At the end of December my job of almost 16 years ended. I was blessed to receive a “staying bonus” to stay and close down the office, and then I enrolled and began receiving unemployment. The Lord gave me an opportunity to live out the life verse He gave me as a promise a couple of years ago: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) 

I don’t like limbo or uncertainties; I can’t ever see myself in a job that’s strictly commission. Here I was in definite limbo, not knowing what the Lord had planned for me, but I was certain that He did have a plan; He just hadn’t revealed it yet. I didn’t need to stress–the job market is much better than a year ago and my skill-set can carry over to another industry, since oil and gas has been on a downturn for several years. That’s the logical thinking that can so easily be ensnared by our enemy, so I had to stay focused on the Lord and dig deep into His Word and in prayer, which I did. I had more time, and it’s been such a blessing to have a closer walk with Him.

Another passage came to me during this time: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:6-10) I gave Him my cares, and He used the time to refine me.

And it was during this time that I began to study Revelation, and came to a renewed heart understanding of how much our Lord loves us and has already provided for us in eternity. What He provides for us here on earth is amazing, and for which I am grateful, but it doesn’t even begin to compare with having my name in the Book of Life!

I have also come to a deeper understanding of His faithfulness, and my need to depend more on Him by faith, and to go before Him boldly, and to trust that He will provide for me as He said He would. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

Last Friday I received a call for an interview Monday afternoon. After talking on the phone for over half an hour, I was excited about the opportunity. I took it to the Lord in prayer and asked my prayer warriors to pray for me, because “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16b).

Monday morning I boldly asked the Lord that if this is where He wanted me to work for His glory, that He put it in the hearts and minds of those making the decision so that they would make me an offer that I could accept. And the second part I prayed is that if He didn’t want me there, that no offer would be given. I put it completely in His hands. I interviewed with the four main leaders in the office; and the interview lasted over 3 hours, which was much longer than I expected. I left with the feeling that I would receive an offer the next day, and I boldly asked for the job and the pay I wanted, when given the opportunity with the last interviewer.

Tuesday afternoon I received the call, with the follow up paperwork offering me what I had asked for, and I start on Monday! I give all praise to the Lord for His favor, provision and faithfulness! I know since I asked Him boldly that I only receive an offer if it was His will, that I am walking in the steps He has for me.

I want to share my testimony so any who are going through uncertain times, will take the opportunity to have a closer walk with the Lord, which will increase your faith. I listened to Andrae Crouch sing the beautiful song “To God Be The Glory” yesterday morning and want to share it with you.

How can I say thanks all the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done!