THE HAND OF GOD
I know I have not written
for a while. I have got out of the routine of writing as well as not
actually feeling well enough emotionally to share.
However, I have some good news to share at last. I had been
unemployed for 2 years and 3 months and as an older person who had not previously
been in the paid work force for 11 years, since I cared for my parents, I was
totally beginning to wonder whether I would ever get a job again. I had
to attend Centrelink (social security) which is a painful process as well as
attend courses that they recommended- ones that I could have presented better
myself. So, it has not been a happy time for me.
Anyway, I had been sent to do a course for 3 months- I completed
the first week and on the start of the second week, I, with a few others were pulled
out of the course. Three cheers- that indeed was a miracle- God's hand
actually. There is more though...
That same afternoon, I received a phone call asking me whether I
would be interested in attending an interview- it was a job that I had not
applied for, did not even know it existed actually, but another organisation had recommended me. So, I went for the interview, did not hear anything
for another week- in the meantime, I had decided it was another no. Then
I get a call for a second interview a week later, went for the interview (lasted
2 days) and at the end of the 2 days I was supposed to find out. more waiting
until the afternoon of the following day... Then I was offered the position.
I have now started the position and been there a fortnight.
I am physically and mentally exhausted from it but I know it is what God wants
me to do for some reason. After all, I did not apply for the job, the job
came to me and one lady decided to believe in me and give me a chance. It was
all I needed.
So now I face the challenge of the job on a number of levels but I
know it was a God given job that God has given me to do. It fits me so
perfectly- it uses all my creative skills, my organisation, teaching skills,
counselling and caring skills. It is like a perfect present given to me
by God wrapped with a lovely pink bow to complete it. I have to unwrap
the present a little at a time. After all it is only a fortnight since i have
started. It is so close to home as well as another bonus.
I have waited a long time for this gift from God so I want to
encourage you all to persevere and have courage in the difficult times. God
will deliver His gift to you but it will be IN HIS OWN TIMING.
It was the lesson that I had to learn- God's timing not
mine.
Waiting is not easy especially when finances were low and I lacked
financial security. However, throughout that time, I have learnt to make
the little money I had go around. Some people have helped me along the
way too, just at the right time also. I have learnt how society treats the
unemployed and the lack of respect they give these people despite obvious talent
and experience (especially for older people like myself). However, I have
survived and have learnt to be resourceful. I have learnt to accept help when
it is offered, swallow my pride and be gracious when other people helped me.
I am hoping that my experience may lift up someone who is unemployed and
help them to realise that God is on their side. God will act in HIS timing and
find the right job for you- trust Him and He will act. Don’t lose hope in God -
I nearly did on countless occasions when the tunnel of life is so dark and
you can’t see a way forward. God was there listening and being with me in
my tears and frustration, helping me work towards the present that He was
preparing to give me. When it came, it was out of the blue- so
unexpected, and yet it is so very perfect- it has to be- God prepared the
present.
Ask God to prepare the present for you. I pray
that the hand of God, whatever your circumstances will be there for your lives,
especially during Lent.
May the hand of God act in your life today and throughout this
coming week.
