I got fired the week after I closed the big art deal.
Before the boss called me into his office, I remember walking around giddy with success. I was the new recruit in sales and this international customer would secure my place on the team. Things were looking up!
Minutes later I was packing up my desk.
A single mom with three young children, I shook from fear and confusion. We lived from paycheck-to-paycheck. How would I pay the rent? Buy groceries? Make the car payment? Why didn’t I see this coming?
Life sends these twists without warning. When they come, you may be overcome by fear, as I was. Don’t panic! Take a deep breath, and then:
Tell God about it. Ask for his help.
This is the first and best thing to do. Your heavenly father cares for you and isn’t surprised by what happened. Also, if you suffer from blurt-out-itis, God can be trusted with everything you tell him.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
Even if things seem dire, try not to take drastic steps while your emotions are high.
- Don’t burn bridges. You’ll need a reference and you may end up working for the same company later. Surprise!
- Don’t post anything on social media you’ll later regret.
- Don’t move to Timbuktu unless you absolutely have to.
- Do apply for unemployment checks.
“Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” Proverbs 19:2 NIV
Talk to a wise friend or family member for support and advice.
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 NIV
Take care of yourself – body, mind, and spirit.
- Eat healthy food, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
- Fill your mind with good thoughts.
- Watch a comedy or read a humorous book.
- Read the Bible! Psalms is a good place to start.
With the Lord’s help, decide what to do next.
Do you need a job right away? If so, start the search by spreading the word among friends and acquaintances. Consider signing with temp agencies. Tell them if you’d like to work into a permanent position.
However, maybe this is meant to be a time for rest, reflection, and refreshment. Perhaps your feet will find a different path.
Keep your eyes open for God at work.
You’ll find that God has something good – probably better – planned for you!
In my case, God sent a string of temporary jobs which paid the bills and prepared me for the career I enjoyed for many years. As a bonus, he sent me my wonderful husband – The Constant Gardener!
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah raising the widow’s son from the dead, author Dana McNeely wondered what became of the boy. She began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from his perspective. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.
In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award (use the registered mark) and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.
WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king’s downfall and a love that transcends war.
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