Q: There are many people who are looking for a job and are frustrated with the way our economy has changed in the past few years. What is some Bible-based advice for these situations? —Gerald
A: Many people are struggling to make sense of today’s transitional work world. Any time there is a change in an organization—new leadership, merger, acquisition, downturn in business, new technology—employees may be targeted for job loss. This fast-paced change in the work world is expected to continue and will be the new normal going forward with continued job transitioning.
With all this change comes a lot of uncertainty, anxiety, suffering, and confusion for those who may be impacted. A job loss is considered one of the more significant losses in one’s life. It leaves individuals and families in a state of bewilderment for a time.
With all of this uncertainty and change, the true certainties our hearts long for run much deeper. We know that life can be difficult, but we also know that we’re not alone in our hardship. God is there . . . even when the bottom drops out of our world. Hebrews 13: 5-6 reassures us: “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’ ” God is there with us, and we never face our burdens alone—that’s a guarantee!
For more help with job loss, take a moment to read this online booklet: Now What? A Healing Journey Through Job Loss. —Chuck Fridsma
Feel free to submit a “you choose Q” to ODJ by using the contact us form on the home page!
mike wittmer on November 1, 2012 at 10:11 pm
My brother just learned yesterday that a takeover is eliminating his job. He is relying on Jesus and confident that he will make it through, but it may not be easy. I think it’s important for those who have an income stream to look after those who are going without, and for those who are looking for new employment to remember that their most important callings–to follow Jesus, to their spouse, to their children, and to their parents and siblings–are too valuable to ever bring a paycheck. We are still retain our highest vocations, even when we’re unemployed.
tom felten on November 2, 2012 at 8:49 am
Praying for your, bro, Mike. Good point to keep our eyes open for ways to help those who have been affected by job loss.
daisymarygoldr on November 1, 2012 at 10:16 pm
As such finding a job is tough and the current state of economy has made it all the more difficult. The uncertainty of the future is frightening. But then, even in the worst financial crisis, we can still cling to God and remain hopeful. One of my favorite promises in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11- “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 my personal experience, the key to persevering through such trials is in trusting God. Whether it involves our jobs or anything else, we need to remember that with every loss there is a gain. Think positively. Sometimes having a demanding job can be more stressful than not having a job. God has allowed this for His good purposes.
Use this situation as an opportunity to rest and reorganize. Things will turn around and God will provide for all your needs in ways beyond your imaginations. So, draw closer to Him and stay faithful in the midst of these troubles. Pray without ceasing. Don’t feel shy to share about your needs and seek support from the church family.
On a practical note, continue to apply for jobs. It is wise to be flexible regarding the job type and salary. One of our Chinese friends from Singapore who is an aeronautical engineer worked for a while in a farm when his company closed down. His yellow complexion almost changed into a dark tan because of sowing seeds under the severe sun.
Therefore, this is not the time to be pick and choose; find some work—paid or voluntary. It will keep you occupied and prevent depression caused by too much of worrying. Moreover, only when a job is lost, we learn to depend on God and realize that it is He who provides for us and our families and not our employers. Above all, it is good to experience and know how to live on almost nothing and be content in everything.
tom felten on November 2, 2012 at 8:51 am
daisymarygoldr, love your thought about making sure to stay occupied even if you aren’t employed in an occupation! God can open doors for jobs even as we volunteer and serve.
GChoo on November 2, 2012 at 12:47 pm
daisymarygoldr, thanks again for your encouraging and practical thoughts.
Here is another scripture input in Matthew 6:25-34 to remind and reassure us of God’s provision and promises.
So, continue to seek God, worship and praise Him for everything and in whatever our circumstances. May we pray and be there for those in need.
mrsptomey on November 16, 2013 at 9:59 pm
I gave up smoking marijuna as a fast for my church September 29 until October 30. We also in revival. I’m happy to say I’m still drug free today without any desires to pick it up again. I was jobless for several months found a job took a drug test and failed. I swore I would pass seeing as though I haven’t smoked in 44 days. I prayed to God that he allow this to pass because I need my job. I also told God to have his way and in case He closes this door, I have faith and confidence that He will provide for myself and my family
rogera on November 18, 2013 at 10:42 am
God lead me to ODJ for the first time this morning, after reading & praying on today’s Our Daily Bread. Little did I imagine I’d stumble upon two related threads that hit so directly close to home; dealing with job loss & substance abuse. All I can say is, our God is so gracious and merciful – His loving kindness & faithfulness never ceases to astound me! Although I know I shouldn’t be surprised…
First, mrsptomey, let me say when I read your post about having given up marijuana & remaining abstinent for over 6 weeks now, my heart rejoiced in the Lord for you. This is a WONDERFUL testimony of God’s grace & faithfulness; and I am sooooo happy and thankful for your recovery! Truly God will open up new doors to you through your continued sobriety, that you never imagined possible!
As a brother who has ‘been in the program,’ for many years now, I can tell you there is no better buzz on Earth than walking a straight & sober road with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! (And yes, a person can indeed be a Christian – not under any condemnation – while still using; but we cannot worship Him as we should [in Spirit & in Truth] until & unless we get honest & stay sober.) Please know that I will be praying for you & wish you all grace and blessings in your recovery journey.
Secondly, I was especially interested in this thread (under today’s topic, Integrity) because I have recently had my job title & hours at work (as a Substance Abuse Counselor) reduced once again; due to a pattern of inefficiency and (evidently) incompetence. It pains me greatly to say that; but there is apparently no way of getting around it. I have worked professionally as a social worker and behavioral health therapist / substance abuse counselor for over 20 years; yet have always struggled with the paperwork and organizational aspects of the job. Particularly in today’s managed care market where concise documentation & ever-evolving clinical treatment standards are everything, it is very hard for this recovering alcoholic from ‘the Old School’ to keep up. I believe I’ve always been an effective counselor; by His grace God has allowed me to be a help to many many people over the years. But in fact over the last 10 years I’ve worked my way straight into near- unemployment; due to poor judgements, mistakes, & performance deficiencies.
So now, at age 53, I feel like a washed-up has been; like I had my shot… and I missed it. There is actually very little chance any organization in my field that is going to hire me for a full time, stable long term position; and I don’t feel I have the energy or emotional & intellectual wherewithal to “start over” or “do something else.” In short at this point I feel between a rock & a hard place: Working 16 hours a week in a para professional capacity, while the clock is ticking…
But I know & believe we serve a righteous & awesome God; the most holy Creator, working all things to His glory; Sovereign & capable of doing all things. I know that in Him my needs are already met; and He can & will provide all my desires in the future, as long as I stay focused on following & pleasing Him.
I believe God called me to a life of service to others in need; especially to those,dealing with addictions; through the ministry of His Word & the gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not believe I have always been faithful or effective in this calling; but do know I believe this is God’s purpose & will for my life. I do ask for and covet your prayers, that God will see fit to continue directing me and opening new doors of opportunity to me, by which I might be able to serve Him through service to others.
Right now I am cast down but not forsaken; discouraged but not forgotten. Please pray that out gracious heavenly Father would show me the next steps He wants me to take, in service to Him.
And please know, if you are in recovery or struggling with chemical dependence (or other forms of addiction) God IS faithful; He WILL deliver you out of darkness… if you’ll let Him.
tom felten on November 18, 2013 at 1:11 pm
rogera, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. You are in may prayers—may God lead you to a work that will give you the hours and benefits you need. But please know, the post you wrote reveals God’s grace in you and His evident glory. Be encouraged, God is working in and through you even now.
GChoo on November 18, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Thank you for sharing your personal stories, mrsptomey and rogera. It has been truly encouraging and also, as Tom said, revealing God’s grace and His evident glory. Know that you are prayed for at this moment.