I Am Confident

I Am Confident

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

My life has taken many turns in occupations. My first job was with F.W.

Wool worths department store in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

My first day on the job I had to mop up an aisle that a customer got sick in. I also had to empty the grease trap under the sink in the small restaurant in the back of the store.

Both experiences prepared me well for the future of cleaning up messes, but I thoroughly enjoyed my job. Meeting people and working with the older waitresses — they taught me the secret recipe for the sauce the customers always asked for. I loved my first job.

Working for a major trucking company I learned to listen and then help solve problems that over the road drivers were experiencing; It may have been a vehicle being overweight, hazardous material spills, legal paperwork and permits, rerouting due to low overpasses, accidents or simply being a voice on the phone to terribly lonely drivers.

To those not familiar with this terminology, I can’t explain it any better than this, I was “called” into the ministry. I came into the ministry through the back door as I didn’t attend seminary.

While in the ministry my interest in the medical field was sparked. Serving as an associate pastor, I asked permission from my senior pastor to attend a Certified Nursing Class and he agreed. I enjoyed the class so much -1 pursued more medical training.

At one point, I left fulltime ministry to pursue becoming a Registered Nurse — my encouragement came from two women whom I attended church with; Wanda Adams (no relation) and Connie Bramucci. Both women started their nursing education and careers when they were in the forties. Becoming a Registered Nurse is still my goal but with every birthday my dream grows dimmer, but I have hope.

I jokingly tell of the drama that plays in my minds’ eye. It goes like this; One day I walk across the stage and receive my nursing diploma and on my way down the stairs, I trip and fall, breaking my neck in the fall and die. I promptly arrive in heaven and ask God a question in the form of a statement; “I thought you told me to go to nursing school?” God replies, “I did tell you to go to nursing school, but I never said that you would be a nurse!” To me, this humorous drama is a way of coping with the frustrations of delays, detours, the passing of time and consequences of decisions made in life.

This reminds me of Tevye, the father in the movie “Fiddler On The Roof’ — throughout the movie he evaluates his options, possibilities and consequences through his recurring comment, “On the one hand … but on the other hand…” We see him struggle with choices he must make and the resulting consequences resulting from his decisions.

We pursue dreams and goals but are distracted and often-times detoured in life by the events that make our dreams only that, dreams.

But there is hope.

We read, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). I believe this is the Word of God to people, who, at a time of discouragement, perhaps even a dark and lonely time – is a commitment to all of us. God is at work in our lives though we do not see Him at work.

Another verse that makes more sense as one gains experiences and becomes older is found in Proverbs.

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (16:9).

I believe God uses our lives to fulfill and complete His desires. He uses the good and not so good to fulfill His will in our lives.

We plan life, but it is God that causes the detours, “accidents” and decisions in our lives to fulfils His good plans.

God is good all the time and when we can’t, won’t or don’t to listen to Him, He is always at work in our lives weaving His plans for His purposes for our good.

You may be going through a dry time in your life (as we all do) but be assured that He is growing you through this dry time as well.

I am leaning on His promise – For I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in our lives will perfect it at the day of Christ Jesus.” Amen.

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.

Clayton Adams