Job search or God search?

In the spring of 1999, the company I had worked for since my husband and I immigrated from the Philippines to the US announced it was closing. I’d lost my job.

I didn’t really realize the implications of unemployment until my husband broke the news that the plant where he worked was also closing. At that point I started sending out my resume, but most of the responses (when there were any) were thank-you notes and nothing more.

I have a deep faith in God and His guidance, and although this comforted me, I still felt anxious. Many times a prospective employer would assure me I fit the job perfectly, but I was never chosen.

I turned to the spiritual guidebooks Science and Health and the Bible to help me handle my job search without discouragement and fear. In the Bible I read, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward … after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise.” I decided to let God’s will be done and remain confident in His direction.

So I continued my job search. Soon, I got a call from a company to interview for a job I didn't think I had a chance of getting. I made it through three rounds of interviews. Afterwards, I again found myself nervously waiting for a call with a final decision.

Then I realized I could be using this waiting period more constructively by spending time continuing my prayers. In the book of Matthew in the Bible, I read: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." I decided to wake up early and start the day communing with God. My morning prayer-time helped me understand that I have a lot of qualities I derive from God, such as intelligence, poise, punctuality, sincerity and dedication. And I saw that my potential was based on these spiritual qualities—qualities I would put to full use in the workplace.

For the first time, instead of feeling the agony of waiting, I felt at peace. The next day I got a call from the company with a job offer! Soon after this, my husband also found a very good job.

Searching for God, rather than just a job, proved to be my answer—and it’s paying off now as I enjoy my new employment and continue to put prayer at the top of my day.

We appreciate your feedback and support. Please share your thoughts and comments about this   article.
* Name:
* Email:
* Confirm Email:
Your message:
* Designates a required field. By submitting to the site, you agree to the site's Terms of Service. All submissions may be used by spirituality.com as described in the Terms of Service.

Printer friendly