When bad times hit, we have to pause and think carefully about how we’re going to respond. Our initial response will set us on a course that will make a big difference in our lives as the journey unfolds.
I experienced one of my worst times almost ten years ago: the day I lost my job. I worked at Sam’s Club, and I loved it. I was successful at my job, and I fully expected—and intended—to stay there until retirement. And then one day, out of the blue, I was laid off. The parent company, Walmart, decided to massively downsize, and I was one of many who found themselves out of a job. Suddenly, my future career plans were all gone, completely gone.
It hit me hard, and I wasn’t prepared for it. Neither were my coworkers. Many of them were shocked. How could this have happened?
I remember leaving work that day, and my mind was reeling. What was I supposed to do now? What was my next step going to be? Who was I without that name badge pinned to my shirt? Was I even the same person anymore?
Layoffs are a part of life, unfortunately, but if you’ve been through one, you know it’s never easy. Not only does it threaten your financial stability, but suddenly there are so many decisions to make about your future. All of your life-long plans go right out the window.
During that time, I received a lot of advice from friends and family. Some of it was good, and some of it was not so good. Ultimately, I chose to press pause on my life and take a step back.
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT)
It’s in these moments when Satan likes to sneak in and start whispering. He wants us to fall into despair. He wants us to blame God and get angry. He wants us to start the endless litany of complaints. If I had given in and gone down the path of blame and bitterness, I might have missed out on what God had in mind.
You see, ironically, one of the best things that ever happened to me came about as a direct result of that layoff. As I struggled to pick up the pieces of my shattered career, I was invited by a friend to attend a weekly men’s group. That men’s group has turned out to be one of the most important resources in my life. It’s a place where guys support and encourage each other, a place where it’s okay to be weak and admit that you’re a sinner. It’s a group devoted to being in fellowship, gaining strength from one another, and praying for one another.
That men’s group has been absolutely vital during my battle with cancer. Isn’t it interesting how one of my worst experiences led me to a resource that helped me get through another one of my worst experiences? God works that way.
That experience ten years ago was horrible for me and for my whole family, and I can remember it all very clearly. It seems like it was yesterday. To this day, I still thank God for leading me through that difficult time. More than that, I thank Him for transforming one of my worst experiences into one of my greatest blessings.
God has a purpose in everything. It’s not always easy to see it, but we can choose to trust Him anyway. I would never have guessed ten years ago that God was preparing me to fight cancer.
Trust God in everything. Let the Holy Spirit fill you and give you peace in every circumstance. God has a greater purpose, and someday you will see it.
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