This is a long story, but worth sharing. It has been a little over 2 months since I decided to look for a change in careers. I have applied to a few internal positions with my current company. I have not been aggressive in my search, though. I was feeling guilty about a job offer from my church {this happened out of the clear blue after I had been praying for God’s “will.” I did not apply or look for opportunities with the church; rather I was approached by them}. On May 17th, I decided to do my daily prayer before going to work as I always hope to do, but hardly ever because of not wanting to wake up earlier than necessary. Since I had been feeling guilty of not accepting the job from the church I wanted to ask for forgiveness. I felt like God answered my prayer as I prayed for His will in my search for a new job and the way it came about seemed too fitting. Boy was I ever humbled because that was His will, but I had a different idea. (Lesson learned: be specific in your prayers, but accept His will over your desires). In any case, I truly confessed my sin of not following His answer. I am so thankful that He is a forgiving and loving God.
My daily devotional book, “Grace for the Moment” (Thanks Michelle D.) had this for May 17th - 1 Corinthians 3:9 “For we are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s field, God’s building”
Theme was “No non-sacred moments.” After reading chapter 3, I felt better because it talks about God’s work…how it involves many different individuals with a variety of skills, abilities and their own special role. As long as we work for God, whatever we do is what we are supposed to do. I don’t have to work in a non-profit to do His work which is what I had thought. I can use my talents and still serve Him. I finished getting ready and went into work. I received an email from HR and guess what? It was a request for an interview for one of the positions I applied for, about 2 weeks before. God was at work… the very same day I confessed. He blessed me with an opportunity that I would love to have. The next week or so would prove even more so that God’s hand is in everything. Through my quiet time & daily devotional book I share my journey/secret.
May 18 – Matthew 9:12-13 Jesus said “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’ for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
In that scripture Jesus referred to an Old Testament scripture: Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” Once again, I was spoken to and assured of my confession. As I mentioned, I was feeling guilty of not taking the job from the church because that would have been a big sacrifice for me and Chad… one that neither one of us would have been ready to make wholeheartedly. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that following Jesus doesn’t require sacrifice, but when that sacrifice isn’t made with the heart it’s worthless. God doesn’t want sacrifices; He wants our loving loyalty. He doesn’t want offerings; He wants us to acknowledge Him.
May 19, Wednesday – Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us”
I was feeling very nervous because my interview was coming up and I was given some prep notes for it from HR that, to me, was intense and intimidating. I was to prepare for a “Behavioral Interview” which is a formatted way of giving specific experiences in your answers. I was to compile a list of 15-20 professional relationships and think of how I built them, projects worked on with the person, example of going the extra mile and so on. They listed about 12 competencies that I had to demonstrate, by real situations I’ve faced, I had mastered. Needless to say, I had a lot to prepare. God had to be with me on this one! I used this whole week to prepare as he interview was on Monday.
May 24, Monday – 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
I was again reassured and thankful for this. Before my interview I know I had some family and friends saying prayers alongside me, leading up to this day and just before. I prayed for God to just calm my nerves and help guide me through it. Guess what? Not only were our prayers answered, I was given a better one. The people I interviewed with told me I wasn’t going to have that kind of interview that HR said I would. PHEWWW I instantly relaxed and was able to focus on being myself instead of a rigid format that I did not want to do. The interview went well and they said they would let me know the following week if I was chosen for a 2nd interview. Chad and I were going to be in Panama City for the long Memorial Day weekend.
I received a call while in PC on Friday evening for a 2nd interview!!! We had a wonderful weekend with my family and somewhat of a mini-reunion. My cousin, Ging flew from NYC and my brother came from Cali.
June 1 – Matthew 4:19 “Come follow me”
I thought this is just want I’ll do
June 2 – John 15:4 “Remain I me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”
I had my 2nd interview and I didn’t feel as good about this one as the first, but afterwards I felt at peace with whatever would come from it. I have learned that accepting God’s will and seeking Him first is ultimately what will bring true happiness.
June 3 – Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry whether living in plenty or in want.”
This is what I know and this is what I will practice. I don’t know what will happen with this job I want, but know that I will be happy with whatever the outcome. This is my secret, but I want all to know.
