March 20th, Saturday, Fourth Week of Lent

Jeremiah 11: 18-20, Psalm 7: 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12, John 7: 40-53

There’s my way, and then there is God’s way.

Today’s readings talk about taking refuge in God, asking God to rescue us and become a shield to save and protect us. I often ask for God’s help, but rarely allow Him to help me.

For years, I was building a career that I knew deep down wasn’t what I was meant to be doing. To outsiders, I appeared successful and happy, but inside, I felt something was missing. Each promotion brought more prestige, but also increased responsibilities, more stress and time away from my family. I felt exhausted and empty, and yet I didn’t really do anything about it. I needed God’s refuge. I prayed that God would help me find more purposeful, fulfilling work that could support, rather than compete with my family and faith. I explored a number of opportunities, but realized most of them were new versions of the career I already had. It wasn’t until an opportunity at a national charity presented itself that I realized God had answered my prayers in the form of a challenge. Accepting God’s help required me to sacrifice some of the things that constituted worldly success. Making the change certainly wasn’t easy, but for me it has created a sense of purpose and peace.

This experience proved to me that God is always there to provide refuge and safety in my life, but I have to choose it.

I still try to solve almost all of my problems on my own and have to remind myself that God not only protects me, but guides me…when I’m willing to let Him.

Matt Knott is married to Agnes and they have four children: Emma, Jack, Abby and Taylor. Matt works for Feeding America.