Why did I set out on this journey? Why did I leave my comfortable life, to take a risk and lean into the storm, heading into the unknown? Well, I initially didn’t go peacefully, and I didn’t go on my own. God helped me with that. I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me, the wind knocked out of me. Have you ever felt this way?
We tend to take the path of least resistance, but Jesus doesn’t always call us to go that way. Often, we must “enter through the small door”. We must perhaps even endure pain and hardship, to have healing and peace. I’ve come to realize these truths, mostly from toil and trial: with reward, comes effort, with victory, comes suffering. No matter what though, we are to trust in the Lord, with all our hearts, our minds, our souls.
Now back to the unanswered questions. In August 2023, I was laid off…. again. Just a month earlier, I told a friend that I was thankful for my blessing of a good salary and normal working hours, but that I was bored.... complacent even.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have
learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well
fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12
I firmly believe that God Our Defender would not exist if not for this unemployment transition. I would not have dedicated the time required to design and build this business. Complacency has a way of lulling oneself into inaction. I needed a little ‘help’ from the Lord to clear my calendar and to begin my journey. Let me tell ya. It is no easy feat to bootstrap a business. However, nothing is too big (or small) for God.
As Steven Furtick preached, God uses impression, instruction, and interruption to help guide us (July 27, 2025 sermon). God flipped that script on me to interrupt my inaction, me to listen for His instruction, and be willing enough to act on His impression (calling). My flesh may have wanted to grumble through unemployment, but my spirit wants to praise. When one door closes, another opens. It may be small, but life is about perspective! In the end, I let Him lead the way, so God be the Glory and Amen to all our brothers and sisters on this journey.