Closed Doors and Open Windows


Soon after Bryan and I started talking about the possibility of marriage and praying about such a big decision, he suggested we adopt the passage of Proverbs 30:7-9, which states, “Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” My amazing and godly fiancé was challenged and in turn challenged me, to work hard and be wise in our saving and spending. In addition, we were challenged to be more generous with what the Lord has blessed us with. We aren’t striving for riches and wealth in our lifetime (we’re both going into ministry, so that’s kind of a given). Sounds like a noble plan, right? Maybe; but we soon got a taste of the reality that we were praying.
            Bryan and I have been praying for an internship for him for about six months. Maybe we’re being a little picky, but, as far as we can tell, in order for us to make this work it needs to be paid, with housing provided. And it would be a bonus if I could also get an internship right along with Bryan. Regardless, we turned down one offer in December, and recently got turned down from another possibility. Now we are praying that our next possibility works out well. There have been moments in this internship search when we have both thought we should stop praying for neither poverty nor riches. Maybe we can find a new verse to pray. 
            Shortly before Christmas Bryan heard from people at his place of employment that hours were being cut significantly. He was able to work over Christmas break, which was a huge blessing, but upon arriving back in Chicago after break he was told that his hours had now been cut. He worked a couple hours one week, and the following week was scheduled for one shift but was told not to come in. There was not enough work for him. Discouragement hit and Bryan began looking everywhere he could for another job. In the mean time I graduated from Moody and moved back home in search of a job with which I could save up some money for after Bryan and I get married. It wasn’t looking very promising for a little while after applying for various positions and either not getting called or being told they weren’t hiring at that time. I had a couple odd jobs that kept me busy for a week or so and then God provided about four or five part time jobs in the area. Now I have almost too many jobs! The income isn’t coming in the way I anticipated or desired, but I trusted God to open doors and He once again has proven Himself faithful, and we are so grateful.
            During the course of the past couple of weeks Bryan and I have happened to hear various sermons about not worrying and continuing to trust God’s plan. These messages have come at the perfect time in our lives. We aren’t through this yet, but we are continuing to trust God and His plan for our lives, as well as live out Proverbs 30:7-9 to the best of our ability. 

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