The other day on the radio, Tony Evans said something that resonates with what I’ve been thinking lately…that God gave me specific gifts and has given me specific opportunities, and placed specific things/people in my life and put me in a specific place for a specific purpose and when you know all of these things, then you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

It’s a crazy thought but as I was driving home from volunteering at Mother’s Refuge the other day I was reflecting on my life and what I am doing and I recall telling God that if I had more time, I’d volunteer. I didn’t have time because of the restraints of my job, and family obligations.

I also recall a conversation with God when I was struggling staying in my job at the church ans was feeling pressured from my husband to find a secular job. I threw my hands up and said to God, “OK, I will stay and grow where I am planted despite them choking me and all the weeds around me and the burning and hurtful accusations, cold shoulders and criticism”

My condition was that God would help my husband understand and feel okay about the money situation. YES, I GAVE GOD A CONDITION. One of the reasons my husband was frustrated with my work was because they were taking more and giving less. I was no longer free to set my schedule which meant I was home less and not able to be there when things needed to get done at home. Of course we have financial obligations with a house, cars, taxes, daughters heading to college, all of which begin to stress everyone out!

My husband loves me and knows I deserve more…better. It was in the car on my way home when it hit me. Another emotional break like when Bob was talking at ND. I realized God too care of it but not in the way I expected. God told me to stay and grow where I was planted, and to stay connected to Him. In doing so, I gave God enough time to change the hearts of people, including my husband.

When I first got eliminated, people were helping me find a job, asking me about jobs and really trying to be helpful about finding me work. When I started volunteering at Mother’s Refuge and Keeler Women’s Center, I felt joyful! My husband could see my joy. I think a lot of people can.

God made it work out. He changed hearts and took away stress. Despite our previous financial concerns it’s been decided there is no hurry to find a job. We know there is something better out there. God has something he is preparing for me!