On Wednesday, December 3rd, two days before my brother Pete and I were to fly out to Korea, he walked into his office, like he always does, and was coldly greeted by a firm handshake, some HR paperwork, and the typical corp-speak that’s given when anyone get’s laid off.

The “economy” and “state of things” and many typical cliches were used in an effort to dull the pain but I think all those excuses are complete crap… and in light of God’s overwhelming Sovereignty… pretty moot.

More thoughts after the jump.

I think God is planning the next big thing in my brother’s life… because all of this really couldn’t come at a more terrible and inconvenient time:

1. Recently engaged, he’s been planning (with my wife’s help) his wedding for May 30th, 2009.  Weddings, as many of us know, are expensive.
2. He’s also a new homeowner this year, sporting his first mortgage and all the frustrations of owning a house.  It’s the mortgage payments, of course, that he like many are concerned about.
3. He lost his job 2 days before a life-altering event was to occur… could the stress been any greater?
4. He’s got one more semester to finish out his M.Div.  That’ll be 3 degrees (M.Div, M. Biblical Studies, M. Biblical Counseling) in almost the same time that it’s taken me to get 30% done on my 1 @ Dallas Theological Seminary degree.  Needs tuition and book money for one more semester…

And more…

But I think God is in the business of doing great things and I think, perhaps selfishly, He particularly enjoys obtaining as much Glory as He possibly can.  That’s a good thing.  He also apparently really enjoys blessing His children.  I dig that mucho.

So to you, my fellow blog’o'sphere readers… can I ask you to pray for my brother during this time?  He needs it and I’ll be on my knees til I see what God has in store for him next.

Also, if you’re looking for some help, in whatever capacity, I will shamelessly plug him and tell you that he’s been doing business consulting for years and can tear any organization a “new one” with process analysis, strategy, and product/project management.

He’s also got 3 biblical/theological degrees… so if you swing that way, drop him a line:  petersaddington@gmail.com.

Send him an encouraging email too… those always feel good.

Thanks for listening folks.  You guys rock.  And feel free to contact me directly if you’ve got anything cooking: johnsaddington@gmail.com.