But first of all I AM going to tell the original story. I don't know about you, but I think it's good to remember and speak about what God's done for us, even if life does go on. Now let me set the scene...
For weeks, months and actually 1 year and a half, I have been looking into learning to barber. The idea would come and go like a thought in the wind but I think some point last year was the first time when I actually picked up some clippers and razored a head! Originally when I mentioned the idea I was discouraged from it by those I spoke to about it. Some thought because I'd done a degree in Engineering it was silly and actually crazy to think about going into such a field. Some thought I should get out of this fantasy world and look into getting full time employment. I thought everyone just wanted to kill the dream inside me, but I bit my tongue (well in the end I did!) and delved into the world of 'work just for the sake of paying the rent'. Yet, 'the barbering idea' never quite left me. The truth was during this time, though I didn't know it at first, I was learning how to endure, working in jobs I didn't enjoy and holding on. God was in fact working through others for my good.
Flash-forward to two months ago. In the house, having finished my temp work 3 months before that which I actually survived (though I felt like quitting countless times), and back on jobseekers allowance. As per regular I was on a diversion from my job search looking up barbering courses and I came across this one in West Thames College. '10 week course' the advert said 'It will teach you techniques such as clipper work, scissor work '........Nice.
Price: £210 no concessions. Not so nice.
I had no way to save this up and living in Christian community, all things in common, saving some money on the side from any funds I had coming in was a big 'No-no'. I had to discuss the whole thing with an elder in my house in the end. He was quite reasonable. 'If you can get it sorted, I have no problem with you doing it'. The 'all clear' was given. Now, how to get it sorted. My thoughts turned to sponsorship.
While still praying about it, I whizzed round with my sponsor sheet mentioning it to people and at the same time seeing if God was moving it forward. With three days left before the course start date, I called up the college and they landed me with a huge bummer. £89 to be added on for equipment costs! I had collected £100 altogether, and my heart was sinking. Maybe God wasn't in it after all.
I had just been reading a book on a man who God seemed to provide for at vital times, without this man's own hand forcing so much to make things happen. I thought 'Maybe I've been striving too much, why haven't I just allowed God to do it. I've been so anxious. I think it's time to give it to God'. So I did. I refused to collect any more money, even from those I'd previously asked and prepared to give all the cash back I had originally collected. If this was God's will, he would do it himself, I would not seek him to bless me moving in my own strength.
Next day, I go to my voluntary workplace. The manager asked me, 'how are your collections going'. I basically explained to her what had been going on and told her I was giving the money back. She said something which intrigued me. 'It's funny but i was looking online for courses the other day for myself and I came across a barbering course. I think it's around £100'. It was at the college near where she lived. As my eyebrows raised, I asked her for the website. Trying to get online I found it wasn't working but they provided us with a telephone number. Immediately I rang and asked them about the course. They explained the details but with another blow. It was not around £100, it was £352! My manager whispered to me, ask them how much it is for someone on jobseekers. So I did. The lady on the line said 'Oh, it's free. Just bring your evidences'. So I just started the course last Monday.
1 year NVQ, course free of charge, £93.21 for barbering kit from their suppliers and £5 registration fee.
Now remember the £100 which had been raised through the sponsor sheet. You do the maths....
_______________________________________________________________
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is
- 2 Timothy 2:13
_______________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment