Downsized But Encouraged
I was unexpectedly downsized by my employer last Thursday (May 15, 2008). And my first reaction was “okay”. After all, I had been through unemployment when the IT Industry collapsed around 2001 for me. Interestingly enough, I had just started to rebuild financially and had an increasing credit score to prove it. I had been able to start re-furnishing my house after going through a divorce in 2006. It takes a while to build up when your life is turned upside down. So here I am again in a similar predicament. But this time my faith is stronger. This time I actually have a relationship with God. As I reminisce on what I went through the first time I was unemployed, I remember that it was difficult to go through but when I got to the other side, I was a better person. I found out who really “had my back”. I drew closer to God. And ultimately, I ended up in a better place…at least for a moment.
So as I compare the times of unemployment, I can not help but ask God “Why?”. What is this term of unemployment supposed to teach me? What will I learn from this test that I can later share with whoever God puts in my path? Will I be less stressed this time around? Actually, I can tell I will be less stressed.
But the second day after receiving the news of being laid off, the flesh started to take over. I begin to have strong feelings of anger. I wanted to fight, to tear up something and/or somebody. After all, I am only human.
But I made sure I prayed. I made sure that I listened to sermons on Christian television like TBN and Daystar. I made sure that the only thing I listened to on the radio was Christian stations. And earlier one morning on one Christian radio station, I heard a gospel song by Donald Lawrence & Tri-city singers called “Encourage Yourself”.
And that is exactly what we need to do…encourage ourselves.
Let me emphasize, once we achieve salvation (we are born again in the Holy Spirit), then we truly have power to encourage ourselves and power over the enemy. God’s Word says in
Luke 10:19
Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
I would like to encourage you to listen to the relevant song “Encourage Yourself” in the following video:
Walking in love,