Exceedingly Abundantly Beyond

Do you remember when the Israelites were fleeing from Egypt and the Pharoah, only to find themselves sandwiched in between the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptian army on the other? Exodus 14:10 and 14:12 says "...they [the Israelites] were very afraid and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord...[and Moses] it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness." Despite their fear and hopelessness, the Lord answers to Moses: " 'Tell the children of Israel to go forward...[they] shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea' " (vv.15-16). In this instance, there was valid reason for fear of death: "the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the Sea" (v.23). But the Lord "troubled the army" (v.24), "took off their chariot wheels" (v.25), 'brought the waters back upon them' (v.26), until "not so much as one of them remained" (v.28). While I have never been chased by an army, I have been meditating on these scriptures in light of recent job changes. You may have read brief prayer requests and praise reports over the past year and a half, but we want to share more specifically, on the other side of the "Red Sea" so to speak, so you can join us in thanking and praising the Lord.

In the Fall of 2022, while I was still working at California Baptist University (CBU), it was mentioned informally that my 30-hour work week, 10 month full time job might be made 40-hour work week, year round. One of the reasons I applied and took the job with CBU was because it was not a 40-hour per week job. As you know, my husband and I have a heart for ministry at home, church and beyond. And a top priority was for me to keep Thursday mornings open, to allow me to participate and serve in the women's bible study. January 2023, I was formally told the job would change, as previously suggested, and I was invited to accept. After prayer, discussion and leadership from my husband, I declined the offer but offered to stay until a replacement was found. In July of 2023, I was told my staying was no longer an option. I was concerned about finances but kept submitting my fears to the Lord. And many of you were holding us up in prayer. Every week I would look for and apply for jobs, but nothing seemed to budge. 

In December, I saw a part-time contract position open up with the University of California Riverside (my alma-mater). I applied on the 7th, interviewed on the 13th and was offered the job that afternoon. My start date was January 2nd. I started working two days a week, and I came to enjoy working with my team and boss - who professes Christ. My department was also up front about their intentions of hiring a full time person to fill my position. One important detail: though a full-time position, it would be hybrid, allowing the new hire to work from home 2 days a week. This time after prayer, discussion and leadership from my husband, I applied in March. In May, I saw another candidate waiting in the lobby for an interview, as I stepped outside for a break. In my flesh, I was intimidated, but the Holy Spirit quickened me to truth. 'God is my provider, not my job' (Matthew 6:11). If I do not get the position, He will provide another way. He has provided for my greatest need and will not stop providing for lesser needs (Romans 8:32). I began to pray for God to bless the gentleman, provide for his needs and hire him if he was the right person.

Two days before we left for our 9th wedding anniversary trip, I was offered the position and a sign-on bonus. This time after prayer, discussion and leadership from my husband, I accepted and started officially on June 4th. Shortly after, staff was notified that we would be changing offices, because the building lease was up. However, the new one was not ready. As a result, until it is, all staff is working fully remote. And once we return back, the idea is we might be working in the office only 2 days per week and 3 from home. I am speechless. I am working more than before, but I am home more. More than that, my work arrangement allows flexibility to do other things around my work, including women's ministry. There is also an opportunity to teach at least one time in Bible study, this coming year. The scripture that keeps coming to mind is, 'He who does exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we can ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). 

Circling back to the Exodus story, one of my favorite details is that the ground was dry. If I am praying in the heat of the moment with a real threat, my prayer is not automatically the most rational or specific. It is usually something like HELP! Please remove this, or get me safe, pronto! My desire is to get to the other side. If I were an Israelite, escaping from the army alive would have been great, even if slipping in mud along the way. This is why I am so thankful God is infinitely more gracious, wise and bigger, beyond my narrow and fearful prayers. We hope you are encouraged to slow down and look around in your own life for glimpses of Him who is always doing a million things behind the scenes to work all things together for good.  We pray, when you find yourself tempted to say it would have been better for me to xyz, listen for His voice inviting you to 'go forward on dry [or rocky ground,' exceedingly and abundantly beyond all that we can imagine or think...until we see Him face to face.

Praise Reports:

1. Husband and I had the privilege of meeting up with different family members and friends; 
2. He and I also enjoyed a great and affordable mini getaway in Nevada; 
3. My husband received insightful and encouraging counsel with ministry at Cornerstone; and
4. I had the blessing of sharing a devo on love and friendship at a friend's bridal shower.

 

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Unity as my husband and I adjust to Jacob moving out and my mother-in-law moving in (she is in the early stages of dementia);
2. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit;
3. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities; and
4. Jacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.