A quick look at the prayer requests that run across my desk has alerted me that the economic downturn is beginning to reach into our church family.
This morning my thoughts and prayers are directed toward those who find themselves without a job and without a sense of what’s next.
To you, I humbly say, do not waste your unemployment! The Bible is filled with examples of adversity and setbacks becoming the seeds of life change.
I would like to encourage you to consider the following ideas:
1-Use this “interruption” to grow in your knowledge of God and yourself!
“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26
The range of emotions that come with unemployment is extreme. The emotional gamut runs from anger to abandonment. Refocus as quickly as possible. Develop a habit of reading the Bible and devotional books. If you “don’t read,” use this interruption to get rid of that destructive notion! Read, reflect and grow in your knowledge of the God who uses adversity to sharpen His followers.
2-Keep your routine!
“It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.” 3John 3
One of the invisible benefits of a job is the forced structure a workweek provides. Even if you had a lousy schedule, you had a schedule! The relief of not having to get up and get going is short lived. There is a fine line between this “relief” [of not having to get up] and the early stages of depression.
So… As much as possible, maintain your schedule, or at least an eight-hour daily routine. Remember, your job is to get a job! As you plan your daily and weekly schedule make sure you spend at least an hour a day updating your resume, looking for a job or trying to set up interviews.
3-Get physical!
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:18
Speaking of establishing a routine, use the space between jobs to improve your physical condition and health. Despondency sucks energy and depression causes us to become sedentary. This will not happen unless you plan to spend an increasing amount of time doing more squeezing the remote on your video game or TV. Purpose to loose weight, gain strength and build stamina. Spend at least an hour a day walking, running, or exercising at home or in the gym. Your improved physical condition will add confidence during your interview process.
4- Develop a new set of skills!
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 20
The application of this principle varies, but the goal is to become more marketable! Some people are well acquainted with the next set of skills required for career advancement; others will have to be creative! Take a regular block of time and use it to develop a new set of skills that will impress when the time comes to drag your disciplined mind and buff body into the interview room!
5-Volunteer!
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Col. 1:10
Time is a commodity the unemployed are blessed with. If you prayerfully own the first four ideas you will still have time to volunteer at a non-profit organization. You can use your [expanding] skill set to provide help many organizations could not afford. You can also decompress by volunteering to do whatever is needed. You may cultivate a job lead, but you will certainly bless and be blessed. You will feel good about yourself and your spiritual and mental health will spike!
If I was in Human Resources I would be very interested in how prospective employees filled the time between jobs. As a Pastor I am very interested in seeing members of our church family use the challenge of unemployment to become a vehicle for life change.
Please be confident of my prayers on your behalf.
