Your toughest battle

Dave O'Farrell, who helps lead Jobseekers in Peachtree City , wrote a terrific
e-newsletter last week. He said, "...being unemployed is one of the toughest spiritual battles you will ever face."

It's true. When you're between jobs, you can lose your sense of identity and purpose. You may struggle financially; lose contact with the co-workers you once saw and talked to every day; and and feel uncertain and fearful about the future.

One well-known test ranks the most stressful events you can experience. With apologies to David Letterman, here are the "top ten" life-changing events:

1. Death of a child

2. Death of a spouse

3. Death of parent or sibling

4. Divorce

5. Separation from spouse due to marital difficulties or work

6. Being held in jail

7. Loss of your job

8. An illness or injury that was very serious

9. Death of a close friend

10. Pregnancy (Okay, this can be a good life-changing event--but it can still be a challenge.)

So what can you do to cope during difficult times? O'Farrell recommends 3 things.

First,
Remember that this is temporary. You WILL find a new job. In the meantime, O'Farrell says, "There is a purpose in your suffering. I am reminded of James' words, 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.'" -- James 1:2-4

Second, You still have choices, so choose to be proactive. Get out of bed every morning and make a plan. Then work that plan. Remember, you are also on a spiritual journey, so talk to God often. As the Bible says, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -- Matthew 6:33

Finally, remember that God loves you. No matter what happens in our lives, God can use it for good. You know those beautiful stained glass windows in our sanctuary? Once they were just pieces of broken glass; it took an artist's hand to turn them into works of art. Even when our hearts are broken, God--the one true Artist--can put the pieces back together in an altogether new and beautiful form. He won't waste what you're experiencing, if you'll seek His will.

Join us this week at GEN. We're praying for you!
Lynn