My friend, Sue, set a goal three years ago. She decided that she wanted to move out of the private sector and get a job with the federal government. She previously worked for the federal government and she wanted to re-direct her career back onto that path.
Over the course of the next three years, a lot happened in her life, including undergoing several surgeries with all the recovery time, and both her parents passing away. The time of not working was good for her in many ways because she had time available to deal with these circumstances. During those three years, however, she continued to send resumes and she did not abandon her goal.
About a month or so ago, when she was at her lowest point and wondering if she should give up on the goal, she got on her knees and prayed to God. From a place deep in her heart, she asked for God's help and turned it over to Him. A few days later, she received a call from a federal government agency following up on her resume submission. Oh, what an encouragement that was to her! There was a month-long process of interviewing and paperwork, and then she was offered the job! It is a job that seems to be perfect for her, utilizing her breadth of experience. I am amazed by God's grace and timing in answering her prayer!
It is very difficult to "hang in there" and not give up when our goals are not realized. That is why I am very inspired by Sue, who never gave up. When she was discouraged, she turned it over to God and she trusted Him. That is faith! Even though it took three years, she accomplished her goal in God's perfect timing.
It takes faith to get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God. When things are going well and everything is under control, and life is normal and predictable, it is easy to say "I have faith" or "I trust God." But when life is not predictable and there is no place left to turn, that is where the "rubber meets the road." We must exercise our faith! We must get on our knees and pour our hearts out to God and tell Him what we need.
In the Old Testament, Hannah's story is very inspiring (read 1 Samuel Chapters 1 and 2). Hannah was barren, and in her discouragement, she prayed to the Lord from the depths of her soul and asked Him to give her a son. God answered her prayer! No wonder she had a joyful heart (see below)!
Devotion
My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2
Prayer:
Lord, your timing is perfect. I believe there is a reason that you bring us to a point where we are willing to get on our knees and ask you for what we need, from the depths of our hearts. With each act of faith and each answered prayer, we learn more and more to trust you! I pray that you will help us to stay focused and turn to you, rather than give up on our goals when things seem impossible. In Jesus' name, Amen.
© 2016 Linda Lijewski
