As I think back on this crazy year we’ve had… only one statement resonates through my entire being-
“God is in control”.
In a year that has been full of heartbreak, confusion, lost relationships and things falling apart that I never thought would, God is in control.
I’m confident that YHWH didn’t want me to feel the pains, bumps and bruises of this year- but I’m also confident that He knew I’d learn some incredibly valuable lessons.
I laugh to myself when I think of my life verse, “Be still and know that I am God”. (Psalm 46:10)
Man, have I had time to sit and be still in these past 3 months!
In my “being still”, King Jesus has proven time and time again that He is in control, He won’t let me fail, and the lessons I am learning through this season will help me for the rest of my life.
You see, many of you know that I’ve been a “workaholic” in my past. I’m also a type A, gotta move and gotta fix it kind of guy- if I don’t have a solution, I will work tirelessly until I have it.
But not this time.
My prayer of the last 3 months has been simple: “Lord, may Your will be done. Don’t allow any doors to be open that shouldn’t. The door I need to walk through, please open and shove me through it if you have to. I don’t want to do anything that will take me away from You and Your will on my life. When the time is right, open the door.”
And after 3 months, over 30 resumes sent out, 12 interviews, 4 second interviews and a whole lot of rejection, here I am…. Still being still.
He hasn’t opened the door yet, but He has blown my mind with how He has continued to provide for us. Gifts and blessings coming from so many faithful friends, unexpected money from random places…. Our bills are paid and I haven’t worked a full time job in 3 months.
This former workaholic… who used to work 3 jobs to make sure the bills were paid and worked myself into the ground finally learned the lesson- God’s economy is so much better then ours, I can’t do it without Him, and He will NEVER forsake His children.
God is in control!
So as we enter 2023, I am amazed at what He is already orchestrating, and I am carrying with me the lessons learned and the thicker skin from the flames of the refining fire.
I have two interviews this week, both for jobs I would love and be able to use the gifts King Jesus has blessed me with.
Sooner then later I will find out if I’ll be the new lead pastor at Kenmore Baptist Church.
Our ministry, Rising Up Ministries has just took on a whole new direction that will give us an international reach through the blessing that YHWH has granted us.
No matter what 2023 brings, whether I get my dream job and everything aligns for us, or if I continue to be still and wait on the Lord, I KNOW that I am safe in His grasp.
I know that regardless of my job, the title on my door, the amount in my bank account or my worldly success, the only thing that TRULY matters is that I am a child of God.
God is in control!
Happy New Year, my friends and family. Much love to you and yours…. Thank you to all of you that pray for us, have blessed us and who have encouraged me.
I am forever grateful!
brianwheeler716 