My question is “how do we know God’s path for us?” More specifically, after two years of actively searching for a corporate job after being laid off after 20 years in management, is it time to stop looking? I’m an accomplished business woman and have been a final interview candidate for several positions, but haven’t been hired. Is God up there saying “stop already! I want you to go in a different direction”? I’m a woman of faith, prayer, and hope but I feel like I’m spinning my wheels with each rejection… and I’m now in a serious financial situation trying to make ends meet. My dear friend Todd sent me scripture to help maintain my hope and remind me that HE does not fail us and that God often works HIS miracles through others. I’m trying to be patient with God’s will for me, but I just feel defeated and lost.
A: TRUST HIS PROCESS
There is no doubt, as is clearly seen from the Word of God, that God promises to answer our prayers. The hard truth of the matter, though, is that sometimes God closes doors instead of opening them. Sometimes He doesn’t show up when we need Him to. Sometimes He withholds that thing that we seem to need the most. Elmer Towns says, “There are times in the life of every Christian when it seems like God has abandoned us and heaven is shut up to our prayers…” And that lends itself to the difficulty and frustration, even, of not always being able to recognize when God is at work in our lives. You see, the closed door, the seeming delays, the withheld “blessing” are as much a part of God’s plan as open doors and answered prayers. God is bigger than the box that most of us try to conveniently confine Him to. That means that there are some “great things” that God does, according to Job, that are “past finding out.” And here’s our assurance: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” Trust God. Trust His promise. Trust His process. He knows what He’s doing…even when we don’t. And remember, don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time you will reap a harvest of blessing if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” -1 Peter 5:10 ESV
Leave a Reply