Steps of Faith

Sep 10, 2023 | by The Fellowship

Three years ago, the company where I worked in the aviation industry closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The employees were given two months' notice. At that time, it was not easy to find work in that industry as it was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. However, two months later, I received a call from a former client in Africa with a job offer.  After discussing the situation at length with my family, we decided I should take the position. This employment opportunity was a miracle! 

For the past three years, I have been doing work rotations of two months in Africa followed by one month off to fly home and immerse myself in my family.  How hard it was to leave them each time I had to return to Africa!  My wife was experiencing the same feelings each time we had to part. A real trooper, my wife had to once again take charge of everything at home: caring for the needs of our two children, getting them to after school activities, handling all day-to-day challenges … and everything else expected and unexpected that you can imagine happening during all the months I was away.

Then came a tremendous challenge -- I got COVID-19 in Africa where I had to be hospitalized for 14 days. Being away from my family during such an ordeal was beyond challenging.  The worst was not knowing what would happen to me on that far distant continent. The entire experience was very painful.

 I prayed not for my health, but for my family to have peace and tranquility in those difficult times. It was a long recovery, but I eventually returned to normal.  However, the ordeal was eye-opening for me as well as my family. 

About six months ago, I decided that we had enough of that type of life!  My family deserved better. I started submitting prayer requests on Sunday mornings and began applying for jobs at home.  I promised my kids that I was through with leaving our family to work in Africa. I would quit and stay in the States.  But after one month of no news about job possibilities, I broke that promise to my kids and went back to Africa for another rotation. Though I continued praying fervently for God to open a door for me at home, nothing was happening. 

Two months ago, I decided once again to stay here and not return to Africa. But inside my head and spirit, I still feared not getting another opportunity. We went to church and Pastor Robert’s sermon spoke to me.  As I sat there fervently praying, something happened … a feeling of security came over me.

 I turned to my wife and told her I was not going back to Africa. She said, "We know that you already made that decision." I let her know that this time I felt God telling me to trust Him and take that step of faith!  So, I put my job, my family and my life in God's hands. 

On Tuesday, I saw an old friend on a work social media platform and sent him a message. Wednesday, I submitted my resume. On Thursday, I had an interview with him. The following day, I had an interview with the company's owner. On Monday, two days later, I received an offer letter. The next day, Tuesday, I accepted the offer!  On Wednesday, I received a welcome letter from the HR department at my new company!

All I needed to do was rise above my fears and take the step of faith God wanted -- to trust Him. The job offer contained more than I was asking for!  Only God!

 E.Z.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10