Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10

Many of you know my husband is an artist.  He went to school at the Chicago Art Institute so that he could pursue a career in this his chosen profession.  He could have followed in his father’s footsteps and become a funeral director, but his passion for art was prompted by a desire to share his art with others. His parents didn’t discourage him.

If we find that we’re called to doing something outside of the box, or not expected of us, it can lead to great success, possible failure, starting over or giving up. It doesn’t make sense to the logical mind that our weaknesses can be used as an opportunity.  Those feelings of weakness hold no value . . . or do they?  We like the idea of success.  Failure isn’t an option in our world, but we do fail.   If we were all the best at everything, there wouldn’t be any motivation to take the next step, would there?  Goals are great, but too often we set them beyond our reach, making them destined to bomb.  Were in fact setting ourselves up for failure. We really need someone we can rely on to help us with tough decisions. Where do we go? Who do we trust?

My husband’s career didn’t take off right away.  He worked as an apprentice, did things that seemed mundane and lacking creativity, but work he did.  Eventually the hard work paid off and he opened his own business.  It grew and thrived.  At the age of 50, however, our world came crashing down because of the economy.   The doors had to be shut and we were left with nothing – no income, no savings – just the few pieces of change in our pockets when we left bankruptcy court.  Our home went into foreclosure and the only jobs which would suit our experience, we were over-qualified for. This could’ve been a time of great depression for us – and it was.

At our lowest point, Paul took up his chisels and began creating magnificent pieces of sculpture.  Those sculptures found homes in places of business and luxurious cabins and homes.  My 13 years volunteering as drama director at our children’s high school led me to a business of my own.  When it seems that all is lost, God always opens the doors to new opportunities for those who place their trust in Him. When you’re going through great difficulty, it’s hard to see any good in it.  It’s tough to understand there are lessons to be learned, but when you look back at these temporary setbacks, you’ll be able to see God ‘s hand in all of it.  He had a plan that was better than yours.  He never left you.  In fact there were times when he carried you.

He uses even our tough times to strengthen us when we trust that He knows what’s best.  Out of difficulty, we found hope.  We realized that success doesn’t come from what we do, but from the Creator of all things.  Trust requires submission.  Letting go and letting God do His work is a necessary component.  Trust also requires us to not give up, but to continue searching, look for opportunities and work at jobs or career paths that you never thought you would.  Trust enables us to surrender everything to the King of Creation.

I call that real success!