A friend had been working at a job he loved for many years when he was suddenly laid off. He took another position at a new company, but the work was not as fulfilling and didn’t pay well. Then the first employer asked him to return, which he did with joy. Sadly, he and most of the workforce were again laid off just 7 days later. The other company wouldn’t take him back, and he’s now working a menial, low-paying job. His dreams of having a position he needs and loves have been shattered.
Isaiah spoke to the heart of God’s people whose dreams had been shattered after they’d been forced into exile by Babylon. Having already known the bitterness of being oppressed by Egypt in the past and—more recently—by Assyria, they were “enslaved again” (Isaiah 52:4-5). Hopes of living with honor and liberty were buried in the “dust” of their “captivity” (Isaiah 52:1-2,11).
God gave His people hope through the words of His prophet. Isaiah wrote of “the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). Hope is found in a God who’s in control even when life seems to be out of control. “The LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind” (Isaiah 52:12). Hope is found in a God “who has our back” even when we feel like we’ve been stabbed in the back.
As I talked with my hurting, disillusioned friend, I didn’t focus on his current circumstances but on what God was doing in and through him. When we feel like we’re in exile caused by a difficult relationship, job, or situation, it’s vital that we find our hope in God’s character and His “good work within” us (Philippians 1:6). He can take shattered dreams and create something beautiful.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 13:20-39
More:
Read Psalm 98:1-3 and note what it says about God and why we should place our hope in Him.
Next:
What are some shattered dreams you need to bring to God? How has God given you hope over the years?
BearPair on April 8, 2014 at 1:04 am
Excellent, encouraging words Tom. Years ago, thinking I was making “small talk” wt a new friend, I asked Ted what he “did,” thinking of course of his occupation. Without a thought, he said, “I share my Lord Jesus.” When he saw the puzzled look on my face, he said, “Oh, I also work at …” but by then, I realized the poignancy of his words. Our occupation, our “job,” and our dreams may be our vocation, bur calling will always be witnessing Christ.
Tom Felten on April 8, 2014 at 8:44 am
Great distinction, BearPair! Regardless of the state of our occupation, we can live out and present the love of God to those around us.
LCC on April 8, 2014 at 1:33 am
Indeed an excellent and encouraging article not to give up hope. As I ponder on the article, I was reminded of the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[a] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely”.
Your inspring article Tom has made me realised I have to look at things in a different perspective as I face difficult situations in my job now. I was thinking of quitting my job without any back up plans!
Tom Felten on April 8, 2014 at 8:48 am
Thanks so much for sharing, LCC. I’ll be praying for you today as you consider your work situation and what God would have you do. I, too, have been in difficult work environments, so I empathize with you. A verse that has meant so much to me through the years is Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Even when our boss or coworkers are negative or the work isn’t enjoyable, our transforming focus can be to do our job passionately for Jesus!
LCC on April 8, 2014 at 9:01 pm
Thank you Tom for praying and your advice. I am encouraged by so many who have shared their experiences in your article. God bless!
Gary Shultz on April 8, 2014 at 6:54 am
Yes, this is the longing of life, “the dream”, different things to different people. How does it fit into the believers life? How does it fit with God’s will & way? Is it a wish or a vision? A call or a selfish path?
Tom Felten on April 8, 2014 at 8:50 am
Good questions, Gary. May God—through the wisdom of His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, and circumstances—help us answer those questions individually.
Gene on April 8, 2014 at 7:13 am
Shattered dreams seem to be the basis which God can really do a work in our lives. I’ve had to leave a job I liked and remember weeping over the box I packed up with my personal things…yet God had another plan which I’m now thankful. Reading about God’s chosen being concurred and subsequently dragged into captivity in another country puts our problems in perspective, but I still ask God to go before me in my interactions with people and work issues. Thanks Tom, for the great topic.
Tom Felten on April 8, 2014 at 8:53 am
You’re welcome, Gene. And thanks so much for sharing a bit of your story. It’s so encouraging to read of how God blessed you after a “Job” moment in life when all in your work life. And I so agree that the valleys of life are where God truly teaches and molds us. We don’t seek them out, but when they come we can truly grow in Jesus in that fertile soil!
jowend on April 8, 2014 at 9:09 am
I have had a similar situation in my life, Tom, laid off after 20 years of working with the same company, out of work for 8 months found another job only to be laid off 7 months later, no farther prospects, my age working against me. But God came in and through resources that I didn’t even dream of, repaired my life. And He will do the same for all His children. Oh what a wonderful Lord and protector we have.
Tom Felten on April 8, 2014 at 9:15 am
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story, jowend. Yes, praise God for His faithfulness!
zyvette on April 8, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Hi Tom,
Thank you so much for this timely message. I am currently unemployed for the third time in my life. Each time had nothing to do with my job performance and each time I embarked on a business that I was passionate about. Each time when money became an issue, a job was presented and I took it allowing my business to die.
This time was different. In 2008 joined with my best friend to help her grow her business and was constantly assured of what “WE” would accomplish. I took the work seriously and worked harder than I ever had to ensure the company was successful. When my friend told me that I didn’t have to go in early or stay late I reminded her that I would always give her the same work ethic that I gave IBM when they were my employer. The company grew.
I was laid off at the end of November and was initially told not to file unemployment because a new contract was coming. Then I was to be placed with a business partner. None of this happened.
I have looked for a job and had a couple of great interviews, but no offer. After continual pray I was led to start a business in an area I have frequently volunteered. Things are happening so quickly in terms of doors being opened that I know God is orchestrating all that is happening. The things we had planned now benefit her and her daughter who now works for her and God has put me on a new path. I didn’t get the results that I expected, but I got a great lesson. God has already made a way when I didn’t see a way and He’s ways are not our ways – they are so much better.
BearPair on April 8, 2014 at 7:39 pm
Isn’t it amazing to watch God at work… often really grueling in the process, but His result is always so much better than we could imagine… “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9