I got laid off earlier this year, it was unexpected and painful, and it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.  I guess you didn’t think that would be my lead in, but sometimes that is how it goes, something that seems so bad turns into something that is so good.

Let me rewind a bit.  When I started working for this company in 2013, I loved the company and I loved my job. I was also in the middle of a season of renewal with God. I was deeper with God at that time than I had ever been in my life. I was grateful that God gave me the opportunity for the next chapter in my career.  I was on the mountain top.

I don’t think I was prepared for what would slowly start happening, in that I would start sliding down the mountain into a valley.  The longer that I was working and the more successful I was the more distant I was becoming from God. It wasn’t that I didn’t thank God for the success, but it was a slow distancing that is hard to explain.  I think arrogance started to creep in.  During that drifting and sliding down the hill I lost myself.  I became timid in my decisions and start to lose my confidence, and I am sure that showed in my performance. 

I think the job was the catalyst not the issue in of itself for my backsliding. As I look back over the last six months, I can see how getting laid off was a blessing. God pruned away the parts of my life that were hindering my spiritual growth. 

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”  John 15:2

During the last few months, I have been seeking God and realigning my thoughts and activities with His. I am spending time in His word and with Him, and not shortchanging that to get to a meeting early in the morning. And what a great God we have in that he just welcomes me back to His loving arms with no penalties.  

As I have been reflecting on all this I have learned the importance of staying true to yourself.  I know who I am and I know whose I am.  Moving forward I know that He is with me every step on this journey through life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

So, what is next in my career?  I don’t know, but I do know that He has a plan for all of us and I am listening and being obedient to His direction.  I’ll let you know how things go but they are looking pretty good right now.