I put my job search in God's hands

Was I nuts? Was I irresponsible? It was just weeks before my contract position would end and I’d be out of a job. They’d offered to keep me on, with a more impressive title and a larger salary, but I turned it down. It was essentially the same work I had done for the last two and half years, with more responsibility. But I didn’t enjoy the job. It was time for me to move on.

I was taking all the usual steps: I scanned the employment ads, filled out endless applications, and told everyone I knew that I was looking for a job. But to no avail. Was I discouraged? You bet.

I knew I had to pay the bills. So while I was taking all of these practical steps, I put my job search wholly in God’s hands. And even though I felt some trepidation, there it was going to stay.

You see, God and I have a history of working together. Financial troubles, housing challenges, and, yes, even employment issues had all been completely resolved—often in unexpected ways—as I came to understand that God, not the world, was the source of my supply.

Mary Baker Eddy, the author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, wrote, "When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible.” I had proved this to be true many times over.

So as I pressed on, my memories of previous spiritual healings helped calm my knocking knees. I knew I didn't have to eliminate every nagging doubt in order to see my prayers answered.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the work I was doing in my contract position, I had always made an effort to perform my duties to the best of my ability. I was even cheerful about it.

I was keenly aware that God was my true employer. So I felt I had an obligation to apply all my spiritual skills every day. I tried not to slack off from being patient, helpful, and loving toward my colleagues and clients. I knew that these God-given skills could never be displaced, underused, unappreciated, or wasted. No matter where I was, they were always in demand.

As St. Paul wrote, “My beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

During my work, I noticed that a lot of employee time was spent tracking down resources for clients because the agency had no central information system. I set about collecting resources and compiling informational files that all employees could use. My co-workers were grateful that they could now help their clients more efficiently. I felt my work on this project had blessed many people.

Now my task was to learn what God wanted me to do next. Science and Health states, “Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds.”

This idea appealed to me; I would pray and trust God, and He would transform my desire into engaging, fulfilling employment. It wasn’t quite as easy as it sounds, but I had hope.

I prayed diligently to acknowledge God’s control over the situation. But the closer it got to the end of my contract, the more I was tempted to accept the offered position—just in case. I figured I could always quit later if something better came along.

But this didn’t feel right. Deceiving my employer wouldn’t be in line with serving God. I knew I had to remain honest if I wanted to see the fruition of my prayers.

About a week before I was due to clear out my desk, I got a call about a job I had interviewed for a year earlier with a different company. The position was available again. Would I be interested in interviewing? Would I? Of course!

It turned out they were looking for someone with a broad knowledge of community resources—exactly the duty I had assigned myself when I worked at my contract position. I was hired.

My old job ended on a Friday and the new job started on the following Monday. I had no gap in time or paychecks.

I stayed at that new job for nearly six years before leaving on good terms. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work at several other jobs, each of which came my way at exactly the right moment. And these positions helped me to expand and diversify my skill base (both human and spiritual).

I still sometimes struggle with worries in this uncertain economy. But during doubtful moments, I often think back to my last day on the job so many years ago.

Before I walked out the door for the final time, some of my colleagues inquired if the new employer had created the position especially for me, since it seemed like such a perfect fit. They were surprised when I told them no—but I wasn’t. I had stepped out on faith and understanding, and God opened the door of opportunity for me. In fact, I now understand that door had never been closed.

With God, all things are possible:

Science and Health
180:25-27
1:11

King James Bible
I Cor. 15:58