To: JuneMcrea@ustel.com
From: KellyTodd@linkmac.com

Dear Aunt June,

Picture this. I'm in the dry cleaner's parking lot. I just met with the manager to discuss his new ad in the Little Creek Times. My cell phone rings. It's the recruiting coordinator from Phipps Advertising in Indianapolis (my dream job!) calling to set up an interview for next week. And then—this is the unbelievable part—within the hour, the phone rings and it's a partner from that small design firm in nearby Jackson. She tells me that they are looking to hire an associate and want to meet me. Suddenly, I've got two interviews next week after hearing nothing since my interviews on campus.

You've probably heard of Phipps. They're a big name regionally and have clients coast-to-coast. It would be very challenging and exciting work—eventually. For the first few years, I'd be in a back office with little client contact. Not so with the small Jackson firm. I would be one of five designers and would have the opportunity to jump right in and put my skills to use.

Hopefully one of these will work out. But what if I get offers from both? I don't know how I'll decide. Big firm versus small firm, hours from home versus an hour from home. Whatever decision I make will determine the course of my life for years to come. Please pray that God will make his will known to me.

Kelly

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To: KellyTodd@linkmac.com
From: JuneMcrea@ustel.com

Dear Kelly,

So glad to hear you've got two interviews next week. You may have some big decisions ahead of you. I can tell you feel pressure to make the "right ones." Most everyone feels that kind of pressure when faced with a tough choice, but sometimes Christians get themselves into a bind trying to discern God's will. Remember, it's not your job to try to discover God's secret will for your life. "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us" (Deut. 29:29). God's will for our lives—the will of God we must follow—is that which he has revealed in his Word. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105).

Depend upon God for the grace and wisdom to obey him in your choices. Evaluate your alternatives in light of the principles of righteous conduct you find in Scripture. For example, since both companies are advertising firms, consider whether the ads they produce are truthful. Our Lord speaks the truth, and so should we. Would your work for either firm bring glory to Christ and his kingdom? Would it benefit others? Don't forget your desires for the future. They're not irrelevant. Also, examine yourself for sinful motivations. (Think about Jonah in the Old Testament. Taking a trip to Tarshish isn't sinful, but taking a trip to Tarshish for the purpose of evading God and his instructions is.)

Pray for the Spirit's help in understanding and applying God's Word to your situation. The Spirit and the Word won't lead you in two different directions—they go together.

A few dos and don'ts as you weigh your decision. Don't expect to find a Bible verse telling you where to live or which firm is right for you. Don't expect to hear a voice telling you which one to pick, either. Do consider how your decision will affect your spiritual life. How far will you need to travel to church? Will your employer's demands conflict with your Lord's? Will moving away from your family put strains or temptations before you that could cause you to sin?

That's a lot to think about. As you do, be sure to seek godly counsel. Of course, your parents will have thoughts to share with you. But don't be afraid to speak to your pastor, one of the elders, or others in the church who know and care about you. We'll be praying for peace and preparedness for your interviews and wisdom as you make decisions.

Love,
Aunt June

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To: JuneMcrea@ustel.com
From: KellyTodd@linkmac.com

Dear Aunt June,

Thanks for your advice. I told Pastor Dave about my upcoming interviews. He said he'd pray for me, and put me in touch with his sister, who is a CPA with her own office. She started her career at one of the big accounting firms in Indianapolis. We met for lunch, and she told me that her big-city firm experience was invaluable professionally, but that having a small office now allows her more control over her time—essential, now that she's married. Something to think about, even though I'm as likely to get married soon as land on a TV reality show.

I'll let you know what happens.

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To: JuneMcrea@ustel.com
From: KellyTodd@linkmac.com

I got the job! Packing again to move to Indianapolis tomorrow for the job with Phipps. I start next week. THANK YOU for your prayers. Keep on praying!

Love,
Kelly

This series of fictional e-mail correspondence is being written by three women in the OPC. New Horizons, October 2011.