Hi, I’m Matthew!

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Uncategorized5 Comments

There is something about flying that I really love. I’m not sure if it’s just that exclusive time that you have, away from work, friends, technology, to focus on your thoughts and contemplate life’s grand questions, or the idea of meeting new people. I don’t know. All I know is that I love to fly. This time, I was flying to Orange County, California (Yay West Coast!). I pretty much spent the whole day in flights. From Charlotte, North Carolina to Houston, Texas, I sat next to a woman who looked like she wanted to throw me off the plane! My layover in Texas introduced me to a lovely Indian couple and I enjoyed conversing with them in Hindi for all of the 10mins I had before I boarded the flight to California.

At the outset let me just say – I’m not a big fan of aisle seats. When I wasn’t assigned one this time, I was almost annoyed at this window “sitter” who I hadn’t even met. I mean, I should have been sitting by the window. It’s what I enjoy most while flying. Inwardly rolling my eyes, I walked up to my seat, mentally telling myself not to like this person who was sitting in a seat that should’ve been mine. Then, I met Matthew! With a sweet smile and a “Hi, I’m Matthew!” this 26yrs old window-seat-stealer stole my heart.

Matthew wasn’t like other 26yr-olds I’ve met. He was special. Yes, I do mean that he had special needs – the kind that you can tell as soon as you laid eyes on them. This precious man spent his time sneaking smiles at me, showing off his watch to me, and sharing the awe there is in watching the world from an aerial view. In my three hours with Matthew, I learned some very important lessons –

1. Smile:

Strangers will seldom become friends if you don’t break the ice with a smile. Because Matthew chose to smile at me, I had the opportunity to spend the evening conversing with him and his mom and sharing our stories of God’s goodness in our lives.

2. Put yourself out there:

My biggest problems is introducing myself. I find it so hard to walk up to a stranger and say, “Hi, I’m Rachel.” I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? People might not respond? Or perhaps like my previous flight-mate, look at me like they wanted to fling me out of the airplane. But Matthew… He didn’t think about any of those things. He simply smiled and stretched out his hand to me. That was the beginning of several laughs and multitude of high-fives!

3. Don’t lose the wonder:

Every time I’ve flown, and I’ve flown several times, I’ve sat by the window and gazed at God’s creation. However, after the first few minutes, my gaze almost turns into a mindless stare into infinity. But not for Matthew. He enjoyed watching the flight take off. He was thrilled by the lights on the flight wing. He was amazed that tiny lights on the ground could illuminate the darkness of the night. The best part, he didn’t keep that wonder to himself. I cannot tell you the number of times he said, “Rachel, you’ve got to see this!” “Rachel, ain’t that awesome.”

4. Be flexible:

Matthew was under the impression that we would land in Orange County at 8pm. He was right. Well, almost. We were going to land at 8pm PACIFIC time. However, Matthew’s watch was set for Central time – 2hrs BEHIND pacific time. So imagine his frustration when at 7.45pm (according to his watch) his mother gently told him he had two more hours of flight time remaining! Did he throw a fit? Nope! He just took off his watch and let his mom fix the time. Now, he’d wait patiently through those additional hours.

5. Say I love you!:

Matthew was such an affectionate young man! From time to time, he’d stroke his mother’s hand and lay his head on her shoulders. When she fell asleep, he watched her and made sure she was alright. How do I know this? Well, he woke her up several times and asked her! Lol. Sure his mom didn’t get the full nap she’d have liked but she knew, without a shadow of doubt, that her son cared for her. When she put his fears at ease, he kissed her and said, “I love you mom!” How many of us do that? Tell our parents and loved ones that we love them? And I don’t just mean at birthdays, festivals or special occasions. When there is no celebration, would we still consider looking at our family and saying, “Hey, I love you!”

Matthew may not have many of the faculties that I do. He may not have the same abilities as me. But he taught me what it means to live simple, like a child would.

So, I’m going to resolve to attempt to develop that child-like attitude. To start us off – “Hi, I’m Rachel!”

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

PS: To all the parents of special kids out there – Y’all are awesome! I have nothing but the utmost respect and regard for you. Your patience and endurance is unfathomable. Because of how you raise your children, people like me are blessed. You’re making a difference. In loving your child the way you do, you’re impacting so many lives.

In Control? Seriously?

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Chaos, UncertaintyLeave a comment

Chaos! Chaos everywhere! Is there an end to all the innocent blood that is being shed? The Bible did predict this thousands of years ago – “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars … Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places (Matt 24:6-7)” – but it still is disheartening, discouraging and scary!

As I read the news about the recent bombings and bloodshed, I couldn’t help but wonder – Is God even watching all of this? Does He even care?

As a by-stander, a third person, I can safely say that the Lord is sovereign, He knows all things, etc., etc., the typical Christian outlook on things. But then I wonder, what about the people in the heart of this situation? What about the people who are injured and struggling between life and death in the hospital – would they think God is control? What about those whose bodies have been shred to pieces – would their families think God is in control? What about the wife who didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to her husband – would she think God is in control? What about the little boy who will never see his mom again – would he think God is in control? What about the father who is mourning the loss of his child – would he think God is in control? What about those who witnessed the blast, witnessed the loss of innocent blood, witnessed people being burnt, body parts flinging across the skies – would they think God is in control? What about the man who lost his arm, the woman who has to live without legs her entire life? What about the bride-to-be whose entire body is now scarred and face disfigured – would she think God is in control?

And as I sat back in reflection, I looked up and asked, “Lord, don’t You see? Don’t You care? Do You even know how it feels?”

And then, all of a sudden I felt something wet trickle down beside me – blood! Lots of it! I screamed! I got scared! It wasn’t my blood. Someone else was hurt and they were hurt real bad. I ran around looking for them. I stepped on something – it was a piece of flesh. I got even more scared! Was I at the scene of the bomb blast? I panicked. I looked around again. I ran. I bumped in to the tree. When I fell down, I saw another chunk of flesh! Wait! This didn’t seem like the effect of a blast. It seemed more like the flesh that was ripped off of someone’s body. Ewww!!! Who would do something like that?!!! I followed the blood trail as it led me up a hill top. The amount of blood I saw made me ask this question – after all this, does the person who is hurt,  even have a drop of blood remaining in his body?.I looked up at this man, completely bruised, blood all over his body, his face and body disfigured by what seemed like injuries made by a whip. The soldier stabbed the man in his side with a spear, and I had the answer to my question – there was indeed no more blood left in his body. Only serum oozed out. Every single drop of blood was shed. I watched this man, beaten, flogged, injured, disfigured beyond recognition. As darkness spread across the skies, I watched his body slump against the rugged cross. I watched the woman at his feet, weeping the loss of her son. I watched the expression of his friends who watched his horrific death. I watched as his father ran his fingers over his torn body. I watched as the soldiers got him off the cross. I watched as his parents went hysterical over their son’s lifeless body. I watched as his heavenly Father turned His face away. I watched as the innocent lamb was slain. I watched as the perfect sacrifice was made. I watched as the ransom was paid. I listened as I recollected what he’d said – “Father, in to Your hands I commit my spirit. It is finished!”

I shut my eyes at the revelation. Unshed tears now flowing down, as I reflected on the questions I raised just a few minutes ago, to the One Who I thought had distanced Himself from the suffering and injustice in this world.

“Lord, don’t You see? Don’t You care? Do You even know how it feels?”

And Jesus stretched out His nail pierced hands and said, “I know how it feels. I understand”

I knew then – I don’t have to wonder if God is still in control. He is. He sees. He knows. But He isn’t sitting with His arms folded – “The day is coming when the wicked will be judged, and justice will be served – For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts (Malachi 4:1)

Until then,

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name!

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!

The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him!

In closing I have to say, I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

Surely I’m Capable of More

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Future, Uncertainty, WorshipLeave a comment

Earlier this week, my manager gave me a simple task to do. She wanted me to ship some labels out. I did it and replied to her email letting her know that the task was done. She responded like the way she always does – with a “Thank you.” You may read this and think – so what? What’s the big deal? The big deal is, she has never missed saying thank you for the simplest things I’ve done – sending out mail, editing bios, updating a spreadsheet or just walking over to her desk to answer a question. She has always said thank you (a true sign of a good leader if you ask me!). Now, I don’t work to be appreciated, but when you are consistently appreciated, you have to acknowledge it. So I wrote her a note telling her how awesome she was to consider those under her and say thank you. Obviously touched by the little note, she responded and said that it means a lot that even though I hold a Master’s degree, I am willing to do things like mailing out labels.

I’m not saying this to pat myself on the back, but I am at a point in life where I truly believe that work is work. You honor what you are asked to do, and you do it diligently and with integrity. Now, I was not always like this. There was a time when I didn’t want to do something because I thought it was menial work. But God broke my pride. He taught me that humility goes a long way.

In 2009 I was offered a job at a diplomatic mission as an Administrative Assistant. Please don’t get me wrong when I say this, but I thought the position was that of a glorified secretary and so I did not want to do that job at all. I almost felt that it was beneath me and that I was capable of more. Nonetheless, I took the job and I did it to the best of my abilities. I worked very hard but I had a really bad attitude about it. I didn’t enjoy my work. I did it because it was my job and because I needed a paycheck. Until, the Lord broke my pride by teaching me two very important things:

  1. Who Am I Working For?

The Bible teaches us in Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” That verse was a slap in my face! I asked myself – If Jesus wanted an Administrative Assistant, I’d want to be that person right? Well, I was that person at that very moment. Once I learned that I wasn’t working for my organization. Rather, I was working for my Lord, my whole perspective changed. Now, I gave my job my whole heart and in doing so, learned how important my role was and how humbling it was to be in that position. I learned so much being in the position. God could’ve picked anyone else to do that job but He didn’t. He picked me and I wasn’t about to let Him down.

  1. Can I Be Trusted with More?

The Bible teaches us in Luke 16:10 – “He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much.” If I cannot do a menial task diligently, what makes me think I can do a more responsible position any better? It was only after I learned to be faithful and work with all my heart in the position of an Administrative Assistant was I offered the position of a Cultural Affairs Assistant. My position stepped up, my responsibilities grew but it was only because the right people saw that I was faithful in the little things and could be trusted with more.

What is the point to this blogpost? It is this – Perhaps you are more educated than what your job requires. Perhaps you feel like the work you are doing is beneath you. Perhaps you think that you are capable of more. There is nothing wrong in wanting more. We should all aim high. But just because our goals are higher, doesn’t mean that what we are doing at this very moment is meaningless. On the contrary, may I suggest that your present is in fact, preparation for what is yet to come? I want to challenge you – be faithful in the little. Once you learn how to, God will pile on the responsibilities. Trust Him with it. As children of the living God, we have to believe – God doesn’t make any mistakes. If He has allowed you to be a temporary Media Relations Associate, it is with purpose. If He has allowed you to be a cashier at a retail store, it is with purpose. If He has allowed you to be a secretary, it is with purpose. If God has allowed you to have the worst boss under the sun, it is with purpose.

So, should I be mailing out labels when I hold two Master’s degrees? ABSOLUTELY! If the King of Kings could work as a carpenter, I think I can ship some labels. Wouldn’t you agree?

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

Help Me! I’m Desperate!

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Future, Uncertainty2 Comments

I’m going to start off by saying that God is good. He knows the hearts of His children and He knows how to meet them at their point of need. He did this for me and I know He will do it for you too.

Many of you know that I am currently employed and absolutely LOVE what I do. I adore the organization I work with and I am convinced without a shadow of doubt that God placed me here and there is purpose in EVERYTHING He does. That said, I should also acknowledge that the position I am in right now is temporary and as January comes to an end, so will my employment. But I’m not afraid. Not any more.

Before I accepted this position, I was in a waiting period that lasted 7months – Seven excruciatingly painful months of waiting! In those months I did everything that was expected of me. I did my part. Yet, nothing worked out for me. I started applying for jobs in December 2014. I followed up with applications and put in more in February. I applied for my OPT and got my paperwork done earlier than I needed to. I did everything right. I knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted a full time job that would sponsor an H1B. Actually, I didn’t even want the employer to sponsor me. I just wanted them to be open to the idea of sponsorship. I told myself if that happened, God would work everything else out.

In those seven months I laughed at the irony of having 6yrs of work experience, two master’s degrees and still being completely incapable of securing a job. I cried at the helplessness of being an international student and having nothing more to offer than an average American citizen. I was mad at the complete lack of response from companies and organizations I applied to. I was frustrated with potential employers who conducted hour-long interviews only to turn around and tell me that they didn’t want to hire me because of my visa restrictions. I prayed desperately, almost begging God to take me back to India, but He told me I had to stay here – in a country where I was an “alien.” He laid it on my heart to make America my home… at least for the moment. That knowledge frustrated me even more because now I knew I had to stay in this country but I had no clue as to how I would.

I tried to stay encouraged. I smiled and I applied for more and more jobs. I told everyone who asked that I was trusting the Lord. I told them He was in control. But in the stillness of the night I felt like a complete failure. I felt like an idiot who couldn’t get her act together. I cried myself to sleep every other night and the nights I didn’t cry, I hardly slept. I became desperate. I was willing to do any job as long as it had to do with my education. I took my list of “conditions for employment” and threw it in the trashcan.

In my utterly desperate state, tears flowing down my face, I fell to the ground and surrendered EVERYTHING to the Lord. For the first time in those 7months, I asked Jesus to have His way. I told Him I’d take whatever job He would give me. Temporary. Part time. Whatever He would say, I would do. Wherever He would send me, I would go. No questions asked. I didn’t lay out for Him the importance of finding a full time employment; neither did I point out to Him my need for an employment visa. For once, I just trusted that He knew best.

Then it happened. One day, an angel who shall remain unnamed (you know who you are), fought for me. Her kindness toward me and her persistence toward the position opened the doors to Operation Christmas Child for me. For a moment I hesitated because taking up a temporary position would mean that I would go through a waiting period again. But I was reminded by the Psalmist when he said, “In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them” (Psalm 22:4). God’s deliverance came AFTER His people trusted Him. Not the other way around.

With that, I walked into my position as a Media Relations Associate. From the day I started working there, to this very day, I have LOVED every single moment of my employment. Regardless of what I do – perhaps I’m just sending out an email, or I’m recording who is doing what interview and where… I know that there is a greater cause. God knew that to me, only two things truly mattered – Jesus and children – both of which are wonderfully fulfilled at Operation Christmas Child.

Even though I have less than three months of employment left, I know I have played a role in planting the seeds of Jesus’ love in the hearts of children around the world. I am happy. I am content. I’m humbled and convinced that God’s not done with me yet.

What is the point this post you ask? It is this – Sometimes, God has to bring us to extremely desperate seasons in our life for us to stop, and just completely trust Him. If I didn’t come to a point of desperation, I would not have obeyed the Lord in serving Operation Christmas Child. Even before I knew it, Jesus knew that I loved children. Even before I knew it, Jesus knew my heart. He knew my need. When I humbled myself because of my desperation, He gave me the best. By mid-December, I would have travelled to six different cities, addressed gatherings of 200 youth, done three radio interviews, addressed a church on a televised program, and flown to California (yes!), all of which will point people to the needs of children around the world, the greatest need being to hear of the love of Jesus.

In your desperation, remember, God may just be fine-tuning your ears to pay attention to His voice.

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

What’s in a name? EVERYTHING!

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Uncertainty, WorshipLeave a comment

You know that person who is always so happy you want to punch them in the face? On most days, I am that person. I love how happy I am. I truly believe that I can be joyous in most circumstances. Until, I end up doing something stupid! I’m sure this happens to you too. The day is fantastic and then one small thing happens, and your day is ruined! Well, that was my yesterday. My day was going on really well. I was annoyingly happy. I was singing. I had a skip to my heel… and then, I made a mistake. A mistake that pretty much wiped out all the work I had done the entire week. One mistake. That was all it took for me to look at myself in the mirror and say, “You idiot!” I was calling myself names.

According to the dictionary, a “name” is a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known. Your name is what you call yourself. It is your identity!

I was reading through the book of Psalms and I loved how David poured out his heart to the Lord. In doing so, he identified very distinct characteristics of God’s infinite persona. In Psalm 18:2, David refers to the Lord as a “rock,” “fortress,” “deliverer,” “shield,” and “stronghold.” When he was fleeing from Saul/Absalom, David took refuge in God and in His protection. So it is obvious why he called God the names that he did.

This made me think of how we identify ourselves. Sure I have a name. Rachel. It’s beautiful and I love it. But then I thought about all of the other names I call myself – Strong, independent, ugly, selfish, fat, lazy, idiot…!!! Most times, when I call myself those names, I truly believe that’s who I am. In that moment, that is my identity. Yesterday, when I called myself an idiot, in that moment, I truly believed that I was “an utterly foolish or senseless person.”

Take a moment now and think about all the names we associate with ourselves, with our families, our friends and with strangers. We say, “alcoholic,” “addict,” “gay,” “straight,” “divorcee,” “widow,” “monster,” “murderer,” “liar,” “cheat,” … the list can go on. But may I suggest that our identity does not really rest in any of our shortcomings? It rests in the finished work of the cross. In thinking about what we often call ourselves, may I point out to you what Jesus calls us? John 1:12 says that, “to them that receive Him, He has given them the right be CALLED children of God.” In John 15:15 Jesus CALLS us His friends.

In saying this I am not discounting our failings and shortcomings. I am convinced that Jesus loves us too much to leave us the way He found us. What I am saying is – All have sinned and have come short of God’s glory – Each and every one of us. But if Jesus doesn’t identify us by our sin, then why should we?

If you are trying to figure out who you are… who you truly are, may I encourage you to look to Jesus because He calls you His “treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

Overwhelmed Much?

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Chaos, Uncertainty, WorshipLeave a comment

Recently I committed to reading the Bible cover to cover. Wait, let me rephrase that. I recently committed to STUDYING the Bible from cover to cover. The difference between the two words makes a world of a difference! So far, I have been able to read from Genesis through Nehemiah. I am currently reading the book of Job.

Funny story – I was sitting by Bass lake earlier today, reading my Bible. An elderly lady walked past me and asked if I was reading my Bible. When I responded yes, she wanted to know what book I was reading and I told her. She smiled at me and asked me if the reason I was reading it was because I was having troubles. Lol!

It is unfortunate isn’t it that we associate the book of Job with the troubles he went through, his whining, annoying friends…? I know that the book has a happy ending, as I believe every story should. But what caught my attention isn’t the ending. It is the beginning. Let me explain.

If you know the story of Job at all, you will remember that God permits Satan to try Job because God was confident that he would not turn his back on Him. Job was living a happy and content life. But before he knew it, BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! Four catastrophes occurred, one after another.

  1. The Sabeans attacked and took all the oxen and the donkeys.

  2. Lightening struck all of his sheep.

  3. The Chaldeans made a raid and stole all the camels.

  4. ALL of Job’s children died – Not one, not two… ALL of them! 

Let’s take a moment and think about this. The Bible says that each of these incidents were reported to Job by a servant… the one servant that survived each of these catastrophes. That said, I encourage you to read the passage for yourself (Job 1: 13-22) and take into consideration the words the writer of this book uses to indicate how the servants brought these reports to Job. The Bible says, “While he was still speaking…” These words precede every incident. In other words, before Job even had the time to process one tragedy, another struck. Before he could come to terms with one loss, another hit. Talk about beating the wind out of someone!

His response to this overwhelming heart ache? He fell to the ground and WORSHIPPED! (Job 1:20)

I don’t know what it is that you are feeling overwhelmed about. May be you’ve received information that is life changing? Perhaps you are apprehensive about the future? Could it be that your present makes no sense? Or, you’ve lost a dear one? May be you just found out that you have a huge payment to make and you are completely broke? May I be so bold as to say – Regardless of your situation, would you like Job consider bowing down in worship?

Worshipping God in times of testing isn’t the most easiest of things to do. It probably will not solve your problems. However, bowing down in worship will give you the strength, the courage and the peace you need to catch a breath and humble yourself before the Lord, reminding yourself of who truly is in control. Worship is our way of stepping back and letting God bring order in to our chaos!

I doubt any of us is as overwhelmed as Job was. So, despite what he was going through, if he could fall down in worship, so can we!

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!

My Future – My Idol

On By Rachel ChadalavadaIn Future, UncertaintyLeave a comment

If you know me, you will know that I have been job-hunting since February this year. Some doors never opened, and some that opened, shut tight. As long as I was in school, I still had my Graduate Student Assistant position so I wasn’t worried or frustrated about not finding a job. And then, I graduated! I was happy, ecstatic, and jobless! Surely I would find something. Right? Evidently not!

I tend to be a planner. I like to know when and where my paycheck is coming from. I like to know where I am going, what I am doing. I like to be in the know of things. Apparently, that’s not how God works. After I graduated, the pressure of finding a job obviously went up and being an international student, I had only 90 days to find one. With that understanding, came the revelation that the lease on my apartment was up and I had to move. Without a job, a place to stay, or any income whatsoever, I was in a helpless state of affairs. I moved to Miami, Florida to stay at a cousin’s place while he and his family were out of town. 

My friends and family would agree that I am a rather patient person. I don’t get agitated very easily. So I felt I was justified in getting frustrated over my lack of employment, despite seeking after it for 7 months (February through August). I felt I did everything right. I began applying early. I prayed over every application I sent. I was faithful in applying. I did everything right. Then why was the Lord making me wait?

I was getting tired of people’s words of wisdom. “All in God’s time.” “God blesses those who wait.” “Good things happen to those who wait.” “They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” “God has a plan for you.” I know they meant well and were only trying to encourage me but it didn’t help my frustration. Rather, added to it. Why was God making me wait? Where did I go wrong?

So I decided to take it up with the Lord. My friends were finding jobs that they really wanted and would thrive in. They all seemed to have a plan. They knew where they were going. Me, not so much. It seemed unfair. I opened the Bible and I read. I spent time every day seeking after the Lord trying my hardest to see what He was trying to teach me. Evidently there was a lesson that I hadn’t learned. I had no doubt that my future was secure in the Lord. I had no doubt that He knew what He was doing. What frustrated me, was that I did not know what He was doing! 

One day as I opened my devotional, I read, “An idol is anything that takes God’s rightful place.” And everything began to make sense. The lesson that I was being taught over these past several months was just that. I had made my job seeking, my idol. Every waking moment I thought about my future. Every spare moment I was hunting for jobs. I even sought after the Lord ONLY to see where my life was headed. That was my mistake! How was I so blind to see that? I focused all of my energy on seeking after my future, and what’s next, instead of keeping my eyes on the One who holds that future. I had made my future, my idol. I let it consume me, so much so I was getting anxious and couldn’t sleep at night constantly thinking about where I was headed. 

If you are like me, waiting to see which door God is going to open for you, don’t fret. He’s got your back! Spend some time on the lessons that I learned and am still learning, that God might be teaching you as well.

  1. Is God #1 in your life? That’s His rightful place. Don’t give it to anyone, or anything else (Exodus 20:3).
  2. God is interested in your heart and what your heart seeks after (Jeremiah 17:10). 
  3. The Lord knows your need and if you look closely, you will see His providence. Do you have food, shade, and clothing? (Matthew 6:26-34).
  4. Your actions speak louder than your words. If you say you trust God and are still fretting over what will be, you probably have a little more trusting to do (Proverbs 3:5).
  5. God does have a plan for your future. It is for your good. It is for you to prosper. He will fulfill His plans (Isaiah 46:10).
  6. Seek the Lord. Seek Him not to find out what your future holds. Seek Him, to know Him. He’s worth seeking after (Matthew 6:33).
  7. Lay out your cards on the table. The Lord is concerned about you. He won’t dismiss your worries (Psalm 55:22).
  8. The waiting itself isn’t as important as the process of waiting. You are being refined. Embrace it. God never leaves His work incomplete (Philippians 1:6). 
  9. God sees the bigger picture (1 Corinthians 2:9).
  10. God has the best in store for you. Does anyone love you more than Him? (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 15:13; John 10:10).

While I do have a job now, once January gets here, I will have less than 20 days before I will need to leave America to go back to my country if I am not employed. Yes, I am still waiting. But now as I wait, my eyes are on Jesus, knowing full well that He is Lord (Psalm 46:10). 

So as you wait on the Lord, remember to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NASB).

In closing I have to say – I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord!