Lay-offs, forced early retirement, downsizing, termination. These terms all mean the same thing for the people affected – unemployed. Job loss affects most people during their lifetime and choosing to see it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle will greatly affect your success in the future.

If you are fortunate enough to still have a job, I urge you to do the following:

If you have already lost your job, rest assured that you are not alone and that God cares about your joblessness. I know because I was unexpectedly laid off about 10 years ago. I cried. I was angry. I was embarrassed. I wondered why me. Then I started wondering how I was going to pay the bills because I wasn’t married at the time, so I didn’t have a second income to rely on and I didn’t have an emergency fund. All of these thoughts are normal, but if you continue to focus on the obstacles instead of the opportunities, you’ll likely remain unemployed.

10 Things that helped me get a better job in 5 weeks:

Notice that a lot of what I was doing had nothing to do with finding a new job. Instead, I was focused on keeping a routine and investing in the other areas of my life so I could maintain a hopeful attitude. This is really critical so that when you do get an interview, you’ll display a positive attitude and a healthy appearance.

The good news is that I got a job that was about 25 miles closer to my home! The people were nicer, the office was nicer and the job was what I enjoyed doing. However, it wasn’t a perfect scenario. I took a hefty pay cut and I was in a position where I had a lot less control over my work. However, it was a blessing and wound up being my favorite job. With a shorter commute, bonuses and employee perks, the salary issue wasn’t really an issue. Also, the added benefit was that I was spending about 2 hours less in traffic every day, so I had more time to write!

Jeremiah 29 - ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

Let’s Pray: Lord, You are my Perennial Provider. Help me remember that I work for YOU whether I’m employed or not. Give me wisdom and direct my steps as I search for job opportunities. Give me wisdom about how to cut expenses. Thank You for giving me many skills and talents that will be valuable to potential employers. I know I must do my part which is to prepare my resume and search for and apply for available opportunities. Thank You in advance for doing Your part which is leading me to the right opportunities, giving me favor with employers, and for opening doors that no man can shut! Help me remember that a closed door just means that YOU have something better for me. I know it’s not Your will for me to be unemployed. Your will is to prosper me so I can be a blessing to others. I know this situation is only temporary, so give me wisdom about how to use this gift of time wisely. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

QUESTION: Do you see job loss as an obstacle or an opportunity? Use the comment form below to share your thoughts.

48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller

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