Staying Employed

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NAS)

We know what the Bible says about “if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But what if we are the ones seeking for work, and there is none to be found?

Not too long ago, when I was laid off by my employer because of corporate restructuring and cutback on operating expenses, the first thing that came to my mind was a verse from the Bible.

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34b)

Unfortunately, that was not how I was feeling inside me then. Although I was at peace and unafraid of what lies ahead, assured that the Lord has better plans for me, I was nevertheless troubled at heart. In some ways, the Lord had indicated beforehand it was time for me to move on, but I was unsure, so in my stubbornness I had chosen to remain status quo and held on.

In today's economic situation, staying employed can no longer be guaranteed even if we work hard and smart. Yet, we can be assured our God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). God has proven Himself faithful time and again, and He has demonstrated to me once more His grace is sufficient for me. After several months of waiting, praying, searching, and going for interviews, I soon received news of good tidings that a new job is awaiting me to come onboard.

Perhaps, like me, some of us are currently going through a time of waiting. The road ahead may appear uncertain, much tougher than before and evermore challenging, but we need not worry or be afraid. No matter how difficult the situations are going to be in the future, we can be assured where God places us, we will be fruitful and will prosper (Deuteronomy 5:33).

Let us therefore be at peace, even if we are faced with unemployment. Forgive the ones who have let us go for whatever the reason. Do not hold on to what is past or no longer in the will of God. Understand that there is a time for everything, and things change with the seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Daniel 2:21). No single situation we face or will face is not in the plans of God for our welfare to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust in God always, for He is faithful. He will never forget us in our times of need if we walk in all the ways the Lord our God has led us.

Dear Lord, remove our bitterness and unhappiness if we should be laid off or made unemployed. Forgive them who have let us go that we may experience true freedom, having been set free to a new adventure awaiting us. Grant us Your peace O Lord that we may be in perfect calm, assured of Your plans for our good to give us a future and a hope. Help us in our finances Lord and provide us with the sustenance necessary to maintain ourselves and our dependents while we wait and pray earnestly for a new door to open. Give us the strength to go through the tough times and challenges without fear or worry O Lord that in Your will we shall be fruitful and prosper in all we do.