Applying for jobs...
 

I've grown tired of Orlando.

I've applied for jobs with "our uncle" in Dallas, Rhode Island, Germany, and will apply for Iraq.

The thing is, I prayed several years ago about going back to Iraq and/or Afghanistan as a civilian, but felt impressed that Our Father's answer was, "No." Today, I am not sure that was ever His answer or if that is His answer today still.

I've been hesitant since 2006 to work as a civilian in the Middle East, even though my last combat tour was 2008.

But my hesitancy makes no sense to me and I feel like I am just wasting time and squandering opportunities for career advancement and the pay raises that follow.

So, why am I putting all this out there?


Is there any one who ever thought God was telling them "No" on an issue, only to find out you made a mistake, He wasn't saying "No" and it was just your apprehension that deceived you?


Is there anyone who God did say, "No" on an issue, but you realize that His "No" was not a permanent "No"? How did you know His "No" had turned into a "Yes"?


For me, the "No" in question pertains to working as a civilian, in any capacity, in the Middle East.

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

I know exactly what you are talking about.

I'm 24 years old and decided I wanted to go to Bible College in Stockton. I decided I would go to the Xperience at the school to see how I would like it. I already knew everyone. I already knew of the staff. I was just going for the social part of it, having my heart already set on going.

However, while there I noticed I was struggling with a feeling I kept getting in prayer. It was as if that apprehension was being laid on me, and not coming from myself.

Something I have learned. When I want to do something, and my heart wants to do something, but I still get that hang up in prayer, I recognize it as the Lord stopping me.

I advise that you pray. If it is the will of God, it will not go away and He will give you the grace to go in that direction. If it isn't the will of God, you will notice a feeling of going uphill. As if you are almost trying to make it happen, instead of letting it happen.

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

What would life be like in Iraq as a civilian versus a soldier? Would there be any semblance of normalcy? I find the concept interesting.

A lot more pay!!!

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

German,

My son who was a Marine that served two tours in Iraq really wanted to go back as a private contractor. I told him that putting ones self in danger in service of his country is a lot different than doing it just for the adventure and money.

I have a lot of grey hair from his two tours of the Al Anbar province of Iraq and didn't want to go through that again. I did a lot of praying and thankfully he got a very good job working on offshore oil rigs and is developing a career in that field of work. It is dangerous but not near as dangerous as the Middle East!

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

I was actually working on starting a business, but I keep running into complications and having to spend money on stuff that I didn't plan to spend.

I'm single and I have this problem. I don't know what I'd do if Ihad a family to support.

If I went to the Middle East, I wouldn't need to be there for only a year or so.

This whole, "Is it God's Will to do this or that" stuff can be a very frustrating exercise-- especially when I can see so clearly what I would do and it would work.

It's like getting ready to get I-95 to get from Florida to DC, only to think that maybe GOD is saying, "No-- you should take U.S. 17 North."

Can I get to DC by U.S. 17? Sure, but talk about a very, very long and out of the way trip! Much more costly in gas too. The speed limit is lower. Many more opportunities to be pulled over by unscrupulous cops through some of the backwoods in the Carolinas.

Sometimes I wonder if my hesitance is simply much ado about nothing, so to speak.

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

German,

By any chance could you getting tired of Orlando have anything to do with it being summer and the tremendous heat and humidity there? If you hang on a few more months do you think the desire to move yet again might subside?

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

Emphatically, no.

Re: Applying for jobs...
 

Sometimes, we get what we want.