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Back to Back IN BATTLE by Melanie Hemry Steve Irwin inhaled the brisk scent of autumn, the earthy aroma of leaves turning to mulch. Slipping his cellphone into his pocket, he hummed as he climbed behind the wheel and headed to work. Vibrant fall foliage in brilliant colors marked his path like a crowd cheering a parade, stunning against the blue sky. Life was good. Not only did Steve love his job, but his wife, Cindy, after years as a stay-at-home mom, had just earned a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and stood poised on the brink of a new career. Sure, it would take time to build her practice, but things were finally looking up. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business, Steve had taken a job with a good, solid, national company. Working his way up in the organization, he had excelled to such a degree that he won awards and captured the attention of the media. Now, 15 years later, he was executive director of the company. He had just completed a $2.5 million renovation of their administrative offices and could hardly wait to get to work each day. Reaching the office, Steve made the rounds, checking on his staff to make sure everything was on track. He inspected the remodeled offices, noting places that needed finishing touches. Intent on his work, Steve’s cellphone jangled in his pocket. “Hi, Steve,” the CEO said. “Could you come by?” “Sure, I’ll be right there.” Stepping into the CEO’s office, Steve noticed that the financial director was blinking back tears. Steve settled into a chair waiting for the CEO to begin. He slid a pink slip across the table and said, “Steve, you’re not a good fit here anymore. We’re relieving you of your responsibilities.” What? Stunned, Steve felt unbalanced—as though he’d been punched by a prize fighter. The financial director wept openly, tears streaming down her face. A short while later, Steve left the building carrying a small box of personal belongings under his arm. He tried hard to think. What should he do? 'I’ve got to call Cindy.' Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he speed-dialed his wife. The cellphone was dead. The company had canceled his service. Trust Me “I was blindsided,” Steve recalls. “I was given no reason for my termination and I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong. I’d noticed some financial discrepancies and had gone through the records to see who was responsible. I suspected that may have sealed my fate with the company, but I had no way of knowing for sure. It was speculation on my part. “When the CEO fired me, I heard the Lord say three things. He said, 'I’m here. Trust Me. Walk in love.' I realized that the primary way I had never trusted God was in the area of finances. Following years of financial struggles, I knew the root problem was our giving. I understood that God wanted me to trust Him because we were going to have to give our way out of this.” That evening when Cindy got home Steve said, “I’ve got something to tell you.” Cindy felt ice water course through her veins. In her line of work those words were a woman’s worst nightmare. He had her undivided attention. 24 : BVOV : DEC '13