August 01, 2011

Trust the Man Who Died For You

Dear friend, you can trust the Man who died for you. You can trust Him to thwart each plan that should be stopped and to complete each one that results in His greatest glory and your highest good. You can trust him to lead you down the path that is the very best in this world for you. J.H.M. from Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman.

The quote was in my devotionals the morning of my first day in a new position with a new company. It seemed an answer to the question I had been asking since losing what I believed was the best job I had ever held, with the best supervisor and the best co-workers. Why was that taken away? Other than the obvious reason of being laid off, why did God want me to move on somewhere else?  As the quote stated, I had to trust the Man Who Died for Me. He gave His all in order for me to gain eternal life, wouldn't He do what was best for me? Even those things disguised as trials and challenges?

I was a little apprehensive that first morning, not sure what the new job would be like, how my new supervisor would treat me, and wondering how well my interaction with new co-workers would go. In the past I had worked in a very difficult position that ultimately challenged me not just emotionally, but financially and physically as well, and that memory surfaced whenever  I faced major changes in  my career. Coupled with this was the fear I wouldn't be able to perform the job.

As I meditated on the quote, all His past miracles paraded through my mind. Through each hardship He was there with encouragement and guidance, peppered with compassion. When I fall into fear and doubt, He lifts me up, dusts off my faith and sets me back on the right path. I just need to remember, if He loved me enough to die for me, He loves me enough to handle this situation, using these circumstances to enrich my life and deepen my faith.

14 comments:

  1. Encouraging post, Cecilia. I'm at that job you described—the one that challenges emotionally, physically and financially. Jeremiah 29:11 says: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

    It's a small company, so there is no ladder to climb. Due to the economy, I'm making less money than I was a few years ago. My two bosses treat people like garbage. It's stressful and draining. This certainly cannot be the "prosper, hope and a future" God promised me, so I need to "trust the Man who died for me" with another opportunity.

    I don't know where send my resume. With the unemployment rate in the state its in, it's overwhelming. But God knows where I need to be, and I've asked Him to shut all doors I'm not supposed to go through, open the one that I am supposed to use, and to help me find it.

    I'm trusting Him with everything. My future, my finances, and my life. And I'm telling Satan to shut up when he tries to make me doubt God's Word and His Promises.

    Thanks for posting this. Have a great day.

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  2. Ah,Lorna, I can so sympathize with you. I'd start looking at the State Employment job site. Lots of jobs are posted there, and I'd check Career Builders, Indeed.com and a few others. Jobs are posted there. I'd keep checking and looking. God will open the door, but sadly, we need to do all the searching and knocking. I am also sure He doesn't intend for you to be abused in that fashion. I will add your job search to my prayers, and you know, with God anything is possible for those who believe, even a new, better job in this poor economy. So, don't give up - or in.

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  3. I've been to the career center, and was told jobs paying over $10 an hour are not typically listed, but are learned of by word of mouth only.

    Other than writing, I have no idea what job I want to do. I know what I DON'T want to do, and that's answering phones, customer service and purchasing. I'm so burned out with that sort of thing. Other than writing my novel, nothing appeals to me. I have bad knees and a bad back, so I can't stand still in one spot all day and I can't sit all day. I need to be able to get up and move around.

    I've been at this job 13 years, and I'm scared to start over—even as bad as things are. Beginning once again earning vacation time and paid holidays, etc.

    I know I have to do the seeking and knocking, I'm just not sure where to go from here.

    Sorry for the rant. :)

    Thanks for the prayers. Much appreciated.

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  4. Ah, Lorna, rant away. I understand. Oddly the job you have sounds a lot like the one I just got, except no one yells at me and everyone is very personable and professional. I know I need to give it more than a week before I make any judgments. And you are right, starting over means beginning again with benefits and vacation. There are always so many things to consider and compromise. Praying for you.

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  5. I am late getting here...I kept coming and it wouldn't link.

    First of all...Praise God for the answered prayer for a job....that was fast, at least in our experiences.

    Second, yes, He is faithful and when we doubt recounting His past faithfulness will increase our faith.

    We had a supernatural financial blessing yesterday, once again a reminder to me that God hasn't forgotten us or forsaken us.

    Blessings in your new job, I am rejoicing over the answered prayer. May you see His hand on each part of this journey.

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  6. Janette, first, something was wrong with Blogger yesterday. I was having trouble getting myself. It kept freezing. Glad the glitch is finally fixed. Second, I am so glad you received a financial miracle. I know you have been in need of one for sometime. Interestingly, my dad commented to me last night that very often in his own life, the very worst turned out to be the best. This echoed what my devotions said. It has made me very curious as to what is hovering on the near horizon. Blessings to you, and I too am really curious to see a picture of your new hair! I bet it is gorgeous!

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  7. What an amazing blessing to follow the One who knows you best and created you for a specific plan and purpose. The unknown is a scary and unsettling thing but trust the Lord to lead you every step of the way makes life a great adventure. Your faithfulness will be rewarded. I am excited to see what is ahead for you!

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  8. Thank you for your encouraging words, Donna Lynn Grace. Yes, it will be interesting to see what happens on this journey, and how He will guide, inspire, encourage and comfort.

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  9. An encouraging post, Ceci! So, are you settling in on the job? How is it? Be blessed there!

    **Still praying for Lorna!

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  10. Praise God you got a job! I'm excited for you, even though I know how intimidating it can be.

    Such a beautiful, encouraging post. I've heard others recommend Streams in the Dessert. It's on my must-read list now!

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  11. Lynn, thank you for reading and commenting. I am still in the settling stage, and sadly it is only a temp position for only four months, so it won't be long before I'm back on the search again. Sigh. And, I am still praying for Lorna too. I've been in her shoes, and it is tough.

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  12. Linda, thank you for stopping in. I love Streams in the Desert. I've been reading it since my late husband gave me my copy for Christmas in 2000, just a year before he passed away. It has been a font of encouragement, guidance and hope. As I told Lynn, at least I have a job for a few months, then back on the search. Oh well, God led me to this one. He will lead me to another, and maybe it will be the permanent one I seek, with a great company and great co-workers. Well, I can dream can't I?

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  13. When He closes one door, He opens a window and what outside that window has got to be His best for you....
    so I would assume He has many blessings coming your way...I am excited for you for this new job and pray that it will be all that you want from a workplace......

    I pray too that you will sense His peace in a mighty way each day as you venture out to serve Him....

    Hugs and blessings,

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  14. Thank you, Nancy. I agree. He always provides. We just need to trust Him in every situation. Thank you for stopping in.

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