Weekly Update – 24th August

I was speaking to a colleague this week, about her previous work life and route to us and was reminded (again) that as much as we may want to plan our life, God has a better one.

After 14 years at her previous company they closed; we work in insurance and she worked in claims so there is a quite extensive run-off period; after discussions within her team, end dates were notified and it was agreed she would be the last to go, so she was set for the next two years, not ideal but a breathing space and a plan. Then six months later her colleague announced that they wanted to stay, and not leave on the date they’d been given, so the two of them had to interview for the one position that now had 18months to run. She ‘lost’ and had to leave a week later. There was a hit financially as she missed out on some of the redundancy package, and now no job.

5 years on, her old team had a reunion.

She thanked the colleague who’d ‘stolen’ her job. If she’d stayed, as planned, she would have missed the opening with us, which has taken her career in a completely different, very enjoyable, direction.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Exam grades have now been released, bringing with them a big bag of emotions; joy, relief, disappointment, uncertainty. I remember my own GCSE day, I know the grade for each subject, they were so important (!?!). Speaking with Emily earlier this week, it appears I can’t remember what exams my children took, or grades they achieved, at either GCSE, A level or University. Were they less important? The world and media would tell you otherwise! I worried as to why I couldn’t remember; have I just forgotten, did I not pay attention, did I not care, or is it just that after 40 years (ouch) I know that whatever the results are, they’re not the end, they just direct you to the next step, which might not be the one originally planned, but that doesn’t mean you can’t aim for the same destination, you’re just taking a different route.
Or perhaps you’ll try something completely new.

 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

We all need to remember that our worth is not measured by a piece of paper. God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory. Sometimes, a surprising result can open unexpected doors, lead to new passions, or bring clarity about what really matters.

Let’s pray for and encourage the students within our church and beyond. Celebrate their hard work, stand with them in uncertainty, and remind them that God’s plans are not hindered by grades or exams. He is the author of new beginnings, and His possibilities are endless.

May this ‘results’ season be a reminder to all of us—young and old—that when we place our trust in God, there is always hope, always a future, and always more than we can imagine.

 

Jenny