In the last 12 years, I’ve been laid off 3 times. I love stability and sometimes it seems like, right after I get “comfortable” at a job, I have to start over. Of course, it’s nothing personal! Companies do budget cuts and have to downsize; therefore, leaving employees to look for another job. But let’s be honest, no one truthfully likes starting over.
I just knew when I graduated from college, companies would be begging me to come work for them. In hindsight, it sounds ludicrous and maybe egotistical but I didn’t realize finding a job is a job in itself. The world can be cold and vicious at times and in some ways, so competitive.
I don’t know about you but I’ve had the “Why Me, Lord?” moments. I consider myself to be a pretty positive person but I’ve had a couple sleepless nights filled with, “Lord, did I choose the wrong major? Have I not made enough connections? Lord, why do I keep getting laid off?
I’m not proud of it but I’ve had moments where I’ve compared myself to others. Wondering why I keep getting laid off while watching friends excel in their professions and continuously climb the ladder of success. I’ve never been jealous or envious but I’ve had moments of frustration where I’ve cried out, Lord, I’m tired of starting over.”
Comparison lifts you up and throws you back down to reality. The mind is a field. We must monitor what we allow to be “planted”- who and what influences us. It takes a lot of Jesus to not be envious of others. Comparison will harden your heart and cause bitterness to show its evil head.
Webster’s dictionary defines patience as “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.” While Patrice means patience it hasn’t always been one of my strongest characteristics. Life’s experiences have taught me the importance of patience in waiting. I believe patience is an active acceptance in the process required to accomplish your goal and live out your dream.
The limitations we embrace regulates the blessings we experience. I’ve learned to not pray for God to take my problems (lessons) away, but to give me strength to get through them. A “blesson” is when you’re able to see the painful lessons as blessings. Life is like photography, we develop from negatives.
Your mindset matters! It’s hard to focus on what you don’t have when you’re grateful for what you do have; therefore, confident that God will continue to provide while you’re simultaneously building for the future.
For the past four years, I’ve felt financially “okay.” As soon as I feel like I’m in cruise control, it’s announced the company I work for will be sold in the next year or two so naturally conversations of layoffs are on the rise.
While many are feeling like their currently walking a tight rope and will lose their balance at any moment, I am “Godfident.” I am confident that even when it doesn’t look good, it will all work out for my good. God has restored my peace and given me comfort through this uncertain season. James 1:3 (NLT), “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
I can honestly say I’ve released the worry and stress of me possibly being laid off and having to start over again. Changing your mindset changes your approach. I know that my greatest victories are in my future.
God specializes in not merely opening locked doors but placing doors where they never existed so you can walk in your purpose.
God’s no to one thing is HIS yes to something better. What is meant to be will always find you. God’s timeline extends past our comprehension.
God won’t always meet your expectations. Our road map doesn’t meet his timeline. You don’t have to chase or force opportunities that are for you. You see difficulty but God sees destiny.
God will answer your prayer when you stop worshiping it. Don’t be limited by where you are but inspired by where you’re going.
Proverbs 3:5-12, (MSG) Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; HE’S the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!”
There is a reason why I’ve been laid off multiple times, felt hidden and at times forgotten. It is in those hidden moments, God creates leaders. What is hidden by man is revealed by God. Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead of me, God is already there.
There is a process to God’s purpose over our life. Obstacles elevate you. God made you! Your DNA and footprint will unlock resources that are solely for you in a specific area, if you stay true to being you instead of conforming to match someone else.
Romans 8:18 (NLT), “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” I had to be hidden to make sure my character matches my calling. God had to do a heart check. We can never allow our position to change our posture. We must stay humble!
Have you ever baked a cake? The cake has been in the oven for an hour. The cake has the house smelling good and you’re ready to take it out of the oven. The cake looks brown but you stick a toothpick in and the batter comes out so you know it’s not done yet.
Sometimes God has to leave us in the oven a little longer too. It is in this season of hiding (baking) that God is developing us and making sure we’re mature enough for the blessing we’re about to receive. Hiding under God’s hand allows us to successfully overcome painful experiences and learn valuable life lessons; preparing us for God’s elevation.
Hiding is not literal like a game of hide and seek. You want to be seen but God is hiding you for a specific reason. You’re trying to press play on your dreams and goals but you feel like God still has you in pause mode. Things are not happening as fast as you would like but God know’s you’re not ready.
What comparisons are killing your joy? You can’t understand why you keep getting overlooked for that promotion or why your friends are planning weddings and baby showers and you’re just trying to survive.
While the hiding process may seem tedious and unnecessary, God knows what we need better than we do. My prayer is, “Lord, prepare me for what you have prepared for me.” While that’s a sincere prayer, I have to sometimes remind myself to be careful of what I pray for because preparation will “cost” something. The hiding process can sometimes be challenging because you’re learning the essentials of God’s timing. We must choose to wait for God’s timing, not man’s nor our own.
You will be tempted to “help” God out but running ahead of God’s timing will only delay your blessing. I’ve failed every time I had the bright idea of helping God out. We must take great care to avoid tampering with God’s perfect timing.
The time and manner of how God will release you varies on the individual; therefore, comparing yourself to others will only kill your joy and stunt your growth. Delays will arise if we fail to fully allow God to prepare us; therefore, requiring God to hide us even longer. My prayer is that you will adjust your attitude. Instead of comparing yourself to others, remain faithful and positive during your hiding process.
I believe God is about to pull the curtain back on gifts that have been hidden. Gifts that are built during the process of pain, tears and prayer. Learn everything you can about where you are currently, today’s test is preparation for tomorrow’s victory.
I will continue to stay patient and trust my journey. I know that God is writing a story that no man can write. If man opens a door for you, you have to depend on man to keep the door open. When God opens a door, no one can shut it.
My prayer is that God will give you peace when every frustration creeps in and strength of perseverance for every no and closed door. No is a stepping stone to bigger and better. God has already arranged a comeback for every setback and a new beginning for every disappointment.
God will take you through uncomfortable situations for your growth. Hard places are meant to build your faith. You will grow stronger.
God is over your elevation. You are called but will you let God do it? Trust the process and allow God to do what no one else can. Are you willing to allow God to surprise you?
God has already marked the calendar. Your timing is coming! God is going to blow your mind. Psalm 84:11 (NLT), “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”
I believe this is the season of surprises. I will win! It may not be immediately but I will definitely win. I may not know what is to come but For All I Trust Him because God’s favor will open the next door.
Great message and timely!
Thank you!