My dad has been out of work for several months now, and just this morning had yet another final round of interviews with yet another company.
In an economy that is apparently coming out of a recession, the job hunt is moving slower than I’d like it to for him, but when I opened up my daily devotional book this morning (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young), my anxieties all but disappeared when I read the verse of the day :
“‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
– Jeremiah 17:7 –
Then I left my apartment and literally ran into this tree. It was like God was mocking my fears and insecurities by taking my natural surroundings and showing me His splendor. “Look, ye of little faith! I know the plans I have for you – plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
And I smiled. Then took this picture on my iPhone. Then emailed my dad these verses of encouragement. Because, not only is my dad one of the most optimistic, fun-loving and enthusiastic individuals in my life, he’s a strong man of faith who has hardly been weathered by the storm of unemployment – rather, I would argue his faith has been strengthened by the trial. Plus, who am I to question God? I know that all things work out for good of those who love Him, and He loves us all the same, no matter our job placement, sin status or salary.
P.S. Thanks dad!, for your unceasing optimism, encouragement and enthusiasm for life. You are an inspiration, no matter where you work from 9 – 5. 🙂