God’s Eraser: “But God!”

But God!

By: Murray Lincoln: Misty Hollow Woodcarver

I am a Pastor – now retired after 35 years.

In my 64^th year and 2nd month there wasn’t enough money coming in to pay the salaries of our staff.

So they fired me!

I felt like crap!!!

Moving from a highly respected, ordained minister, trusted by everyone to that level of Crap was not easy. BUT GOD had another plan…

Ministry life isn't easy. I had experienced abuse… horrible bosses (senior ministers) that were the most miserable men alive.

One of them threw his typewriter across the desk at me. I had bought the typewriter and repaired it for him. The "dear brother" got so mad one day that he threw the stupid thing across the desk. It missed  me and hit the wall.

BUT GOD… I love this phrase because "BUT" is an eraser word that wipes out everything that was said or done before it.

I saw abuse on the mission field, too. Older missionaries abused the national church leaders, and super-stupid young missionaries like me. Sheesh, was I ever stupid in their eyes…

BUT GOD used me in ways that stopped their angry words and deeds… kind of like a Joseph, who was another abuse example.

BUT GOD had a plan…

When I was out of the church I had no idea what to do next. BUT GOD did…

I went to the Employment Insurance Office to file my first claim. I was about to cry at the counter that day. I asked the guy behind the counter if he knew anywhere I might get some help. He looked at me for a second or so and then said that a place called "Northern Lights" might be somewhere for me to go…

I walked to that employment counseling office and cried all the way.  I had almost 40-years of successful ministerial work. And before that I had enjoyed a successful, high paying career as a computer technician and programmer with benefits.

I was now looking to do something that had nothing to do with my plans of even three months ago.

I came into the Northern Lights office and almost cried again. This was not a spiritual place. Would they understand a broken grandfather and busted up missionary… a man without a future, crying in front of them?

The older lady behind the counter asked, "Can I help you?"

I gulped and said in a shaky voice, "You could give me some Hope."

She sat and looked at me for a bit and then said, "I think you need to speak with Pat."

BUT GOD used Pat that day when to my surprise she asked me if I ever thought of starting my own business. WOW!!!

That was my original plan! I planned to retire at age 65 and start a woodcarving business! But how would that be possible, I wondered.

Pat suggested I apply for a special Government program entitled SEB (Self Employed Benefits), where if you were accepted, you would be trained to write a business plan, launch a business, and make some money. Under SEB your EI money becomes seed money to build your business.

BUT GOD had a plan to make my dream come true, and now it's called "Misty Hollow Carving!" In about half a year I was making more money that I had earned at the church. It's not just about making money and providing for my family. God knew that people needed help and now I'm reaching more people than ever before!

Every Wednesday I have a table set up outside a store in the Mall where I display my woodwork. I meet over 100 people every Wednesday and I've even married four couples that I met at this table!

I started blogging every day, since I left the church. As of today about 146,000 pages have been viewed by over 106,000 readers.

In all my years of preaching I had never had that many people actually listen to what I said, let alone keep coming back!

I became a Chaplain to the Provincial Politicians in our Ontario government. 107 men and women plus a staff that numbers about 350-400. It's a small hidden body of people that I lead prayer for.

I'm also actively involved in the Correction Service Canada and the Federal prison system, where God has opened unbelievable doors that have placed me in national leadership.

That day in July 2008 when I was crying and broken, thinking my life was over… GOD had another plan.

I am 68 now and just beginning all over. Moses was 80. He had a whole lot of "BUT GOD!" too.

Hang on tight when God erases the negative stuff… WOW!!!

~ Murray Lincoln ~

murraylincoln.com

Editor's Note: How about you? Do you have a "BUT GOD!" story to share? Would you like to have one? Sharing your life story inspires other people, and when you take a few moments to compile your stories into a beautiful hard-cover book, your grandchildren for many generations will cherish you forever!

 

Tagged as: Losing it All and Starting Over, Rewriting the Future, Turning Pain to Gain, Unbuckle Your Christianity, Writing a Life Story