However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yes most assuredly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; Philippians 3:7 WEBI once had a well paying job with great benefits, at least by South Carolina standards. I was a maintenance supervisor over a crew of men in a factory. It was the only job that I ever had that provided health insurance and a matching 401k. The boss loved me. It was a great job, but I had to work twelve hours every Saturday and Sunday doing maintenance while the plant was closed.
During that time, something began stirring within me, a spiritual hunger. I had not been able to attend church in years and I began to crave more of God in my life. I began listening to an audio Bible all day by keeping an ear bud in one ear. A desire came on me to fast for a while. I can tell you that if your body ever feels like 'fasting' that you can be positively sure that the Holy Spirit is prompting you. No one desires to fast on their own accord, feasting is more appealing. I began to fast and pray regularly.
I would hear myself praying crazy prayers for the Lord to remove anything that was holding me back from being closer to Him. I would pray: 'Put me where I need to be Lord. Burn anything out of me that needs to go.' After a few weeks, they suddenly called me to the office and laid me off without warning. I was a bit shocked at first. I felt wronged. I did not see that coming and I had just bought a house. I could feel bitterness wanting to creep in, but I also knew in my heart that God had something better, for no one could have taken my job away unless He allowed it.
I felt that I should be working in a Christian book store anyway, or a Christian environment, and that God was probably working on making that happen. Not! He put me right in the middle of a huge group of hardcore sinners, the kind that you avoid in the alley, and for one third of the pay. I humbled myself, kept my head down, and gave God full permission to do whatever He wanted in my life. I tried my best to be the perfect employee, and led some of them to the Lord. Then He pushed me into my own computer business, through Bible College, and much later into full time ministry.
I probably would have retired as a supervisor there because I was happy with the job, but the Lord had so much more waiting on me once I became willing to let it all go, and let Him have His way in my life. Now I welcome being laid off. Unemployment has become a sign of promotion to me. Each time that it has happened, after I went through the dry time of desperation that always follows, it ended up being better. I can honestly say 'Burn it all down Lord.' Paul counted everything that he had lost as rubbish, or dung, compared to what he had gained, and what was still coming.
If you face losing a job, or work at one that you despise, know that God is still in control. No one can take away your job without Him allowing it. Press into Him wholeheartedly. Work for Him. Reject the fear and doubt that comes. Know that in the end, this will work out for your good. Allow God to remove the things that need to go. Know that promotion is coming, though it may take you along the scenic route.
Prayer: Heavenly Father have Your way in my life. I want more of You today. Guide me, teach me, draw me, and use me. I surrender to all that You have for me Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Ladies, today is "Thankful Thursday" at our "Ladies in Distress" group! All group members are welcome and invited to post something, whether big or small, that you are grateful for! This group is private, so if you are not a member and are having trouble joining, just post on the website somewhere and we will get you set up :). Here is the link:
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Waht a beautiful testimony, Gwen, amen!
Thank you Sylvia
Amen
Amazing n encouraging testimony Pastor.
Thank u n God bless!
Thank you Holy Spirit and Pastor Dion because this message speaks right into me about what I was going through yesterday at work. I felt like giving up and quitting. I feel encouraged now.
I surrender Amen
Amen Lord
Amen! Lord guide our way and burn away the things that holds us back from you.
Amen! Father, please show us what your definition of repentence really is! I do understand that your plan for my life exceeds my own desires!
Amen!
Amen Father!
This message was meant for me today, for I lost my position almost a month ago and every turn I take no matter what, I feel like I am hitting brick wall or in a bubble, and while this is happening, everyone else seems to be moving along with joy and happiness while I sit there wondering, why now, what did I do and when will things change for the better. I pray, I cry and still I feel like there is a deafning in the Lords ears but I know deep down that the evil one likes to pray on me when I am feeling this so I pray and ask God to show me the way and to give me the strength to just hang on a little while longer even though deep inside, I feel like everything is falling apart. Thank you for this message today, I know it was meant for me!
Marisa, praying for you, sister! I know that has got to be so frustrating, but He can make a way <3!
Amen,keep us strong for you God.
I surrender to You, Father. Amen.
Amen !!
Amen!! Dry times are hard..sometimes i just dont understand but put it in gods hands.
Dear Father in Heaven I need You, cleanse me of all that is affecting my growth and lead me to what You have for me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Amen! Thank you Pastor for the word of God and yhis for this powerful message as you are feeding my soul!!!
Amen!
Charlie, my husband, has been going thru a lot since tractor-trailer was demolished last week. No reason on his part yet found to be his full but today determination was said on phone to him. We were at a financial person yesterday discussing retirement. Wonder what God has in mind. No pay next week. Praying to hear God in all this. Over 30 years in driving. Read this devotional to him. Thanks again for your testimony.
AMEN! Thank you Father.
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father have Your way in my life. I want more of You today. Guide me, teach me, draw me, and use me. I surrender to all that You have for me Lord, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.