at home moms are some of the most capable people I know, but when it comes to being in an office setting again and meeting goals and deadlines, it takes a minute before one will feel capable in that setting again. The last time I was in an office, women were still wearing pantyhose! Business casual is the new uniform and I am no longer the spring chicken in the office. Let's just say, I am still adjusting.

When I made the phone call, to what would be my new employer, I had no idea what God had in store. The first sign that this job was not a mistake was finding that the office was literally across the alley from where I live. In fact, I could see the office through my bedroom window. The next confirmation blew me out of the water and left me sitting speechless in my interview. During the interview, it was revealed that the manager and his wife were Christians and they felt this business was a form of ministry for them to help people. It was a franchise that was actually founded by Christian believers. 

So what Jennifer? You found a job close to home and it's run by Christians. There are plenty of places like that. Yes. I agree. However, 2 years ago when we were searching for a place to live in this town where we felt led to go, I asked God for wisdom on which home to settle into. I believed He chose this one. I also worked for a church previously and was conflicted about returning to work in a church again. I was unclear about where God was calling me in this season and if I worked outside of the church could I still remain true to my calling? I was not sure how this would fit into the bigger puzzle.

You see, I believe God is in the details. God is with us. In fact, I believe He wants to be in the details because they show us how much He cares. When I see Him in the details of my life, I fellowship with a God who is personal. Yes, He will always be with me, but what if wherever I go it was because He led me there?

Have you ever spent time working on the details of something?  It takes time. It takes attention. It takes focus. Any time you spend time in the details of something, it is because something is important.  We are important to God and that is why He spends time on the details of our lives. 

Some believe God doesn't care where you go or what you do. Some believe there is a map that we need to follow. I personally have been led step by step and what I have found on the other side of obedience is mind-blowing. Connections to people I could have never made on my own happen. The dots that connect one part of my life to another are so clear. Everything seems to come together like a perfectly plotted story. 

When God reveals to me that He knows my thoughts that I may not always express to others, it creates a connection to a God who knows me intimately. It truly reveals He is with me. He knew I was wrestling with returning to work. Going back to work was a transition for all of us even though my daughter was practically pushing me out the door when I told her I got a new job. 

This blog is all about encouraging people to follow Jesus even when it's hard. Sometimes we need to plug into the Holy GPS to find our way. Sometimes we need to be conscious of His goodness as He leads us down seemingly dark alleys. Even though there may be many ways to get to our destination when we ask for His guidance, He will always lead us in the plan He has for us.