When my husband Chad and I were dating I was placed with a decision. I was in need of a new direction in my life and a new place to work. At the time I was a believer however my lifestyle was not showing the fruits of Christ.I was choosing my own way of life, knew what I wanted, knew exactly how to get it and I depended on no-one. Yet I was offered a position at both Comcast and World Vision.
Comcast provided a full time opportunity with many great benefits and terrific pay, working Monday through Friday 8am-5pm. Everything I was looking for including a comfortable office with a view.
World Vision provided a less glorious package: part time hours which may lead into a full time position, basic benefits, hours varied within Monday-Saturday.
Well at initial thought Comcast was where I should work, it had everything that I needed. But when sitting on the floor with both companies information in front of me, something caught my eye. A World Vision magazine that was included in my hiring packet had a beautiful African American boy with the most beautiful brown eyes. I can still see it in my mind right now. He was hungry. I read through the entire magazine and learned of many things that World Vision did for this boy as well as million of others. I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I needed to Feed the Babies.
I took the job with World Vision. Jesus was pleased with my decision and was faithful to what me and my family needed.
During our human resources meeting on the first day I was given the option for full time. Monday thru Friday day shift. When training was over I found my cubicle assignment was up against the windows with a view. Within the first 30 days I was given a raise and then again at 90 days and then another at one year. The one given to me at 90 days already exceeded the pay at Comcast.
Instead of finding a new career I found a new life. My entire family including Chad was drawn closer to God. Things were changing all around us.
One day I sat with the Human Resources lady who hired me and we discussed my career's success' as well as my thoughts about working at World Vision. She was really interested in hearing what led me here. I responded with a huge smile pointing to the magazine cover which I framed and placed on top of my desk. I then began to tell her about the day I was making the decision and that little boy wrapped his finger around my heart. She replied, "oh I know that picture I simply love it, but looking at the design but I think that is an older magazine." Where did you get that? I answered, "it was in my hiring package." HR woman began to smile and she stated that I must have received an old packet because she always includes the latest magazine.
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9
Matthew was a Jew who was appointed by the Romans to be the area's tax collector. The Jewish people hated tax collector's for their reputation for cheating and their support of Rome.
When Jesus called Matthew to be one of his disciples. Matthew got up and followed leaving his career, he was able to completely change his plans and priorities.
When God calls you and I, will we be able to abandon your current life just as Matthew did?
Sometimes following Christ requires difficult or painful choices, even sacrifices. Like Matthew we must decide to let go of those things that would keep us from following Jesus.
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