Faith Reactivated
Feb 3, 2019 | by Nancy Newbrough
My family and I relocated to Texas in 2013 from another state. Right after we settled in, I began searching for a job that would utilize my degree. With no success after almost a year, I was feeling desperate and decided to settle for a low-paying job.
That involved a whole new search for the best one. Upon receiving an offer, I decided to accept it even though the pay was disappointing. After nine months, being diligent in my work resulted in a promotion. I still did not feel accomplished or satisfied, but with no other options kept on with the job.
In the meantime, I continued searching for something better and became a “serial applicant” applying for countless jobs. A few of the applications resulted in interviews. Even though I prayed and fasted while also seeking help from many people on getting a job -- none was forthcoming.
In 2016, I tried taking a course designed to help me change career paths. Completing it renewed my intensity to keep on searching. However, no new job came through.
When 2017 came, I was really frustrated with my job and its pay and decided that was the last year I would be working there. I became pregnant and the baby’s birth brought maternity leave for three months near the end of the year. During that time, my job search continued. “Lord, please help! I do not want to return to that job!” I prayed.
When my leave was nearly over, I got a call from my manager. She apologized first for calling me during my leave – and then said she had news that was not so good. If I could not handle bad news right then, she would call back at another time. Naturally, I wanted to know the reason for her call at once! She told me that our office was affected by Hurricane Harvey and so they were relocating to another state. I was offered the option to relocate with the company.
No way was that going to happen! But I was elated and said to my husband, “God indeed answers prayers!” I reminded him of how we had prayed for God’s help since I did not want to work there anymore! I was thankful for the lay-off!
After my leave, I went back to train the new hire taking over my position and to sign my severance package. Finally, the end of that job had come! Based on the type of disengagement, I received unemployment benefits.
A new chapter of my life began! While once again searching for a new job, I started submitting prayer requests every Sunday at The Fellowship so the Prayer Team could pray with me. One company showed interest and I went for a preliminary interview but did not hear anything else for two months.
The summer of 2018 came, and I received a flyer at church about volunteering for Vacation Bible Extreme. I decided to sign up. “God,” I prayed, “I will serve you with my time and I know You will take care of my needs!”
When VBX came, my determination was to serve with the very best of my ability. I arrived on time and made sure the kids assigned to my care had a great experience.
The company I had the preliminary interview with months earlier suddenly remembered me and resumed the process. I have had many disappointments in the past, so I found myself doubting the job would come through. How often had offers seemed so near, but at the last minute, a rejection email would arrive!
The message series at church at that time was on Prayer, and my faith in God was being rekindled. Each Sunday after the message, the pastor gave people the opportunity to pray with an elder or member of the Prayer Team stationed throughout the LIFE Center. On two of those Sundays, I sought prayer about my current interviews -- and felt such peace. I also faithfully continued to fill out a prayer request card every week!
My joy was full when the company gave me an offer for a job that utilizes my degree! And the pay was much more than what I requested! My new job started the very next working day after my unemployment benefits ended! God indeed answers prayers!
A Sister in Christ Who Loves God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6