Been there done that…more than once but after the initial shock and disappointment I had to pull it together because no matter what, I knew God had something better for me in His plan. In all cases, God provided for our needs in ways that were beyond what I could have dreamed. (Jer 29:11-13).
I found the hardest part of being laid off was feeling unvalued and unwanted. These feeling grew as the days dragged on with ‘no interest’ responses for all the job apps I was submitting. I had to make a conscious choice everyday not to listen to Satan’s lies about being worthless.
The choice to honor God’s will and move forward even when painful, frustrating, and humbling was always blessed by the Lord. In one case after networking and seeking an ‘appropriate’ replacement job for a month, I realized that working any job to generate income and being a contributor in a business environment was a must (I had said I was willing to take any job that was offered). I took a job as an assistant to an administrative assistant (entry level making $12/hr versus executive level pay I had been receiving). This was humbling to say the least. I remember in the first few days standing over a file drawer filing documents sobbing and asking God why my experience/skills just weren’t being utilized. Wow…what a lonely, depressing feeling then I looked up to God and said I know you have me here for a reason…thank You for the opportunity to serve a company and be productive (1 Thes 5:16-18).
I prayed continuously for peace about God’s plan and will for me. I listened to the Charles Stanley’s (InTouch.org) daily radio messages during lunchtime. I dutifully fulfilled my job responsibilities knowing that I was serving God through my employer (Col 3:23). This continued for approximately three months with no other job leads until one night God led me to seek out an old friend about a position in the company he was running. This led to an interview for a position that, outside of God’s will, I wouldn’t have been considered for.
God is always working in our lives, but sometimes it is just so obvious. This was one of those times for me (Ps 119:114). On one track the interview process moved forward, but after six weeks I was told I wasn’t the right person for that job. The manager asked if I would be interested in doing a similar job for another group in the company. ‘Of course’ I said, then he admitted the position wasn’t approved or budgeted…a tremendous let down for me but I reminded myself that God was in control and has His best ahead for me.
On a separate track, I had also approached the President of the company I was working with to discuss the possibility of stepping up into a management position. He said due to my work ethic and attitude that this was possible, but we would need to wait for a few weeks until after the first of the year. He knew I was interviewing for a better job and gracefully said if that doesn’t work out then we’ll gladly make a place for you on our team. I was overjoyed! Little did I know what God had in store.
Back to the first job opportunity track, the next day I received a call from the company I had been interviewing with…they wanted me to come on board ASAP. The job that did not exist a week before was now available and I was their choice to fill it. Now I was completely overwhelmed by God’s provision. A week before Christmas, God had opened the door to the company and job that best aligned with my skill set (Matt 19:26). Thanks be to God!!!!!
I left the company that had allowed me to survive for several months on good terms. The President said I would always be welcome back if the new job did not work out. Wow!!!
Bottom line is you have to trust God implicitly and believe He will walk with you through any storm. His plan may not be comfortable but it is the best plan. Be patient. Wait for God and be content in His will (Matt 6:25-34)
Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Psalm 119:114 You are my refuge, you are my strength; your word is my source of hope.
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Matthew 6:31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.