I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I had anticipated having a bit more “down time” than usual with Pastor’s sabbatical, but that didn’t pan out as intended. I read the introduction and the devotional and then read chapter 5 (Ask) this morning and here’s my feedback…and pithy comments :).
“Even though I am not currently searching for a job, I found the devotional beneficial. The concepts of trusting God, declaring God’s promises, and expecting God to work in my life are necessary to me as a believer, and the devotional will help me to be a better employee in my current job.
“A Kingdom response is only given to a Kingdom request.” (Pg. 65) Wow, Barb, I had to stop after I read that line and think about it…and squirm about it…and realized to my dismay how I have missed the boat in my prayer life! How many hours have I spent in prayer that was most certainly manipulated by my flesh and not aligned with the Kingdom? Too many.
“Effective asking is based on Kingdom motives and serves Kingdom purposes.” (Pg. 66) And the three key errors job seekers make when they approach God with a prayer request are not isolated to job seekers…again, so transferable to so many and causes me to rethink how I pray and what I am unknowingly praying for!
“Take any job you can find’ solution” (Pg. 67): Wow, what a revelation! I have been so quick to judge people who are unemployed and now I understand there are purposeful, logical, and beneficial reasons for NOT taking any old job that’s out there. A complete mind-shift for me…
“If fear suggests a way to go, do the opposite. Fear will never lead us to the will of God.” (Pg. 67) This could be on a bumper sticker…or a t-shirt…or a facebook status update…or a tweet on twitter ☺
I love that you included the communication styles in here as well, and again, not just applicable in a job interview setting. Improving our communication skills would be an asset that we could all benefit from in our jobs, marriages, families, small groups, etc.
These principles are so transferable and would be useful in our current work environment…It’s a great reminder that God has equipped each one of us with special talents to glorify the Kingdom, and a wonderful example of how God uses all things to work together for the good.
Great, great work!! Thanks Barb!!
- Toni
-- my faith is stronger and my love and appreciation of God is greater for having been in touch with you and with the book. I have a great sense of anticipation... two weeks ago I started my job. Like the hymn says, "morning by morning new mercies I see" concerning God's timing, all the training I've had up until now, and the different pieces that He brings together for this project I’ll be working on (Alzheimer's research) -- I'm amazed and blessed. The people, the setting, the expectations, the opportunities couldn't be more perfect -- definitely has God's signature and I am so grateful...
-Susan
To be reminded of the character and purposes of God is to be on the road to recovery from wrong thinking and unbelief -- and if my head and heart are right, much of the rest will follow.
If I could encapsulate all I learned from what I read it would be the following:
1. All believers work for God, no matter who gives them a paycheck.
2. God as Father and Fair Employer will not fail to provide; our job is to trust and obey, His job is to provide for our needs, both material and directional (not to even mention that He loves us madly and will care for us emotionally and spiritually as well).
3. God has a plan; we need to seek it and follow Him in it.
4. CAR stories demonstrate my unique abilities, even if they never show up on a resume'.
5. Have an open heart, giving what, where and to whom we can -- we don't have to hold back since God has provided what we have and will continue to supply our needs. We can't give what we don't have -- if we don't have money, we can still give time. (I loved the concept of tithing our time when we didn't have money.)
6. Be diligent and persistent.
7. Get help when you need it.
8. In your season of unemployment, let God deal with the whole package that is you -- there is so much more at stake than getting the next job.
9. Be intentional and thorough about where you want to work and what you want to do.
I fully believe many, many people will be blessed, ministered to and launched into God's purposes for their lives by this message -- it doesn't get much better than that, sister!!
One other thing, probably my favorite thing. Your tone makes you and what you're sharing so accessible -- your writing "voice" is warm yet authoritative, i.e. your love for and patience with the reader comes through but you speak firmly with confidence in the truth of what you have to say and with confidence that your reader will take it to heart and be strengthened and changed by it. I feel I know you as well or better by reading what you have written. Not only that, I feel closer to the Lord's heart -- I know Him and love Him better, too...
- SY
Good morning everyone!!
I just wanted to update you as to what is happening in my job search. ITS OVER!!!!
I accepted a position with a healthcare company here in Florida. This is such a GOD story. I heard they were hiring from a "prospective member" who came in looking for a membership. I found out my old boss is one of their Directors........ It just gets better after that!! I will be writing a testimony - it will blow your mind when you hear this – it proves GOD can do anything anytime..........just keep believing and know He has you in the palm of his hand...........and finally DON'T EVER GIVE UP!! I can’t even tell you how elated I am to be going back into the medical field!!!
Have a blessed week and thank you again for all your love and support over the past year and a half. Just continue to keep me in your prayers as I start my new journey :-).
Be blessed,
Bonnie