God's hand in the workplace
Image above entitled
"God Cares" © Sally Holt
Job
is a lesson in patience and changing our attitude towards suffering.
Many of you will have already discovered the trusting attitude
required when problems strike and be putting it into practice, but I'm
a slow learner! Job was a wealthy man (described in the Bible as
being blameless and a man of complete integrity). In very quick
succession, Job lost all his livestock, farmhand, servants and
children. As he mourned the loss of his children, he was also struck
with severe case of boils from head to foot. Things were pretty
desperate and in Job 2:8-10, we read "Then Job scraped his skin with
a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. His wife said
to him, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and
die"." (It is interesting to note in the explanatory notes for these
verses, that one of the reasons put forward for Job's wife not being
killed along with his children was that her very presence may have
caused Job even more suffering!)
Job's well-meaning friends tried
to convince Job in his misery that he needed to confess some sin he
had committed as this unconfessed sin was sure to be the reason for
his suffering. Job knew he had no unconfessed sin and throughout the
book, he maintained his faith, but questioned God as to why he was
suffering.
I began to examine my attitude to my own
problems – particularly my work situation. I would complain to anyone
who would listen about the long hours I worked and the unreasonable
partner I worked for. But what was I doing about it (apart from
complaining)? Well, I did apply for two other positions with other
law firms, both of which I missed out on, but I really didn't bother to
actively seek out a new job – even outside the legal profession. As I
thought, about my work situation, I was reminded that, against all
odds, I had been extremely lucky to obtain a secretarial position in a
law firm, working for a partner, which was considered more prestigious
than working for a legal executive or staff solicitor, when the
highest qualification I ever obtained was School Certificate. I had
practically no typing ability and had no idea how to use a
computer!
Travelling home after the job interview, I was
praying "Lord, out of all the jobs I have applied for, this is
the one I would really like, but Lord only you know which one is
right for me (and so on)…" Two weeks went by before I had a call
telling me the job was mine if I still wanted it. I know God's hand
was in this and I had further confirmation of this when I found out on
my first day in the job that I had actually been the partner's second
choice. The woman chosen had resigned after the first week
there. Remembering this recently made me grateful, and as I
really enjoy my work (but not necessarily the accompanying
stress), I asked the Lord to help me change my attitude towards
my work. The firm was facing two very stressful weeks ahead
with farm conveyances, which nearly always take place at the end of
May or the beginning of June to coincide with farmers' financial end of
year dates. I was amazed that, after working 10-hour days, I was able
to jump into the car at the end of the day feeling elated. I was so
relaxed and happy that I was able to sing along with the radio music as
I travelled home.
I was recently asked to assist a new employee
and, on the resignation and departure of the senior partner's
legal executive, have been frequently called upon for advice
on procedural matters. This added to my already immense workload,
but the Lord gave me real peace in the situation. A month ago I would
have been stressing out big time! Again, I was amazed at His power. I've
also had my eyes opened to the advantages of being a long-term employee
of the firm. I have gained a lot of experience in the nearly 8 years
I have been there and the Lord has recently allowed me to overcome
my fear of confronting the partner I work for over my workload and
steps are now being taken to reduce this, or at least, prevent the
problem becoming worse.
I am still quite tired, but I am much more
content with life and feel really blessed. All this has been
possible because of a concerted effort, with the Lord's help
and empowerment, to change my attitude to my work situation. If we
always knew why we were suffering, our faith would have no room to
grow. By the end of the book of Job, Job finally asks for forgiveness,
as his friends had urged him to, but not for unconfessed sin – for his
ignorance in questioning God's sovereignty, power and justice. We
read in Job, Chapter 42:1-3, "Then Job replied to the Lord: I know
that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You ask "Who is this
that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?" It is I. And I was
talking about things I did not understand, things far too wonderful for
me." Job repented of his attitude. We also sin when we angrily
ask, "If God is in control, how could he let this happen?" or "Why
is this happening to me?" Because we are locked into time, unable to
see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that
happens to us, or others. We must trust in His plan for us and resist
self-pity; proclaim our faith in God, knowing He cares, and wait
patiently for His aid. I would encourage you next time you face a trial
or dilemma, to see it as an opportunity to turn to God for
strength. Be patient and examine your attitude to the situation –
AND PRAY!
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