I am Rahab…Spring Forward

by Charlie

March 20, 2021, the first day of Spring, the season of new beginnings. This time of year brings me much excitement in anticipation of warmer weather, sunnier days, and better spirits. However, this Spring, all I could think about was that I would be 50 next year and still had goals on my list to accomplish. Anyone who knows me knows once I make up my mind to do or achieve something, it’s a done deal.

However, I didn’t go back to college in my 30’s while working full time and raising a family just to get ‘Ten’ years of No’s. No’s which came without concrete justification and, in some cases, not even a rejection letter. This was hard for me because I had never experienced a period of waiting nor rejection of this duration in my life; no goal had ever taken this long.

I would pray earnestly to God, asking Him to open a door. I asked Him what I was doing wrong if I should leave my employer for a new one, why did He allow me to accrue the debt of student loans and not get promoted for so many years. There were days and nights I cried about this, especially knowing I went back to school after much prayer, yet I watched less qualified candidates get the jobs. Finally, one night when I was all cried out, I felt a weight lifted and was relieved. I said what I felt deep in my spirit, “Lord, if it’s not from you, I don’t want it, please help me to trust you still.”

Weeks later, in April, I got an unexpected phone call to interview for a position that my heart had initially been set on when I first graduated college. I knew then it was time to be like Rahab and push aside fear, insecurity, discouragement, and Spring Forward in Faith. I took the interview despite my feelings; I went in faith, trusting God would do what was best for me (even if it was a no). My interview was on a Friday; the following Monday, I was offered the job. I got everything I prayed about in regards to position, environment, salary, and then some…because I am Rahab, too.

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) For I know the thoughts I think towards you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.