The unemployment line is very long these days, and it does not appear to be getting any shorter.
My first experience was a tough one. I was a single parent with a child at home, a mortgage, car payment and all the other financial responsibilities of the average individual. I was with this particular company for almost ten years, started as the lowly 'fax boy' and worked my way to become the company's Marketing Analyst. It was between years eight and nine that I made a decision for Christ and my transitioning began.
I wrestled with the Lord for the remainder of my time with this company, as the work load increased, the political air in management turned bleak, work relationships soured (particularly with my immediate supervisor) and the stress levels were dangerously unhealthy.
It took a while for me to realize that while I did NEED a job, it didn't need to be this one. The exiting of this job is not one that I'm particularly proud of and the experience of this unemployment period was, well ... scary.
With my new and developing relationship with God, I attempted to take control of this situation and worked really hard looking for work, managing my available funds; all without turning to God once.
Then it came, one sour job opportunity
after another, I had transferred the remainder of my savings to cover those pesky bills - and I cracked. I'll never forget the moment. I was standing in my private courtyard at home. I was on the phone with my father and totally broke down. Hanging up the phone, I prayed to God for help. It went a little bit like this;
"God, I have tried everything I can and have come up empty. I don't know what else to do. I need your help. Would you please help me?"
Would you believe that no more than an hour later my phone rang, and a long-time family friend offered me a position at a bank where he was the Regional Manager?
Now I had interviewed for this position maybe two-three weeks earlier but I didn't take it seriously. First, my Mom has been in banking pretty much for her entire working life; and I told myself I would never take a job at a bank. Second, the pay was almost a third less than what I was previously making.
God's timing is never wrong. It was a huge lesson in trusting God and going to the Lord first. Many lessons came over the course of the next three years. Lessons in finances, appreciation, acceptance, trust; this list can go on forever. Let's just say that it was a 'pivotal moment' in my life and in my walk with God. For more details, check out my first book Encourageman.
Now the lessons from God didn't just stop at the three year mark (like the Energizer Bunny - they're still going) but the third year at the bank job marked another 'pivotal moment'. The bank had decided to pull the plug on the Florida region - turning me back to the line of unemployment.
Big difference this time around. My previous experience had prepared me for this 'opportunity' and how I walked through it looked nothing even close to the first. I had a peace about it. I was able to encourage others who were also going through the same experience. God equipped me through one 'opportunity' and gave me the ability to handle the next one better while being example for others along the way.
Above earthly employment, as Christians we are first employed by the Lord, and there are no part-time positions available - although in many cases it may appear that there are.
We are His hands and His feet here on Earth and we are called to 'get to work'.
James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
How many times have you heard that reference before?
We have the opportunity throughout the course of each day to be that smile someone needed to see, that kind word that someone needed to hear, the helping hand that no-one else would give and an example of something that looks different from everything else to all those who surround us.
Our struggles and our burdens are no different than those who are still of this world but our experiences with these very things should look a bit different.
Why?
Because we know that we're not alone. We know that there is no problem too big for God. We are equipped with the Holy Spirit and have instant access to peace and understanding.
There was a time when I used to view things as positive and negative. I just don't see things that way anyone. I believe that there is only positive and opportunity. The uncomfortable, the burden, the struggle; all usable by God and all have 'silver linings'. Each experience can make us stronger, wiser and can deepen our relationships with our Father.
Granted, still today I am imperfect and believe from time to time that I can out-wrestle God. How quickly I am reminded of the truth. You can't argue with 'The Boss' and be victorious.
There are so many pros to taking employment in Gods company.
He is always hiring.
You will never be fired.
Health benefits are second to none.
Your salary is eternal.
Your office view ... shall we say HEAVENLY?
Are you facing tough times?
Whether it's unemployment, ridiculous work stress or something else; have you turned to God yet? Or are you still trying to do everything you can to solve your own problem(s) - and are coming up empty?
Stop what you're doing and turn to God right now. Say a prayer. Ask for help. Join the E-League and share your burden. Ask for prayer.
As I said earlier, we are not alone.
We have God first.
Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
We then have one another.
Galatians 6:2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
If you are reading this and you are currently going through tough times, please know that I am praying for you.
Challenge: if you are receiving this blog by email and know at least one person in your address book who can use this message - pay it forward and send them this email.
COMING SOON!
Have you ever accidentally broken something, then 'fixed' it, put it back in its original location and prayed that nobody would ever notice?
Tune in next month for Broke - But Not Broken.
For His Glory
