I sat on the couch in his office and prayed for God to help me to respond kindly. Across from me sat my boss who was a Christian man, and I worked at a Christian school. Over the course of several weeks, he had questioned my capabilities, misrepresented my motives, stripped me of responsibilities I loved, and placed me on probation.

I’d started working at the school way before he did. In fact, I’d grown up there. I met Christ as a middle school student in a chapel service, and it was my joy to give back and serve as a teacher to young people in the same classrooms I’d sat in for six years.

Except now, this new boss was a thorn in my flesh. For some crazy reason, he just didn’t like me, and I might lose my job because of it. But it was more than just a job – it was my ministry, my heart, my calling. I’d spent over a decade working there and loving every moment.

I didn’t know what to do, so I went back to my classroom and closed the door. I sat in a student desk and placed my open Bible in front of me and asked God to help me. I needed His direction. I didn’t know where to turn, so I turned to my Master first.

It was the 22nd day of the month, so I read through Proverbs 22 and prayed over each verse. When I got to verse 11, I heard the clear voice of the Holy Spirit give me my marching orders:

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

Really, Lord? I understood exactly what God was asking me to do, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to be gracious and loving to a man who wanted to destroy my life. I spent a few minutes crying out for God’s strength, praying for God’s blessing over my boss, and asking God to help me to serve with joy in the midst of a very uncomfortable situation…

I’m sharing “Called to Represent”at Love God Greatly today.

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