DAY 33

Tom McKendry | Re:Hope Southside

In the lead-up to 40 Days of Answered Prayer last year, Fiona and I discussed what we would pray for together. At the time, I was working in Ireland, and it looked like I would be based in Dublin for the foreseeable future. We prayed for a way to relocate to Scotland and finally experience a relationship in the same country, rather than relying on an EasyJet flight every three weeks between Belfast and Glasgow. We didn’t know what that might look like—and were prepared that it might mean leaving my job or, given the construction industry, ending up on a remote wind farm somewhere near Wick!

But just a week before 40 Days began, my company was awarded a major new contract in Paisley to build a new bridge. However, there was no guarantee I would be involved. There was already an established team in Scotland, and it seemed unlikely they would move me from Ireland. So we prayed in faith that, if this was the Lord’s plan for us, He would make the way clear.

As 40 Days began, the work I had in Ireland was coming to an end with an expectant second phase of works delayed. I expressed my interest in moving to Paisley and left the decision with the directors—and with the Lord.

We reached the end of 40 Days but hadn’t heard an answer. But, in early November, my director called. He was delighted I had put my name forward, said this was a good move for me and told me they had decided to move me onto the Paisley project from the new year.

Even more remarkably, the company would provide me with accommodation that was in Thornliebank—just ten minutes from Southside and ten minutes away from Fiona.

What followed was far more than simply a change of job. I moved from a relatively lonely life, living in hotels for work, with little sense of community, to living and working nearby to church and becoming part of church life and a BRT group.

Looking back, the whole move feels like a series of green lights from the Lord—each one confirming His goodness and His plan for us.

And as I sit writing this on the plane to our honeymoon, I’m so thankful that we trusted Him with each step and ultimately heard him confirm his plans for us!

Praise be to God.