ALWAYS WITH ME

My passwords at work are always based on Bible verses. (It’s great when I have to give my password to one of our IT technicians. Sometimes I hear, “That’s a great verse”. Others ask what the verse is. And, sometimes, I receive a blank stare. In any case, it’s often a terrific witnessing tool…)

Currently, my password is based on Joshua 1:9 – “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I chose this verse due to the new job I have accepted (within the same company) and my pending move to Las Vegas, NV. Many of you know I currently live in the Denver metropolitan area of beautiful Colorado. This is where the “discouraged” part comes in. I mean, really…who would leave Colorado for Nevada?? (Other than me, obviously.) The “afraid” part correlates to moving my teenage boys back to Las Vegas. For those of you who haven’t been there, the billboards and taxi toppers are enough to keep you in your house, or at least with blindfolds in your car for your kids. Luckily we don’t plan to live anywhere near downtown. “Be strong” is apropos for my current situation in which I am working two jobs during the transition, and traveling weekly back and forth between locations. I am REALLY tired, as both of these jobs are more than full time as it is. Sleep is limited to four (five on a really good night) hours each night. I need “courage” that this is the right move for my family. God has opened the doors (they were closed for some time on this job) and also given some confirmation since the decision was made that this is what we should be doing. Also, I’m stepping into a position held by my mentor, and someone who was incredibly successful, so courage is needed that I really can do this job! Add to all that I am heartbroken at leaving my church. Every single week I would swear that the pastor has peered into my life and decided to teach a message specifically for me. There are incredibly special people there as well. Any time I move I am afraid I will “never” find another church as wonderful as the last.

The good news is that God outdoes Himself EVERY time. Each church I have come to call home in each town I’ve lived draws me closer to God. I always end up changed in incredible ways through the church and/or the church family. So, that is where “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” must come in. That portion of the verse gives me great hope. No matter where I go…whether it be Los Angeles, Kansas City, Denver, or Las Vegas, God goes also. Not only that, he prepares a way for me and my family. I can’t wait to see our new church, meet our new friends, and embrace the changes He has in store for our lives. Ultimately, I truly believe He will call me out of the work I’m in and pave the way for something more. Not more money or prestige, but more about Him. In the meantime, I will take this as part of the journey, and continue to praise Him, share His Good News, and live for Him as I go.