Support - a word from Kyle

What seemed like an excruciatingly long process to me was really just a moment. My biggest fear for weeks leading up to the lay off was getting laid off. When it happened, I was shocked, surprised, numb, but also relieved.

The amount of support that sprang up around me was incredible. My wonderful wife's first words to me were that things would be better and that God had something better in store for me. The supportive words from my dad, "God is in control." Those close to our family know that this could be his motto, slogan, and/or catch phrase. That scripture is constantly on his lips. After all, dad had been through this several times before and came out on the other side with a stronger faith in our ultimate Supporter.

"No temptation, no trial, no test has seized you, except what is common to man. And God is faithful..."1 Cor 10:13. The next two calls I received that Friday were from two of my best friends. Mickey called as I was carrying my last load of stuff out of my office to my truck. He had lost his job in October, and his wife was pregnant too. His words echoed what my dad had just told me, that God is in control. God would not allow me to be without a job while Jennie was pregnant because that was what He had done for Mickey, who had three job offers to consider shortly after losing his job.

Then came the call from Scott. How could I be depressed when I hear from him? Scott came back from skiing with his family over the New Year's holiday and didn't get his paycheck for the last half of December. The company he worked for was so low on money, they couldn't afford to pay their people or their subcontractors. And to top it off, he used his personal credit card to pay for thousands of dollars of construction materials that he wouldn't be reimbursed for.

Both these guys had been here, where I was, so very recently. And God is faithful! Scott started his own company and began getting work right away that provided for the needs of his family. Mickey accepted a great position with a bank in his hometown that would allow him to be near his parents and much closer to his in-laws. I was encouraged by their words and prayers. They were supporting me when I desperately needed it.

The support from my church family was just as incredible. I knew that there were Godly men and women praying for me on a regular basis. That first Sunday I was introduced to another deacon that worked for a large engineering company that might have a position for me. The encouragement that came as I walked down the hall of the church was staggering. I knew that the members of our Lifegroup, some of our dearest friends, were praying for me. "The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective." James 5:16

But most of all, my support came from God. Every book that I picked up spoke directly to my situation. Every story was a direct parallel to the struggle that I faced. God was there, He had been there all the time, even when I didn't acknowledge my need for Him, and He is still here. My Supporter. Jennie passed me her newest devotional book and said, "You need to read this one." I don't remember the story, and as I write this, she is asleep with the book next to her on the nightstand. What I do remember is the verse from that day's entry, Psalm 55:22. It says, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you; He will not allow the righteous to be shaken."

I was feeling like I was being shaken, but only when I didn't look to God for support. The first Tuesday that I was home I found a position online that matched my skills perfectly. I applied for the position online and told Jennie, "This job would be perfect for me." I kept searching for other opportunities and also had lots of time to study God's word and learn more about David and his struggles with Saul. He focused on God when giants were shouting at him, scaring the whole army of Israel. Where was my focus? On Jennie's pregnancy? On my own pride? On a paycheck to provide for our needs?

The call came the next Tuesday about the job that I thought would be so good for me. The voice on the other end seemed very excited to speak with me about the position and wanted to interview me the following Tuesday. I didn't want to wait; I was ready now! I waited. I checked back on Friday to see if they needed any more information. They were still reviewing. I waited. Monday came around and I didn't have a time set up to interview, and hey, its supposed to happen tomorrow! I call the interviewer at 4 Monday afternoon. No response on the office phone or mobile number that he gave me. Tuesday comes and goes with no word.

I start my daily search for employment again on Wednesday morning. Then I get an email at about 10 from the HR department of the job that I thought was so good for me. It says that I am no longer being considered for the position. What!?! Last week you want to interview me, and now I am no longer even being considered. I call and email the contact for the position. No response. I am defeated, depressed, deflated, and dejected. I feel like David, alone in the cave at Adullam. I sulk around the house for several hours.

At 2, I'm sure someone was praying for me, because I was greatly encouraged to start my search anew. After receiving some feedback on my resume, I decide to start from scratch to really sell myself. What would someone reading this think? How can I stand out from all the others they are receiving? I get a call at 3 from the HR lady at the company that wanted to interview me. She says to come in tomorrow at 10 and I am overjoyed. Jennie comes in the house a little after 4, only knowing about the email at 10, not about the interview call at 4. She says that she is so sorry they weren't interested and encourages me again. I say, "Don't be, because they just called me in for an interview tomorrow."

I sent out word to please pray for me tomorrow at 10 to family and friends. The interview begins and I am nervous. I calm down and know that I am being prayed for at that very minute by lots of people. The interview seems to be going well and lasts until 2:40. I am tired but relieved when I get out of there. I have a tremendously positive feeling as I call Jennie, my dad, and sisters. The phone rings at 3:40 and its the interviewer, I recognized the number. He says that he would like to offer me the job! I just about did a back flip off the couch! I call Jennie, my dad, sisters, and mom. Jennie texts our friends. My phone doesn't stop ringing for the rest of the day. My supporters are rejoicing with me at how great our God is. He has not allowed his righteous (only through Christ am I considered righteous) to be shaken!

You won't hear from me often on this blog, so I hope this wasn't too long for you to read. I couldn't keep this story inside because God deserves all the glory! He gives us shelter, in the cave of Adullam or in a house in Plano. He is here, supporting me; whether it is through my wonderwul wife, incredible family, faithful friends, or the amazing people that are my fellow believers at Parkway Hills. Thanks to all of you for allowing God to fill you up so much that you were able to support me!