Thursday Thought When a Dream is Delayed (Part 2)
Guest Post by Stephen Robinson
On Monday, I began telling you the story of a difficult season in my journey as a follower of Jesus when I wondered if the dreams I believe God had given me would ever be fulfilled. I hope today’s conclusion will encourage you. (link to Monday’s post here)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
A Delayed Dream is Discerned
Today, I will fast forward a few months. One evening, I was attending a board meeting for Union Gospel Mission. UGM is a non-profit ministry I have been passionate about for several years, and I felt honored to be part of their Board since the fall of 2023. “Established in Spokane, WA in 1951, UGM is one of the oldest non-profits in the area and is a pioneer in serving those struggling with homelessness and addiction in our communities.” (from UGM website: https://www.uniongospelmission.org)
While attending the Board meeting, an announcement was made that there was an opening for a General Manager at UGM Motors. My hand immediately shot in the air like a 5 year-old in Sunday School. My excitement for the role was evident. Without knowing much about this position, I knew it was made for me. After the meeting I asked Phil Altmeyer, UGM’s director, what they were looking for in a candidate, and his answer only increased my excitement: “Someone who could lead a team, be an encourager, and be a spiritual leader.”
A first interview was scheduled. During the interview, I learned that each day they have a daily devotional with the entire team, led by the General Manager. I was ecstatic. Isn’t that exactly what the Lord had given me a vision of only a few weeks earlier?
I couldn’t sleep for several nights after learning about this opportunity. I felt God was trying to get my attention. On a couple of occasions, I got up and went to the living room. Lying on the floor, I cried out to God, pleading for direction and guidance. I knew I wanted the role, but not if it wasn’t God’s will for me.
The morning after my second interview, I was working out, thinking through my follow-up email to the members of the interview team, wondering how best to thank them for the opportunity to discuss the role and to reiterate my excitement. As I was thinking through what I wanted to say, I received a text message letting me know it was a unanimous decision and they would be offering me the position as the next General Manager of UGM Motors!!
Dreams Move Us Forward
All that day I was nervous about giving notice at George Gee. While outside, trying to collect my anxious thoughts, one of the sales managers came up to me, gave me a big hug and said that the Lord put this verse on his heart to share with me, “Be Still, and Know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). What a relief it was to hear that scripture in that moment.
Even though I felt bad about giving notice so soon after beginning my employment, I felt peace. Pulling out of the parking lot later, I was filled with mixed emotions. I would miss the people I was leaving behind, and while the future was uncertain, I had no doubt it was the Lord’s plan. I couldn’t have been more excited. Later that night, I woke up, shuffled to the couch, opened up my laptop and began to journal. Below are some random excerpts:
It’s 3:30 in the morning and I am sitting on the couch, in the same place where I have sat for hours in the middle of the night. Looking back at all that’s happened, I don’t know why I went through it. Perhaps the Lord was preparing me for this new GM role and what I believe may be my last job until I retire.I just spent the last 15 minutes deleting screenshots saved from my time with previous employers and my seasons of unemployment. The tears just slowly started to fall. I am still getting in touch with this side of me - the release of emotions through tears. These past two and a half years have been such a hard season - lean financial times, uncertainty and a lot of tears.
I can’t wait to begin this new chapter and put the pain of the past 2.5 years behind me. I heard my friend Joey talk about putting out resumes and never hearing a thing. It’s a very painful season to navigate through. I couldn’t have done it without my incredibly supportive wife and my unwavering faith in Christ.
I’ve been in my role as General Manager for UGM Motors for about a month now, and I love my job! I get to combine my passion for sharing Jesus, pastoring my team, plus a love for the car business. I can’t believe I get to do this everyday. Each day as I grab my Bible and head to lead our daily devotions, I quietly say a prayer, thanking the Lord for the opportunity, the doors opened and closed that led to this position.
What About Your Dreams?
Do you find yourself in a dark valley? Does the outlook seem bleak? Does this season of life feel hopeless? Does it seem like the Lord could not possibly be working in and through you? Honestly, I understand! I hope my story is encouraging. While life may not make sense in the moment, I hope you will somehow manage to stay close to the Lord, spending time each day learning to listen for God’s still, small voice.
I pray you find encouragement in my journey that abundantly spills over into yours,
Stephen Robinson