When It's Over

Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. Daniel 1:9

Among some fine examples in the Bible are two who had every reason to resist and whine for a better life from God. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers; Daniel was captured by the enemy and given to the chief of the eunuchs. Both had good reason to ask, "What did I do wrong to deserve this fate?" Yet, both chose to serve right where they were, and serve well they did! Both men also found (found?) additional opportunities to fall down and die, but Daniel walked out of the lion's den and Joseph came out of prison, only to once again take up good service to what were to them Gentile rulers.

This comes to mind because this weekend some 'foreign rulers' will close the deal on what to many of us was our lifetime employer. The corporate buyout of Cabela's Inc. - lock, stock, and any empty barrels they find - is due to complete on this coming Monday. Although the lifetime employment of mine was ended earlier than I thought, I and many of my fellow long-serving friends are going to struggle with the feeling that we played for the team that lost the championship in front of the home crowd, bringing them deep disappointment. It may not be an accurate feeling and some may not see that at all, but at least with me that feeling persists. No doubt Joseph and Daniel also faced a weekend when they suffered a similar feeling and may indeed have wondered, "Where were you, God?"

Yet we know from these two fine stories, which anyone can read in Genesis and Daniel, that the two men of God stood up to serve well the foreign rulers they lived under. Joseph and Daniel did not lead a rebellion or fail to give their best as though they served God Himself. (Which they were!) Some of the best stories of God's glorious work in this world come from and within the stories of Daniel and Joseph.

So, Cabela's as we knew it and built it is coming to a close. What service can we offer to others right where we are now, as they say, right where God has planted us? How can we with our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, write a new and inspiring story of service for others to marvel over in coming times? For one thing, we can trust that He never left us and never will leave us. Whether you were tossed out, left on your own, retired, are still there and fear the ax, or have no worries what e'er may come, we belong to the Lord Jesus, and He is writing that inspiring story right now. When it's over, let it be over and we will continue serving Him!

All to God's glory, amen.
Bucky