July 02, 2011

A Sour lemon - Do I Have Enough Sugar To Make Lemonade?

Our poor economy handed me a pretty sour lemon this week. I joined the ranks of millions in the  storm tossed boat named The Unemployed. Reacting to the effects of a slow economy, the company I worked for downsized. But, as Saint Paul said, I fought the good fight (worked hard), ran the race (remained faithful to my superiors and job until all options to obtain the necessary budgeting for my position was exhausted) and have kept the faith (trying to remain hopeful I will find other employment).

The day after my notification, my morning devotions included Matthew 8:26: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Well, I am terrified I won't be able to find another job in this economy. My supervisors, co-workers and friends are encouraging, but there are no guarantees in this life. The only things we can be certain of are death, taxes and change. With the tough employment market, the competition for the few available jobs is rough. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat.

However, not being one to just sit down and give up, I rolled up my sleeves and immediately set to work. I updated my resume, resurrected my cover letter templates, asked for current references, and re-loaded all of my job search engines. I am sending off my resume and an application for a position today. My fingers are crossed, hoping this will be a good fit for me and my employer. As I poured over the on-line classifieds, a pop up blocked the center of my page. I couldn't help but laugh. God does have a way to get His message across. The pop up said: 


God Has Big Plans for You.

Be Encouraged.

Genesis 18:14 was listed in my next morning's devotions: Is there anything too hard for God? Well, no.

I have to be honest though. I am still reeling and feeling overwhelmed, but working hard at being optimistic and hopeful. This little test will prove whether I really have enough sugar (faith) to make a sweet tasting lemonade out of this bitter lemon. I think I do.

This morning's Gospel reading was from Matthew 11:25-30. Verse 28 -29: Come to me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.

And that is exactly what I need to do, rest. Rest in God's promises, rest in His comfort and encouragement, and rest in the literal sense -  letting go of all my worry, anxiety and fear. An anxious heart won't find a job any quicker than a heart filled with peace and trust in God's providence. It will only make me miserable, along with everyone around me. So, I raise my glass of sweet lemonade with a toast to God, our Heavenly Father. I thank Him for sending encouraging words and vow to trust Him through this ordeal. I will follow Mary's example when the Angel Gabriel announced she would become the Mother of God, "Thy will be done."  And of course, my little problem will be easier  to solve than the redemption of mankind through a virgin birth.


7 comments:

  1. Wow, I love the part about the pop-up...isn't it amazing how God makes sure we know He is with us! You are in my prayers. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my life verses, and I know it'll comfort you. Bless you.

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  2. Thanks, Judith. Jeremiah 29:11 is indeed a great comfort. Thank you. And, thank you for your prayers. God will provide somehow. I just have to hang in patiently until He acts in His own time and way, and for me that is always the hard part.

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  4. My original post messed up, so I'll try again.

    Sorry about your job. Be confident if God leads you to it, He will lead you through it. I'm sure He has wonderful plans just around the corner. Put your faith in Him and He will not let you down.

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  5. Thank you, Lorna. That is the true test of faith, holding on the last half hour without giving into desperation or despair. He has already seen me through a lot. He won't quite now, and neither should I.

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  6. Blessings and I raise the glass also! We have walked through this and still trying to find some stable income...and then we look up at our age...satan comes in with fear and lies and we have to step back and remember His promises.

    Blessings as you step out in faith and see God part the sea before you!
    Hugs

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  7. Thank you, Janette, I appreciate the prayers and the hug!

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