Be Strong and Courageous

This year was kicked off with a series of swift layoffs from my workplace.   With each passing week the anxiety began to grow.  My fellow coworkers were fearful that their job would be axed next.  “Pray for me” they would say as I passed them in the hallways or in our weekly ladies bible study.  And so I did.  Rumors began to fly throughout the building of who was asked to leave, immediately.   When I heard her name, Cindy, I flew up the stairs to her desk, but it was cleaned out.  I looked over at her neighbor who told me with tearful concern, she was gone.  It’s been difficult to be focused and productive in an environment of pruning and cutbacks.  A few weeks later, there is a sigh of relief and the employees that are left (like me) are grateful they have a job to go.  Meanwhile, I’ve made myself available to those laid off, being a reference and even help review resumes.   My heart aches for friends that are gone but I pray often that God will place them somewhere where they can thrive: whether it be in a new workplace, to take a break from the rat race, to spend some time with family, volunteer work, going back to school, or wherever God ordains their steps.   Although we might make plans, it’s God who plans our steps.

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

I used to be in daily fear of losing my job.  Why? I live in a state where an employer can dismiss you at any time without cause.  It’s an awful way to live, to wake up and go to work not knowing if that is your last day.   Historically speaking, during past recessions, training has been the first to go in companies looking for ways to trim costs.  Training is what I do.  Helping people become more efficient, productive and less stressed with technology is what I do.  If they ask me to leave tomorrow, that’s ok with me.  God has given me incredible peace of late.  He has assured me that He is there to take care of me. 

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.  Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.  Joshua 1:5-7

God’s promise is He is always with us, that He is the catalyst for strength and courage no matter what you go through.   If I’m ever asked to leave, God just has a new assignment right around the corner.  My mind has even wondered what it could be.  Would it be a teacher at a college, a children’s book writer, an entrepreneur, web designer, would I stay in technology?  I refuse to live in fear anymore and neither should you. 

God does not give us the spirit of fear.  God has always taken care of you, right?  So why wouldn’t He do so again.   Fear is also a lack of faith in God.  He is the one who holds your hand and guides you.

This year will be perhaps my busiest training year.   God has lined up a full plate with new technologies, an Office rollout, and a move to a new building several miles away.   I cannot see the future, but God does.  Nothing takes Him by surprise. 

Whatever you are going through right now, I would say to you, be strong and courageous, not through your own power, but His.   He will see you through the thing.   Believe it.