Foundation of Faith
**Episode 1: The Calm Before the Storm**
The sun shone brightly on a serene Sunday morning as John and his family walked back from the local parish. The echoes of the closing hymn still lingered in their hearts, bringing a sense of unexplainable peace. For John, a dedicated employee at a small private firm, these moments with his wife, Mary, and their son, Samuel, were his greatest treasures.
Inside their modest yet cozy home, the atmosphere was filled with warmth. Mary, the spiritual pillar of the house, busied herself in the kitchen, the aroma of traditional spices wafting through the air. In the living room, Samuel, a bright college student with a passion for music, sat on the rug, gently strumming his guitar. He began to hum a soulful worship song, his voice reflecting a pure, youthful faith.
John sat at the small wooden dining table, opening his tattered diary. He began to list the month’s responsibilities: Samuel’s upcoming semester fees, the house rent, and the rising grocery bills. The numbers on the page far exceeded the balance in his bank account. Yet, instead of trembling, John felt a surge of quiet confidence. He whispered to himself, **"Jehovah Jireh,"**—The Lord will provide.
During lunch, the family gathered around the table. John looked at Mary and said, "Mary, tomorrow is the big project review at the office. If the management approves my proposal, it could lead to the promotion I’ve been waiting for. All our financial burdens would finally ease up."
Mary reached across the table and squeezed his hand, her smile steady and reassuring. "Let’s keep it in our prayers, John. We know that God opens doors that no man can shut. If it is His will, it shall come to pass." That night, the family knelt together on the cold floor, their voices rising in a unified prayer of surrender and hope. They went to sleep feeling secure, believing that Monday would bring the breakthrough they so desperately needed.
However, Monday morning had a different plan.
When John arrived at the office, he didn't find the congratulatory atmosphere he had envisioned. Instead, the air felt heavy and tense. Within an hour, he was called into the Manager’s office.
"John, you’ve been a phenomenal asset to this company," the manager began, refusing to meet John’s eyes. "But the economic downturn has hit us hard. We are forced to downsize immediately. Unfortunately, your department is being cut, and your name is on the list."
John felt the world go silent. The "Pink Slip" in his hand felt like lead. The very project he had poured his soul into was now irrelevant. He didn't argue; he didn't shout. He simply packed his few personal belongings into a small cardboard box and walked out of the building.
Standing at the busy intersection, surrounded by the noise of the city, John stood alone with his thoughts. He had walked in with a heart full of hope and was leaving with empty hands.
**In the next episode...**
How will John break this news to Mary and Samuel? When the foundation of their finances is shaken, will their **Foundation of Faith** remain standing?
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