44. Don't Give Up

The Brown family attended Adventist meetings and rejoiced in the new truths they learned. But when they heard about the fourth commandment, Chris Brown knew that if he kept the Sabbath, he'd face a problem. He worked for the railroad, and they required him to always be ready to work when they called, no matter what day it was―seven days a week. Would they make an exception for him?

When Chris asked for Sabbaths off his boss said, "No." The conference religious liberty department used every method available to persuade them. But soon after the Browns were baptized, Chris lost his job.

Did Chris complain that he had a wife and five small children to feed? Did he give up the faith? No. He rejoiced that He had learned God's truth, and began looking for a job. For two weeks Chris followed up classified ads, phoned various businesses, and pounded the pavement from one store to another, looking for work. Things looked bleak, but Chris remained faithful. Then, in one day, Chris received offers for five different jobs―each paying more than the one he'd lost.

Things don't always turn out that favorably. But if we're faithful in the Stewardship of Sabbath, God will care for us and provide everything we need.

When we're tempted to misuse the Sabbath hours―for pleasure, or for keeping the peace at home with an unbelieving spouse, or earning money to pay our bills―we need to remember God's promise in 1 Cor. 10:13 ". . . God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."