I fought the tears.
“I can’t believe it,” I wrote as a reply to a colleague of mine some years back.
“Yes,” she said, “the company is downsizing and laying off all in our level.”
My stomach cramped. My job as an over-the-phone interpreter wasn’t actually “work” for me; it was my passion. Something I relished performing. And one that for over two decades, I’d relied on for income, health insurance and other nice perks.
My throat was still a bit sore from swallowing the lump as I considered this loss.
I heard words like severance, “COBRA”—words that screamed “You’re out of here.”
They pointed to the choices: anger at the unfairness, fear of what would happen next or prepare the menu for a pity party.
A Different Path
Since none seemed logical, I chose a different path. God says that His thoughts are not our thoughts. And our ways are not His ways. I caught my breath and glanced at a new horizon—not bleak anymore. Actually, I saw possibilities—ones I’d not considered but what if God had? I saw paths unknown to me, but what if God already knew them? I saw worry before me, but what if God had blessings planned instead?
Seeing my future through His eyes brought peace. And that peace made me dance with reassurance when I read: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord; ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11).
To prosper me? To give me a future? God was the one promising that. Not my employer or unemployment department. His plans were in place, firm and trustworthy.
Something strange happened.
And while I relished in His firm commitment to give me a good future, the strangest thing happened, unusual as snow in Orlando. I received an email telling me that the notice to end my employment was indeed an error. An error? I held my breath. And with apologies, my boss confirmed that statement and assured me I was still an employee of the company with no changes to my responsibilities, income or benefits.
So, is that what God means when He says to trust in Him with all our heart? His tests often come with seemingly bad news. But we look at the “God news”—it paints the portrait of hope each time. It brings on what we could never imagine. And He is true to His every promise.
Maybe this message today is for you. If you’re facing uncertainty. Or you’re encountering something that seems impossible. Or maybe you reached the end, and hope is about to evaporate.
Hang on. God has written the end of the story. And He’s waiting for your trust to come back, your faith to increase and your peace to come back.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for giving me the wisdom to rely on You when bad news arrives. Thank You for teaching me to trust in Your provision and in Your sustaining power alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
How is God showing you a new horizon today? {eoa}
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
