Last week was the first time that I did not get around to posting since I started writing this blog in November. So, I apologize to you, my readers, for skipping a week. I was simply too exhausted. Right now, I am in the midst of employment transition. So, last week, I put in an extra 17 hours of work – which would have earned me overtime if they had all been for the same employer, but they weren’t. They were split between three different jobs. One job, that I really love, I’ve worked at for two years; but it doesn’t provide enough hours. My second job, where I have worked for one year, will soon be ending. My third job, which I just began last week, is a “fill-in” position, so I’m not sure how many hours I’ll actually get. I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to keep that job either. There are a few other places I want to check out first before I decide.

A few years ago, my job situation would have had me completely stressed out, but not today. I’m completely at peace, knowing that God will provide what I need at just the right time. This is something that I’ve learned through experience. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every uncomfortable moment. You see, ever since my move to Ottertail, Minnesota in July of 2008, my employment situation has been in virtually a constant flux. There just aren’t as many jobs here as there are in South Florida or Nashville. So for the first time ever, I had difficulty finding employment. I’m sure that the time of my move, on the cusp of a recession, didn’t help matters either. During my first two years, I spent more time unemployed and job hunting than I actually did working. Even when I’ve had “stable” employment, it really hasn’t been “steady” employment because the hours have constantly fluctuated. So, I’ve grown accustomed to living in a state of transitional employment; and I have learned and am still learning to wholly rely on God as provider.

• ^{Philippians 4:19} And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

I must admit that my job situation is partly one of my own making. It’s the result of a choice that I have made not to place finances over the call of God on my life. If I really wanted a “steadier” job badly enough, I know that I could find something working evenings and weekends. I also could have accepted a promotion offered to me over a year ago, and I’d be spending over 40 hours a week working in Fergus Falls. I turned it down, because I know that God didn’t bring me to Ottertail to spend all of my time in Fergus Falls. I know why I’m here; and I prioritize accordingly. Firestarters is a priority. Being in Ottertail is a priority. Money is a necessity of lesser priority. So, I continue to “pass” on any employment opportunity that would deign to take precedence over the ministry and keep me from where I know I should be.

• ^{Matthew 6:33} But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Most people don’t like change very much. We are creatures of habit, preferring the familiar to the unexpected. We tend to fear the unknown. So, times of transition can be unnerving and disconcerting. This is precisely why they are so important; because it is during these times that faith is challenged and growth is produced. Transition forces us out of the familiar and positions us to place our dependence on God. We can try to go it on our own, but doing so is fruitless and only produces anxiety and stress. As we choose to rely on God and place our trust in Him, we make room for Him to move in our lives. Consequently, we become encouraged and excited when we see God move on our behalf. As a result, our faith is increased. It’s a wonderful cycle of forward motion in the spirit, because as our faith grows, we choose to depend on God even more.

• ^{Ephesians 3:12} In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.