I received a phone call from KC of Just So You’ll Know fame. He knew of some of the struggles we are going through and wanted to touch base with us. That was a welcomed call. It was good to hear his voice and encouragement. I have never met KC, other than through the blogosphere, but I do count him as a brother in the Lord and I’m grateful for his prayers and concerns. I assured him that we are doing OK.

But truth be told, we do feel caught between the vice and the grip of God. When I stepped down from GPC in mid August, they gave us enough money to last to about December. That was very kind on their part, and we do sincerely appreciate it. But we also feel the pressure of finding another call to our next church. We have been invited to a church in Texas for a week in mid November for an associate position, but alas, I am one-of-four candidates they are looking at. It would be my desire that I would be their number one candidate and receive the call, but only if that is God’s will.

Other than that position, we are still in the early stages of all other opportunities. Given that we are one-of-four in Texas, the earliest we could find a call is January. If that one doesn’t materialize, the probability is that we won’t find a call until April or later. So you can see where our concern materializes. Money to last to December 1, without a call later than that. The numbers do not add up.

The obvious answer: Get a job now to help maintain finances. Problem is, where do I find a job that I can come and go when I need to take trips to Texas or Ohio or wherever?

It is at times like these that we truly see the hand of God in our lives. We are in a situation that we realize everything we have, is from His hand. The Psalmist David wrote: You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

The story goes that the circuit rider had nothing more than a loaf of bread to feed his family. As they gathered around the table, he lifted is eyes to heaven and prayed, “O Lord, all this and Jesus too.”

I’m not sure how all this will play out. Yet He is our portion forever, and that is enough. Yes, our hearts tremble from time to time. That usually happens when our eyes are fixed upon this world, and not on Him. We are in His vice grip. But what a wonderful place to be.