Keep Trusting When Life Throws You a “Curveball”
Sometimes, while navigating this game called “life,” we are thrown a curveball, leaving even the most admirable, positive thinking, faith-filled person unsettled. Such was the case for my friend and website manager! Today, Stephen describes his “curveball” and how his 2024 defining word TRUST is helping him not only survive but thrive.
Thanks, Stephen, for your honest vulnerability and faith-building words!
It started as a normal Wednesday morning in late March. I was excited to finally have a meeting with my manager since he often canceled our meetings, which made it difficult to get time on his calendar. My heart sank as soon as I joined the Zoom call. Someone from HR had already joined before my manager. I knew it! Something wasn’t right. Soon, I was informed my position had been eliminated effective immediately. Part of a marketing restructuring, they told me.
In shock, I went upstairs and immediately began applying for jobs. This was an unexpected turn of events, and I instinctively started looking for another way to support my family. Soon, I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit, prompting me to pause and reflect on what had just happened. A week later, we went to Charleston, South Carolina, for vacation, where we ran into Ron and Sue, and I had additional time to process in the Palmetto State.
Since that trip, my days often look very similar, I get up and spend devotional time in God’s Word. Then, I work out, which helps me deal with stress. The next several hours are spent on searching and applying for jobs. Occasionally, I take a break to practice guitar, and I wait for my youngest daughter to get home from school so we can go to the gym together.
The Lord has always been so clear in my career path. Sometimes, the timing doesn’t make sense in the moment—like this time around. At other times, I sensed beforehand God was moving, stirring in my heart, taking away the joy I had in my job, preparing me for my next move.
Since this time was completely unexpected, my prayer has been the same every morning,
“Lord, I pray you will open doors that lead to your will and shut doors that aren’t a part of your plan for me. Not my will, but Your will be done.
In Jesus name,
Amen.”
During this season I have learned to play, “I Trust in God” on my guitar, and I have played it almost non-stop. Sometimes, l awake in the middle of the night singing that song in my head.
This chorus encourages and reminds me of God’s love and plan for my life. I’m reminded of the seasons of life He has guided me through over and over again.
“I sought the Lord and He heard, and He answered
That's why I trust Him, that's why I trust Him”
It didn’t dawn on me until recently that the title of this song also has my word of the year in it: TRUST. As I have applied for over 100 jobs, the Lord has heard and answered by closing door after door after door that didn’t lead to His will and plan for my life. He continues to teach me to lean on Him and TRUST in Him during this season of life. While I search, my heart and faith continue to grow.
Whitefish Lake, Montana at sunset
A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I traveled to Whitefish, Montana, to visit our daughter, Laney, and her husband. After dinner we walked to Whitefish Lake, and the sunset left us all breathless. The light reflecting on the water was like another nudge from the Lord, “Despite the darkness surrounding your job search, there is hope. Keep looking to Me. I’ve done it before, and I will do it again.”
Challenging seasons like this one are hard, but they are also times when my faith and TRUST grow the most. I wake up each day with excitement and anticipation for what is next.
I hope you found some encouragement in my words to you today!
Stephen Robinson
Sue’s Note: I hope you will join me in praying for Stephen during this difficult career transition.