I was enjoying my vacation last May, traveling to the USA. At that time, I already knew that God wanted me to quit my job, but I was still asking for signs to confirm it.
Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto/TylerRogers
My sister was with me, and we wanted to go to a christian bookstore before we left for Brazil, so we got a couple of addresses from a website and used the GPS to get there. The first one was closed, so we went to the second one.
There we were, and after I finished browsing through the DVD section, I got to the books section.
For many years, first with my old Palm device, then with Kindle (first, the app in my iPhone and then the physical Kindle), I got used to reading ebooks. The convenience of reading my books wherever I am, and the fact that I live in an apartment which has no room left for books led me to stop buying “paper” books.
So there I was, next to the books stands, and since I wasn’t going to buy any books, I just stood there waiting for my sister.
Then I saw a book, it was on the second shelf of books about five meters (16 feet) away from me. I couldn’t tell the title from where I was standing, but there was something about it. Out of lots of books around me, that one seemed to be calling me. I needed to check it out.
I approached it and I saw the title: The Hole in Our Gospel. Quite intriguing. I was pretty sure I had never seen it before, or read anything about it.
I picked it up and I read the information on the back cover, and I froze. It was about an executive who gave up his job as the CEO of a big company to become the CEO of World Vision, a christian organization that helps children in need. I knew it was another sign from God.
I felt right there that God was talking to me, saying that other people has done something like that before (quit their job and refocus their career), I didn’t need to be afraid.
As soon as I got back to the hotel, I got my Kindle and bought the book. I started reading it right away, and the first part that talks about how he eventually accepted the job as CEO of World Vision really touched me deeply. I will publish a review of the book next week with more details about it.
Anyway, as I’ve shared with you before, when I got back from my vacation I was sure what God wanted me to do, so I quit my job.
There were other signs (like Gideon, I was very persistent in making sure I got the message right), and God left me with no doubts as to what He wanted me to do. So I did it. And I am sure that He has everything planned, even tough I still don’t know all details about it. I just trust Him to get me there.
Wow. Cris, God obviously led you to quit your job. I am so excited to watch and see where this road leads!
Jenna, it’s amazing to see God working.
I’ve been praying for the next steps, and I’ve been feeling really strong about working or volunteering at a ONG and help people with my IT skills.
But I’m not sure yet exactly what God wants me to do, so I’m praying about it.
In the mean time, I’m studying (Theology and writing) and getting ready for what He is preparing for me.
Hey Cris: First, thanks for visiting my blog. Thought I would come over to yours and check it out. “The Hole” was an awesome book. In fact, there were a couple of us who did a weekly entry on the book sometime earlier this year (I believe). Quitting your job was a big step. I will be praying for your next step and that God will lead you in His path.
Bill, thank you so much for your visit and for leaving a comment. Yes, that was a great book, and I will look for the posts you mentioned, I’d love to see other impressions about it.
I’ve been thinking that God is leading me to quit my job also. I haven’t done it yet, but maybe i just need to do it? It’s scary!!
Yes, it’s scary indeed! It is not an easy decision, but I suggest you to do like I did: ask God to confirm it to you. I’ve got many signs in many different ways (through people, Scripture, books, and even through a secular movie!). He won’t let you in doubt. Ask, and He will show you.
And if that’s what He wants you to do, you will feel an indescribable sense of relief when you do it, you won’t have any doubts.
God bless you, Jenny!