Faith & daily life
At the heart of our faith is the belief that God meets us where we are in all the places and relationships in
which we live, work, play and relate. We pray, support and encourage one another as we grow deeper in faith
and learn to trust God with our whole lives. Some of us are new on the journey; others have been at it for
a while. All of us can find inspiration and hope in the stories of our fellow travelers. FAITH & DAILY LIFE will
be featured monthly with stories of God at work in YOUR life.
God Is In Control
by Dan Engstrand
Thirty two years ago, my career as a consulting engineer was taking off when I
was suddenly faced with taking over a small business upon the unexpected death
of my father. Little did I know that this new role I embraced would become my
life’s work and a good fit for the gifts I have been given.
Age has a way of creeping up on us, as many of you, like me, can attest. At 65 I
am feeling on top of my game in many ways, but I realize that this is not how
society may see me. There are subtle and not so subtle messages that it is time
to begin moving out of the way, at least professionally, if not in other ways. It is
a time in life one marvels at the rapid passage of time and the twists and turns
that account for your current situation. It is a time in life when one sees clearly
God’s faithfulness in one’s own history.
a time in life one
marvels at the rapid
passage of time
and the twists and
turns...
a time in life when
one sees clearly
God's faithfulness...
4
Throughout the years I have participated in various Bible studies, at church or
in the community. These past several months I have been in a study of the book
of Daniel. Being Daniel was my name sake, I have always been curious about
this book and happy for the opportunity for an in-depth study. In this study
I discovered a great book with many parallels for my life. We see Daniel as a
young man and as an old man, living faithfully in a foreign land, in a culture
often hostile to his faith and values. Daniel’s faithfulness encourages me in the
“foreign” places I find myself where my faith and values are at odds with others.
And, of course, Daniel’s faithfulness was based on God’s faithfulness. Daniel
knew God would show up for him and he did, over and over in Daniel’s life.
As I contemplate a new role in my future, I don’t know how God will show
himself but I know from my past and I know from Daniel and other saints that
he will. My challenge is to get out of his way trusting that God ultimately knows
what is best for me and he will take care of my future.