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 hour shifts 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 absolutely sure that it is the Holy Spirit prompting you. No one desires to fast on their own accord, feasting is more appealing, but 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.
My desire was to work in a Christian environment, like a Christian book store, where I could be around other believers and talk about Jesus. Maybe God was 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. Soon, it was a Christian environment. Then He pushed me into my own computer business, through Bible College, and then 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: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Amen. My life is in your control dear Lord. I choose you and want more of you in my life. Amen
Amen!
Amen!!
Take control of my life lord in jesus name amen
Amen Father I Thank You and give you full control over my life.
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Amen!
God have your way in our lives for your glory. Amen
In Jesus name Amen. Oh how I needed this message and reminder this morning. I had been feeling fear and doubt recently. I have been unemployed since January right after the wreck I was in when the man rear ended me,totaled out my truck and injury from that. But for some reason, when everyone was telling me to sue the guy; I sensed God telling me not to. Then I tried to return to work a week later and I didn't notice a red light till I got up on it and drove through it. Praise God there wasn't anyone else at that intersection but, the dash cam recorded it and I was let go. I've been doubting my ability to continue driving a tractor/ trailer, wondering and asking God if I should change my line of work. Now with the medical situation with my mom's health and my financial situation, it's really been getting me down. I had filled out an job application and was going to turn it in when mom took I'll. She is in a rehab center now and still is slated to have a kidney stone removed from her left kidney after she's fully recovered from the infection. The timing of everything is really messed up and I need to be able to bring mom back and forth to the hospital again and figure out with home care how I can work and make sure she the assistance she needs. I've been praying and I do trust God for solutions to all I'm dealing with.
Praying with you, Richard, that God will give you peace and confidence as He leads You. Lean on Him!
I certainly have been on the scenic route.
Amen
Thank you Father for always being in control even when I don't see it!
Heavenly Father, I thank You for all You have done for me but I surrender to You everything that needs to be changed for a better life with You. Teach, lead and use me the way You design, in the name of Your beloved Son Jesus I pray, Amen. Your will is the best.
Awesome devotional Pastor, God bless you and Sylvia. Thank you.
Amen Good Morning Have A Bless Day Everyone
Amen
I have been assigned to go back to work next week and deep Inside I dont really want to go back. But I have to earn a living some how. When my Dad was living I could not find a job for 5 years. My Dad was a disabled Veteran and was in a wheel chair and I was the only one there to help him. My boyfriend moved in with me to help with my Dad. During that time I was so depressed because I had no income. There were many days that I cried and my heart was in despair. My Dad passed in 2015. I have been working part time and also Im on Disability due to Bipolar Disorder. Working at JCPenny has been very depressing to me because I suffer with anxiety and I dont feel very comfortable around my coworkers. I would constantly be in fear and I dont know why. So since this pandemic has happened It has been a break for me to realize that eventually I will find another work place and one day prayfully open my own Beauty Supply Store and run my own Business when I am mentally strong enough.
Prayed for you Madalyn. Be strong in the Lord and give thanks for he is good and his mercies endure forever.
Thank You Richard
I surrender to Your will, Father. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD. KEEP ON TRUSTING IN HIM FOR HE IS SO FAITHFUL. Amen
Amen Lord, amen
Amen!