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Have you ever suffered a setback in your career because of your Christian lifestyle? Fran’s friend, Barry, has just had that painful experience. He was in line to be awarded a big new national account, but it was given to a less-qualified person. And the unspoken but clear reason for this decision by upper management is that Barry’s Christian principles prohibit him from being a part of the acceptable “party and drinking scene” which this client seems to expect.
Fran is upset because Barry is not going to fight the decision. Driving home from work this Friday afternoon, after a long discussion with Barry which almost turned into an argument, she says to Jesus, “Lord, this is not fair. Barry should stand up for his rights. You don’t expect us to just lay down and roll over when we’re treated unfairly, do you?”
“Fran,” Jesus quietly replies, “don’t you remember what I said in the Sermon on the Mount?”
“You mean the ‘turn the other cheek’ part? Yes, but Lord does that mean we’re supposed to be door mats? What kind of testimony is that?” Fran replies.
“Fran,” Jesus continues, “you should know by now that as a follower of me, you don’t live by the same rules as others. The weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
“Yeah, I know,” Fran says, “but it’s just so hard to accept it. I feel so bad for Barry. He’s such a great guy and he would handle that account imminently better than Lloyd. It’s just so hard….”
“Remember, Fran,” Jesus says, “this is not the end of the story. Barry said he was letting go and trusting me, and you’re going to have to do the same thing.”
“He’s a lot better at that than I am,” Fran says. “It almost seems like he’s a little wimpy. But I guess….”
“Don’t confuse acceptance and submission with weakness, Fran,” Jesus reminds her. “It takes a lot more character and strength to let go than it does to fight.”
That evening she and Barry talk on the phone, and they agree this is a matter that only God can adequately resolve. So, they pray together about it, and Fran tells Jesus she will indeed let go of it.
“I really admire your ability to trust God, Barry,” Fran says, “even in the midst of a disappointment. I’ve learned a lesson by watching how you’re handling this.”
“Gee, Fran,” Barry says, “I don’t feel like I’m handling it so great. It still hurts, but I believe if I fight it, I’ll just mess things up worse. Have to tell you, though, I was already spending that additional income. There’s something I want to buy. . . oh, well, in God’s time.”
Fran wonders what he’s talking about, but she’s afraid to ask!