overcoming anxiety

A friend writes that his business has been down lately, he has been feeling anxious about the future and he has gone through a period of discouragement. He asks if I can offer any encouragement.

career and God's will

A gracEmail subscriber writes to say that he took a job which seemed to come in answer to prayer, but that he never felt assured that it was God's will and ... it takes him away from his family and church far more than he wishes. How can he discern the Lord's leading in this matter?

seeking career guidance

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?"

God guides and provides

A gracEmail subscriber writes that he is worn out in his work for God. He started a local church about a decade ago, and has no help in carrying it on. He preaches, leads singing, serves Communion, teaches Bible class and leads prayers. Can I offer any encouragement?

law as a calling

A gracEmail subscriber writes that his son is interested in becoming an attorney. "Many people ... consider lawyers to have but little concern for truth and justice if those things do not further their own agenda or personal gain." Can I offer any advice as a Christian attorney?

lazy preachers

A sister in Mid-America writes that she loves her minister and his family but that the man is simply lazy. Wouldn't it be better, she asks, to divert the considerable sum of money paid in salaries to preachers every year to needy people or other good works?

the unexpected minister

Recently I flew to Baton Rouge, Louisiana on business, where I took a taxicab from the airport to my hotel. Upon entering the cab, I immediately noticed a large and well-worn Bible on the driver's dashboard.... One thing led to another and we quickly launched into a delightful discussion about the Savior and our common hope, quoting Scripture back and forth for the next 25 or 30 minutes ....

the preacher's agony

A young preacher ... interviewed at the non-creedal church and expressed his honest beliefs about the work of the Holy Spirit and the role of women, ... which he knew were different from the church's traditional views.... Half the church agrees with the preacher and half hold to the traditional understanding.... Some members stated at a recent congregational meeting that "we believe [our traditional church] doctrine and if that doesn't work for you, then you can leave." The preacher asks whether he should stay or leave under these circumstances.

my profession and my provider

I walk to my 17th-floor window and look out through the rain. "God," I say, "I don't know how I'll ever make a living on cases like these. Help me serve these people as best I can. I believe you have sent them to me. I look to you to provide for me and my family." Out of the blue, that afternoon I receive phone calls from insurance adjusters in two other cases. Both callers are unusually friendly. Both offer settlement exceeding what I anticipated. "Thank you, Father," I say, as I reflect on it later. "You provide when I least expect it."

twin tyrants

A gracEmail reader who works hard to do good and to help others feels sad and frustrated because his work often goes unnoticed, while others who seemingly do less work and do it less well receive public attention and praise. He asks how to find freedom from his disappointment and dismay.

weariness, work and wealth

A Christian professional student writes, "Proverbs 23:4 says not to weary yourself to obtain wealth. Does that rule out my accepting a job with a large firm that requires its associates to work 60-80 hours per week?"

working for the Lord

I pull into the urban strip center and enter the storefront with the sign "Anchor Box Co." I have run out of mailing bags and have come to buy a quantity supply at wholesale. This is a warehouse operation, not an air-conditioned store. Yet the young man who greets me seems genuinely happy.

where to start?

A gracEmail subscriber asks, "How can I know what God expects me to do? There are so many good things that need to be done, one person cannot do them all. Much of the time I wear myself out in good works and still end the day feeling guilty."