Saturday, December 13, 2008

An Answered Prayer

As Hubs was going through the interview process last month for the job in Texas, one of our major concerns was that the salary simply would not be enough for us to live on, especially considering that we are hoping to add children to our family in not too long. Still, we felt like God was opening a door for us, and we decided to stay in the process.

The church flew us to Texas and we both really liked the church. That in itself says a lot. One of my issues with the evangelical church in general is that many of them interpret the scriptures to mean that women are not to be permitted to have certain key leadership positions in the church. And because I'm a special brand of Christian (the feminist variety), that interpretation of scripture does not sit well with me. So the fact that this church believes that women can serve in any capacity in the church puts a big smile on my face. I really want to raise my kids in a church environment where they are not just hearing, but also seeing women in leadership. Besides that, the pastor is a wonderful teacher, and the music/worship in the church was awesome!

Hubs' interview went well when we were in Texas, we really enjoyed the people we met, and we flew home thinking that it would be a wonderful church community to be a part of. Still, there was the issue of salary, and the church had made it clear to Hubs that they wouldn't be able to offer more. 

When we got back to California, we knew that we would hear one way or another about the job in about a week. During that week, we prayed two specific things:

1.) That God would "do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine".

2.) That the church would make Hubs an offer that we couldn't refuse.

Well, one week passed, and the phone rang. It was the senior pastor of the church. He told Hubs that everyone involved in the interview process really loved him. He said, "We want to offer you a job, but we want to offer you a different job than the one you applied for." During the week that we were waiting and praying, some circumstances changed and the person who would have been Hubs' boss decided to move into a different area of ministry, and they decided to offer Hubs that job instead! The best part is that it is a job that he is much better suited for than the one he originally applied for, and it comes with a higher salary--one that we feel good about for starting a family!

Needless to say, we were just blown away with God's awesome answer to our prayer. My jaw dropped in amazement and Hubs' hands were shaking when he heard the news. God had worked on our behalf, and we were just sitting there taking it all in. Seeing God work in this way really gave us the confidence we need to move forward with this huge change in our lives.

I decided to share this experience here on my blog for no other reason than that I love to see God work when you know it is Him. Such amazing and specific answers to prayer are so encouraging to me, and I want you to be encouraged, as well.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine...to him be the glory...throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

12 comments:

Cherry said...

This is such good news!
Thank you for sharing and please congratulate your Hubs! I know I will be sad to see you guys move, even though I've only actually SEEN you guys a few short times. I always liked to think you guys were a days drive away. Well, Houston isn't that far away now is it? ;-)

Congratulations again and I'm looking forward to hearing all of the exciting news once this great adventure really takes off.

Katie said...

What a blessing indeed! PTL!! for answered prayers.

I love that He "is able to do immeasurable more" than I can wrap my mind around.

May God continue to bless you guys!

Cari said...

That is amazing! God is good! What a wonderful holiday season for y'all!
I got your Christmas Card today. thanks for thinking of us
So sweet!!
XO!

Kim said...

Thanks for sharing that. I'm going through a rough financial time, so it's great to read stories of answered prayer.

Kim said...

Answered prayer in this area. (:

lex said...

that is SO exciting! congratulations to your hubs and hooray for answered prayers.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing..I really needed to hear that today. As you know we just recently had a little girl and we had always wanted me to stay home with her. Two weeks ago I quit my job--it was really hard to do--especially with all the financial chaos in the world. We just felt that this is what was best for our daughter and trusting God for His guidance...To Him be the glory..indeed!

Anonymous said...

That is so awesome!!! Congratulations to you and your husband :)

Anonymous said...

SOOOOOOOO excited to have my friend back in TX!!!!! I can't wait to see you.... We'll only be a short 4 hours apart.

Love ya,
Kerith

Breenette said...

CONGRATS! What area of Houston/what church will you be in?

dharmamama said...

Thanks SO much for sharing that! Encouraging, indeed. It sounds like you guys are really in the flow!

Much love ~

Anonymous said...

That's WONDERFUL!! Congratulations to you both, and your nephew is going to be very lucky to have his Auntie Tracy nearby!