I woke up today feeling discouraged, sad, and physically not great. I had worked all weekend on a project for a church and simply could not get the SQL to do what I wanted, and in retrospect was missing some critical information. I think I am going to have to re-start the whole thing over again from scratch, and I had to tell the client that I wasn't going to be able to meet the desired deadline for completion.
I also woke up worried about income; working on my own means I do not know where provision will come from next, and I must keep shifting my focus back to gratitude for today and casting my cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). I remind myself of His precious promises and that His Word never fails.
In my discouragement, I reached out to a friend to ask for prayer. He has been where I have been as far as starting his own company, 11th hour provision, waiting on God's will to be revealed, and has played an instrumental role in my own career path and personal development journey. He reminded me that God will provide and that this is a time of faith-building in me.
God then reminded me that faith is a gift (Ephesians 2:8), and that this season of my life is not really about income or provision or data artistry, it is about faith. My Lord Jesus Christ wants to give me the gift of more faith in Him. That is a treasure more precious that any amount of earthly provision. Faith brings freedom. It is for freedom you have been set free. (Galatians 5:1)
The reality is that none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Man makes his plans, but God establishes his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) A short while earlier today, I was out walking my dog, amusing myself thinking, "I feel sorry for all those people with 'real' jobs and a secure regular paycheck. They sure are missing out of the humility and dependence of taking a giant scary leap of faith." The truth is that those things do not bring security or happiness. We are secure in Christ alone, and what a blessing to be daily confronted with that truth.
God wants to show us His nature, in profoundly supernatural ways, and the security of His love for us and His wonderful plans for our lives. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. (Hebrews 6:17). I pray, "Jesus, show me your beauty." (Psalm 27:4)
Be encouraged today. You are held in God's almighty hand, and His perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18) You are loved, you are known, you are secure in Him. Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:10)