Normally I save testimonials for the last week of the month. However, I was blessed with an Elijah’s Tree experience earlier this month, and I wanted to share. When we left our home, our job, and all our securities last October, I assumed as soon as we got Elijah’s Tree up and running God would bless us with new employment. So for six months, I studied the IRS’s website, Texas Comptroller’s site, talked with lawyers, CPAs, and other nonprofits around the country to see what we needed to do. At the same time, I interviewed many people in ministry to find out what they would like if they went on retreat. I felt like I worked hard, and did what God called me to do.
So, after the majority was complete, I took a position as a benefit consultant with Aflac (you’ve seen the duck on TV, right?) which is solely commission based pay, and found out I’m not that good of a salesman. As month’s went by and our bank account drained, disappointment and stress built up, and frustration set in. One night in July, I made the comment to Kelly, “I feel like God has abandoned us.” The next week, I was interviewed for, and hired on the spot, a new job that payed exactly what I had been praying for. Also, it allows me the time to work on Elijah’s Tree, which I’m trying to hold as my main priority.
At the same time I had the opportunity to be a chaperone for a youth group at camp, where we spent most of the days playing in the Frio River, and one day floating it. When I was able to get away from my day to day, I noticed a more relaxed devotion time. It just seemed more intimate. It seemed like my connection with God had been Renewed. One of our devotions was on 1 Corinthians 10. In this chapter, I noticed two things: 1.) How the Israelites “grumbled” against God. 2.) How everything they needed was provided for them, and how it was Christ with them. I thought about how I grumbled against God, and how even so, He still gave me exactly what I prayed for.
It was humbling to say the least. I prayed and asked forgiveness for what I had said, because it was more than just a job that allowed me time to work on Elijah’s Tree. There has been provision the entire way that I have been largely ungrateful for. As I worked through the emotions of being humbled and enlightened, I truly felt I had been Restored. I had a new faith that God will take care of me and my family, and now, I can continue my calling.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this. This is exactly how Elijah’s Tree is meant to work. We provide a place of retreat for those in different types of ministry to get away so they can Renew their connection with God, be Restored by Him, and then return to their calling. If you would like to nominate someone for this, please contact us. If you would like to contribute to this, we are an official 501(c)3 charity, and donations are tax deductible. Also, we are constantly looking for prayer warriors, simply click on the “contact us” tab. Thank you for taking the time to read this again, and as always – To GOD Be The Glory!