In today's economy, finding work is on the minds of many Americans. Living without a job is something far too many American are well acquainted with. Most are willing to take whatever they can get--they just need a job. Our area has been hit hard. In fact,not long ago while reading the classifieds in our local paper I was stunned to see only one job opening listed--one. Unbelievable!
Yesterday, while reading from "My Utmost For His Highest" the final line said something amazing, although it disturbed me at first. Oswald Chambers wrote, "No one has any right to demand where he will be put to work." My mind went to the previous night's news cast and its dismal jobs report and I thought who is demanding these days. But of course my wandering mind had moved out of the context of the devotional. Context is critical if we're going to understand the true meaning of a statement.
Mr. Chambers was not talking about "jobs", but rather discipleship. When God chooses men and women to build His Kingdom He goes to those who love Him, people who have a close relationship with Him and who are passionate about their devotion to Him. Disciples desire whatever God desires. However, we are just human and so we don't always stand up and cheer when we discover our "job" description. But those who seek God's will above their own step out in obedience even if they sometimes do so with fear and trembling.
When we hand our lives over to God, His desires become ours and even if we set out upon the path of His choosing with dismay and uncertainty we will discover joy and fulfillment. God knows the beginning and the end and His design for our lives is always best even when it's not what we would have chosen.
Working for the Master Builder means following His way, doing His work and finding peace and contentment in the work--no matter what that work might be.
And to those of you who are without a job, God knows and He sees. He will not desert you. And He may bless you with a job that is also placed upon the path He has chosen just for you. I pray you're needs will be met as you wait for His will.
God doesn't let anything in our lives go to waste and no life that is dedicated to Him can ever be a waste.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Once again it feels like you are speaking just to me, Bonnie! How do you do that?
ReplyDeleteI've been wrestling with an impending job loss and since I'm single (except for my dog) the reprecussions frighten me. I've come to the conclusion after worrying myself sick about it the past few months that I'm just going to have to trust in the Lord and have faith that things will work out.
Now that doesn't mean that I just sit idley by and twiddle my thumbs while I wait for a cushy job to fall into my lap. I still have to work and plan and do all that I can to see my way into another job.
Reading this post has opened my eyes to the fact that I need to "follow His way, doing His work, and finding peace and contentment" along the way.
Dear Kav, I'm smiling and my heart is warmed by your response. I don't "do it". I'm sure it's our Father. Isn't He awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your job situation. I understand the worry and fear that goes with that. My husband and I went through a terrible year many years ago, when our only hope was God. He never let us down. We learned a lot that year about trust and about our Father's love and how creative He can be.
I'm sure He's smiling at your growing faith.
I pray that a cascade of surprise blessings will wash over you and fill your life with joy. And I pray the Lord will bless you with just the right job.
All my love.