Job Searching and the Sovereignty of God

I've been reminded several times in the past couple of weeks of a great truth: We must believe our own theology. In other words, we have to practice what we preach.

Usually that phrase, "practice what your preach," is meant in regards to some moral action that we have encouraged others to do or an immoral action we have encouraged others not to do. In this case, I am referring to acting out the beliefs that we call others to believe through the teaching of God's word. One of my favorite subjects to teach on is the sovereignty of God and lately my faith in that particular attribute of God has been tested.

I have been in job seeker mode ever since I moved to Bend. In addition to searching for ministry positions, I have also been looking for secular jobs so that I won't just be a bum of a husband expecting my wife to bring home all the bacon. I did manage to get a part time job shortly after moving out here, but that didn't last too long as the company was sold and I found myself going through the job application process all over again. Anybody who has ever searched for a job knows that rejection is part of the process. I have been told multiple times, "we decided to go in a different direction," "we'll keep your résumé on file," or "we just don't understand how martial arts skills are relevant."

The rejection didn't just stop at the secular jobs I've applied for but I've also had numerous churches who said they "felt the Lord leading us in different direction." After being told "no" several times it's hard to not wonder if there is something wrong with me. I replay interviews over in my head, wondering what answers I gave that caused a potential employer to shudder at the thought of hiring me. I peruse my résumé, trying to reword it to make it more appealing (being commissioner of a fantasy football league = "management experience").

After receiving my most recent "we really enjoyed meeting with you but...", I was reminded of one of the cornerstones of the theology I claim to believe: the sovereignty of God. Ultimately, God is in control of what job I get, or don't get. If I am rejected for one job, it means that God has something else in store for me. Please do not misunderstand me in thinking that I believe I have no responsibility in finding a job. I still search Internet job boards and make sure that I am well-prepared for any interview that I am fortunate enough to get. It also doesn't mean that I can't be disappointed when a particular job opportunity isn't offered to me.

What it does mean is that I can find joy and comfort in every rejection call or email that I receive. I can't always see the plan that God has for my life. What I do know is that God is in control of it. Along with my responsibilities in finding a job, is my responsibility to daily deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Christ. If I am doing that, I can trust that no matter what happens in my life, God is in control.

SDG