Pause (Radio Edit) P-1

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity for me.  I've switched jobs and downsized from renting a half-double home to a new apartment.  My job search was well past the 2 years mark and I was getting quite discouraged.  My living situation changed when my former landlord informed me she was selling the building and I needed to make arrangements to be out of there by the end of July.  Yes July.  

Without saying I was in a near panic mode.  Where was I going to find a new job and a new place to live within three weeks time?  I recall something Jesus said to His disciples from the book of Matthew verse 19:26 "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  My outlook on the whole of the situation changed.  I no longer was afraid of the unknown, but I instead focused on what I did know.  And that is, that God is in control.  With that in the forefront of my mind I went about the task of praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit to speak to me.

Less than two days later He spoke and loudly.  

Before I continue let me add that for the previous two years I, me, Darryl was out looking for jobs in any and every place I could get to.  My feet and public transportation took me to fast food restaurants, family restaurants, grocery stores, Lowe's, Applebee's, Amazon and even a pet store for hopeful employment.  With no takers.  Finally I stopped and realized the error of my ways.  Where was God throughout my constant searching?  He was there, yet, I had not asked for His direction.  Throughout all of this transitioning and activity my personal time with God had suffered.  It was then that I hit the pause button on my activities and sought words and direction from my Master.   

As I said in the line before this paragraph, within two days the Spirit of God spoke and loudly. 

He first directed me to apply or shall I say reapply for a job I had long since forgotten about.  Less than twenty-four hours later I was called in for an interview.  Within a weeks time I had a second interview and was offered a full time position.  Praise offering #1.  My apartment search was in full swing.  Before work I would search the want ads for listings and make appointments for after work or my days off.  Nothing as of yet, but I was hopeful.  Going into week number two after much prayer and waiting I had an apartment.  Praise offering #2.

James 1:17 states, "Every good gift and every perfect is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

How could I continue at the frenetic pace I was going and not soon realize I wasn't getting anywhere?

I could not.  However, when I did pause and listen, I then knew what I should do.

So, today, despite my new fantastic job and my more manageable apartment, I had to once again hit the pause button and say "thank you LORD."  Complacency can become an issue after receiving a blessing from God.  It is something that plagues those within the bible also, so the reality of it is true.  

In closing I would like to say don't let 'life', whether good or bad, keep you from hitting the pause button and sending up praise offerings to God for making it all happen.

God bless