"Limited Resources...Unlimited God"

We just wrapped up a sermon series in church on God-sized faith that challenged us to no end. It was very timely for us considering the leap we have chosen to make. The title of this post was the title of the message we heard the day before Brent told his boss at Wal-Mart he was leaving in two weeks to take a job with John Brown University. It couldn't have been more appropriate.


We are thrilled to pieces about Brent's new job (which basically involves recruiting for JBU's Advance Program) because it falls perfectly in line with his passion to help people figure out and get to the place where their gifts, passions and experiences can most be used. It is a wonderful foot in the door to the collegiate world and will be beneficial experience that can easily transfer over into other positions God might lead us to in the future when his Masters is finished. We couldn't say no. However, with this new adventure comes a significant reduction in Brent's salary...we are talking a salary decrease of just under 50%. Yeah, really....50%. So, again, you see how appropriate a message on "Limited Resources...Unlimited God" was for us to hear.



Judges 7:1-25 tells the awesome story of Gideon and his charge to conquer the Midianites. Gideon starts out with an army of approximately 32, 000 men all ready to take on their enemy. But, God has a different plan and strategically whiddles Gideon's army down (through interesting measures...you should check it out if you haven't ever read the story) to only 300 men. I'm sure Gideon was probably thinking, "are you kidding me, God?" But, the Lord knew what He was doing (shocker!) and had the plan in place to deliver the Midianites into Gideon's hands in a way that no one but He could have dreamed up. It involves trumpets and shouting and smashing of jars and is just a fascinating story all together (seriously, you should read it). And when it's all said and done, God is glorified because there is no way anyone but Him could take credit for what happened.


Our pastor took this passage and drew out three main ideas: 1) More isn't always better; 2) Sometimes we have to step out in faith even when it doesn't always make sense; and 3) We must believe that God will take a little to accomplish much.


So, Brent started his new position on Tuesday. So far, so good. But, we still wait on the Lord to work many of the details related to our now limited resources out...like, where we are going to live (we cannot afford to stay where we are and it's a little bit farther of a drive so we would probably want to move anyway); what is the best way to make some essential supplemental income (I have applied for some part-time evening jobs at places like Old Navy and Kohl's and Brent is looking at some consulting jobs with a few transportation companies); should I go ahead and finish my Masters in Counseling so I can counsel part-time (which would pay way more than any retail store could)?


Praise the Lord we serve an UNLIMITED GOD who promises to provide for all our needs! We trust this and don't doubt for a moment that He is going to work everything out in His timing. Sometimes you have to jump and trust the Lord will work out all the aspects of your landing. =)


Ephesians 3:20-21 has always been one of my favorite passages and we are claiming it these days:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."