Get Off Your Knees
When I finished business school at UNC, more than 15 years ago, I got a great job with one of the Big 6 accounting firms, moved back to my hometown of Washington DC, bought a new home and my wife a new BMW. Life was good!
Yet only two years later, it was time to consider a job change. I wasn’t learning or contributing very much, and it made for some tough days in the office. Fortunately, I was able to identify another job opportunity that I thought would allow me to contribute more, learn more – and even make more money. BUT, taking the new job would require relocating – back to North Carolina and a city that I liked, but away from my hometown, away from my family and friends, and into a circumstance that was unfamiliar to me; and it would require me to sell my new house at a loss. Big changes are tough for most of us, and for me making this decision was no exception.
I spent lots of time weighing the pros and cons and did some heavy duty praying, but after several days of considering the opportunity I still couldn’t come to a decision. That weekend Crystal and I went to a wedding with Aunt Emily and her friend Charles. I remember him asking me how work was going and me telling him about the decision that I was struggling with. After solemly telling him that I was “praying on it,” Charles responded quickly, “Boy, you better get off your knees and get in the car!”
Charles’ quick response caught me off guard, but resonated with me. I considered it a loud and clear answer to my prayers. The book of James, chapter 2 tells us that “faith without works is dead.” While we should all take the time to make thoughtful decisions and should be careful to offer prayers of supplication and thanksgiving to the Almighty, sometimes it’s just as important to get off of our knees and get in the car!
