
By Stan Guthrie
Fifteen years ago today, I walked out of the Christianity Today offices for the last time as an employee, let go for economic reasons. Earlier in the week, which I now wryly refer to as “Black Tuesday,” I was given the news, which, frankly, shocked me, though I guess it shouldn’t have.
I have recounted God’s many provisions, most of them unexpected, here before: Christine quickly being thrust back into the workforce after 12 good years as a homemaker and mom to our three kids (who are now beginning their own adventures as Christian adults), the people who dropped off cash or other essentials, Christian friends and colleagues who offered me help and encouragement as I got back on my feet, and opportunities to serve and influence that I had never dreamed possible.
Amid all the good, many other things have happened to us both personally and professionally during this season that we would not have chosen, some of which remain painful and even bewildering. (This is the human experience, isn’t it?) Yet we have never lacked for material things or the encouraging presence of God.
While the road has sometimes been bumpy, I can attest to the Lord’s constant love, mercy, and faithfulness to me, His very imperfect follower. While I can only guess what lies around the next corner, I know that He will be there to greet me when I get there. As the Scripture says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”