Rejection

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter of mine head. Psalm 3:3

Deflated. Disappointed.

I thought the job was mine. I interviewed well last week. I prayed about it. I had others pray for me and in agreement with me.

I saw myself working there. My friends and family were excited and happy, assuring me that this job was mine.

Today I learned that the position was given to someone else.

And I’ll admit, it stings.

I went for a walk because nature tends to soothe me. I looked into the sky with tear-filled eyes. I remembered to look to the hills from which comes my help (Psalm 121:1) and calm came over me. He gently reminded me of what I had prayed—I had asked that in my job search, that the Lord would not allow doors to open for jobs that were not meant for me.

Even when we think we know what is best for ourselves, we must trust the One who knows our end from our beginning; our Father, our Creator. He loves us beyond measure and He didn’t promise a fair or easy life, but He did promise strength for the journey and that He would be with us. Always.

Prayer: Father God, disappointment hurts. I really wanted this job. But I know that You have my best interests at heart, and I thank You. I trust You to continue to lead me in this job search, and that you will lead me to a position that is a good fit for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Employment Affirmation/Confession

The Lord is mindful of me. (Psalm 8:5)

I allow the Lord to guide me in my job search and on the job. (Psalm 119:105)

I encourage myself. (1 Samuel 30:6)

When I am weary of the job search, the Lord gives me strength. (Isaiah 40:29; 2 Samuel 22:33; Philippians 4:13)

God is my hope. (Psalm 31:24)

I am an asset to my next workplace. (Matthew 5:13, 16)

I rely on the Lord to guide me. I look to the hills from which comes my help. (Psalm 121:1)

My mind is supernaturally focused. (Isaiah 26:3)

I am my Holy Father’s child. (I Corinthians 6:20)

When I feel defeated and question my skills, I remember that He loves me more than I can conceive. I am worthy of a good job. (I John 3:1)

 I can have a great job, career or vocation. Jesus died so that I may have life and have it more abundantly, and this is part of that promise that I stand on! (John 10:10)

 I am special to my Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 2:7)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalm 139:14)

I am gifted, useful and my skills are viable. (Proverbs 18:16)

The Bible is full of examples of how our Lord uses cracked vessels in a mighty way. He invests time, talent and treasure in me. And I am grateful! 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in this job search, I will remember that, as my Creator, You know what I am best suited for in my employment. Sometimes I am overwhelmed because there are so many different jobs out there! I'm not sure what would be a good fit for my skills and talents. I don’t want to spin my wheels nor waste my time applying for jobs that are not a good fit for me. I ask You, Lord, Who knows my end from my beginning, to guide me by Your Spirit. If there are jobs I have applied for that are not for me, keep those doors closed. I know that the job suited for me is out there. Show me where to look, who to speak to, and how to gain access to those positions. What You have for me is just for me. I know that You are able to open doors for me that no man and no demon can keep shut.

Thank You in advance for helping me, for loving me, fixing me, equipping me, and qualifying me. Prepare me for the beauty, the blessings, and fullness of abundant life that You said I can have. I can do all things through Christ who is my strength, and  I am emerging victorious! Thank You for moving on my behalf. May You get all the glory!  In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Starting Over or Level Completed?

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up…Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

 “Your season here is up.”
As I sat in Human Resources on Sept. 8, that’s what I heard in my spirit.
I racked my brain trying to think of what I could have done that was so wrong for them to make clear to me that I was no longer welcome at my job.
Let me be clear: Part of me wanted to tell them what I really thought of them and this job.
But then I heard that phrase quietly in my head and an odd sense of peace came over me.
Don’t cry, don’t get mad, I told myself. Keep your head up.
Heading back to my office, with students heading to class and the cafeteria, I felt like I was in a daze.  Banners for events I helped plan meant nothing anymore.  
That was a Thursday. On Sunday, I cleaned out my office.
In the 3 years I’d been there, I knew something wasn’t right. There were some amazing highs, but devastating lows. I’d taken 2 stress leaves in those 3 years. I knew I couldn’t stay somewhere that was not good for my mental health.
But I’m an optimist who tends to focus on the good, so I likely would have stayed beyond what I should have.
This had to happen.
Now it’s time to get my faith up and believe God for better, for next level, because this level is completed.
Let the healing begin.

 Said I’ll never leave you, promise to stay always. You can count on me when you need a friend. If you put your trust in me, you will never be lonely. ‘Cause I’ll be by your side till the end.

--“Til the End,” William Becton & Friends