…So as I was saying: I was frustrated. I couldn’t find real work (by this time I’d gotten a small part time tutoring school children). I was frustrated, aggravated, agaitated…and any other -ated you could think of.
Just then my mind ran on a small manuscript I had started. It was about 30 pages, was jumbled, and raw. It had its beginnings as an article that was rejected by an online magazine. I had a lot of time on my hands so I decided to add to it. So in addition to looking for a job that manuscript became my full time job. I researced and rewrote; and to tell you the truth…I loved every minute of it!! I felt like it was what I was born to do! I started early in the morning and would finish late at night–time literally flew!
What I forgot to mention was that I hated my job! Time would crawl. I’d get there at 7:30am, work for 5 hours, and see that it was 7:35am!! And so 6 months after I was let go, I finished a book that I thought would take 2 years!
Would it have been done spending all my time on a job that I hated? Would we even be talking right now? Probably not.
What is God’s Purpose in This
I’ve come to realize there are many benefits to this recession. Here they are:
People having a closer walk with God–I have never known God so closely as I’ve know Him now. The breaking of me caused a greater union of us. He’s become more real to me than ever before.
People being introduced to God–During economically difficult times people turn to church like never before. In fact, recessions are often great opportunities for ministries– hurting people are seeking God more than ever.
People finding true purpose–Since 4 out of 5 people go to jobs they dislike, there’s a strong possibility you didn’t like your job. Remember: God closes doors to open windows.
People becoming more creative–When Bob Lotich was laid off from a large brokerage firm he had two choices: get another job or continue to work on the financial blog he started. He prayed and decided to stay with his blog. After a while the income from his blog–Christian PF–exceeded his monthly income. Most opportunities and/or entrepreneurial ventures are born out of recessions. The trick is to see and act on the opportunity when it presents itself.
People becoming more humble–Well, no need to elaborate here.
Yes, we’re all being tested. But God’s tests are meant to make us better, to make us stronger, and to prepare us for even greater breakthroughs.
He’s never left you, He will never leave you, and He will never forsake you.I know it doesn’t look like it, but one day we’ll all be able to say to Him, “My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from Your Textbook.” [1]
What are your thoughts??
- Psalm 119:71 (The Message)
