There’s an old saying that says something like, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plans are.”

There’s been a bit of that going on around here lately and it has provided me a tremendous opportunity to literally practice what I preach.

Four weeks ago my fiance, who was then living and working in another state, lost his job. He was the #2 guy in a non-profit organization that brought in a new #1 – and a month later – Poof! #2 job is eliminated.

THAT was not the plan.

The PLAN – my plan- was that we’d manage a bi-state marriage, (not ideal but it was norm for us). His more than adequate income would help him save for his retirement, pay down debt, and help two of his three adult daughters with the expenses for their upcoming weddings. We’d see each other on weekends as we have been and talk 5 times a day on the phone.

Within a week’s time everything changed. And while the stress of the change has been quite profound, I’ve been challenging myself to see God’s provision at every turn.

When news came of the layoff, I told him: we are going to get an awesome opportunity to put our faith where our mouths are. He and I are often play the roles of “spiritual encouragers” for our friends and family members who are going through difficult circumstances. My job as a pastoral coach puts me in the center of a lot of unhappy or challenging times for people. I like to think that the perspective I bring to those circumstances provides hope and healing for the people with whom I’m journeying.

Can I do that for someone whose pain, difficulty, and trials very closely impact me? Can we both see God’s provision in even these trying times? I hope so.

Can I – can we – quite literally practice what we preach?

Here’s what I’ve seen so far:

1. This layoff provides him an opportunity to move back to where his daughters and me and my kids live.
2. The job market here is pretty strong, even for those at an “executive” level of experience.
3. He was supposed to have to pay 2 months rent on his 60-day notice of lease termination of his home. In less than a week his landlord called and asked him if he could vacate within 2 days – and get back the paid rent. A savings of a couple thousand dollars.
4. The truck rental company that he used to move his stuff only charged him for one day instead of the three days he had the truck.
5. Car insurance where I live is half of what it was where he used to live.
6. My basement functions quite well as a modest apartment.
7. The interest rate on my mortgage resets on July 1 and will cut my house payments in half. At least for the next year.

Some people might look at this modest list and say, “Harrumph! Just coincidence.” But you see, I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe that when you look at things with the eyes of faith, your perspective changes. Your vision expands to include the horizon of hope. You are encouraged — even in the midst of trials and challenges.

And I am giddy with excitment. God is moving. I don’t know in what way yet, and that is ok. I don’t need to know. What I do need to do is trust. Trust in a God who loves His creation – who promises that He knows the plans He has for us – plans to prosper and not to harm (Jeremiah 29:11). I don’t need to understand it. I do need to have faith and believe. (Hebrews 11:1).