Do you ever feel like your prayers go unanswered? Have you ever thought that maybe God has something else for you other than what you’ve been asking for? Something that will answer your prayers, but not the way you want him to? Perhaps that’s because he’s got even better plans for your life than what you could imagine.
I’ve experienced this multiple times within the last few years, and even within the last few weeks. In one instance, I’d prayed for so long that God would make something happen in my life that I thought would be simply perfect.
Turns out, it wouldn’t have been so perfect. He answered my prayer loud and clear, saying, “No.” But then I continued to listen. And he began to reveal to me that he had something else…something better, and something that would bring him glory. But it requires trust. Why? Because I have no idea what his plans are for my future, yet I must know that they will be for my good because that’s what his Word says (how many times can a girl reference Romans 8:28-29a before it becomes redundant? I’m thinking about three billion sounds good).
So anyway, here’s another example of how this has happened very recently: I’ve been out of full-time work since November 2011. For the first month, I was perfectly okay with that because I needed to focus on finishing up my last semester of college. But then I graduated, and four more months passed. Still no job. I was applying, I was praying, I was asking around…and yet, nothing. I wanted to be the girl who graduated and starting working full time right away. I wanted things to go smoothly and perfect.
But God knew what he was doing. He knew I was going to be facing a trial after the new year, and that I would need the first three months of this year to focus on my spiritual life and my relationship with him…without any distractions.
But my favorite part was this: he didn’t leave me penniless in the meantime. In fact, he provided all kinds of side work, freelance jobs and babysitting that has carried me through, paid my bills and even allowed me to set aside $800 so far for a new laptop (since I murdered my old MacBook with a glass of water. Dino, may you rest in peace). This time of working from home, babysitting a little and being frugal with spending has taught me complete dependence on God–a dependence I had not yet known.
It’s been beautiful. Even though I could look at this situation and say, “I’ve been praying for a job for almost six months, why is this happening, God?!” I know that he knew better!
So…in sharing all of this, I must also share that yesterday I got a phone call. I got a job. It’s only part time, but it’s my first step toward working full time again and it’s in my field! And I’ve got another interview on Thursday for a potential second job for the summer. He knows what he’s doing! He knows I’m ready and he will equip me as I dive back into “the real world.”
So let me ask you, are you struggling with trusting God today? Are you experiencing a time of unanswered prayers? Let me encourage you to continue to present your need to God, but then do your best to listen. Ask him to give you strength to follow his will and trust him no matter what the answer is to your prayers!
Jen
Christianity Dependence Dependence on God Faith god Hard Times Jesus Christ Jobless Jobs Romans Romans 8:28 struggles Trials Trust Unemployment Work
Hi!!!
Exactly what I need to read this morning, thank you!
In Christ,
Scott
Hey there! So glad this reached you today. It’s a lesson I learn over and over and over in my life! But it’s one worth learning repeatedly.
Yes this is true, I learn it over and over again, trusting Him is way better than trusting ourselves. Congrats on the new job!!
In Christ,
Scott
AMEN!!! What a great post about how God KNOWS what He’s doing!!! And congratulations on the job!
Thank you so very much!! 🙂
COngrats! God said in His word that He will provide….I am happy for you..
Thank you very much!
Great post. Love the part regarding God knowing you would need 3 months with no distractions.
And in so doing, He has become all the more your UTMOST ATTRACTION.
And together, we say…
“Thank You, Jesus.”
Yes! 🙂
Hi ,Jen. I am glad to read your blog. I graduated from college lasy year. But, then, i stepped into a dark tunnel. I feel very very depressed for my future. I had no idea on my career direction, so i prayed to God for wisdom. However, i wait for almost a year, nothing happen on me. I am accused of being lazy and depressed. Do you think i should keep waiting or doing something else? Thanks.
Hi Mandy!
I am glad you are reading my blog, too!
I am sorry that you are experiencing a dark time in your life. Unfortunately, I am not the one with all of the right answers- but God is. Can I encourage you to continue to pray about it, consistently and faithfully? Don’t give up.
Also, if you’re not working at all, can I also suggest you get some sort of part-time job somewhere, like your favorite coffee shop or retail store that you absolutely love? I don’t know about you, but when I have a routine and am working hard, my mind is much healthier than when I sit around! It will motivate you, get you moving but will also give you the free time to spend quality time with God.
If you know for sure that you don’t want to work in the field you studied, maybe you could do some research about what types of careers you could use your degree for, other than the obvious! For example, I have a journalism degree, but I’m working in marketing!
If you feel led toward another career path, then I would ask God for wisdom and for an opportunity to pursue it.
More important than anything, and more important than choosing a career path, what is most important right now is for you to trust God. And to be content with where he has you right now in life. Please listen to the songs “Have Your Way” & then “Who You Say You Are” by Britt Nicole? It may help you. So will the book of Psalms in the bible.
Choose to see what God may be doing in your life. I heard a song lyric recently that said, “What if the picture is bigger than you see, and God has you right where he wants you to be?” It is so true. This could be a huge season of growth in your life!
And…one more last thing. If you really feel you need to speak to another believer on a deeper level about your life right now, don’t be afraid to get help and seek counsel from an older, wiser believer. Doing so these past few months has had a tremendous effect on my walk with God!
Praying for you Mandy!
Jen