A Prayer to Have Hope When You Are Job-Searching - Your Daily Prayer - August 21

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A Prayer to Have Hope When You Are Job-Searching
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Listen or Read Below:

Job hunting is notoriously difficult. For many people, it can take months to years to land a job. These individuals are going to college and earning a four-year degree, a master's, or a Ph.D., yet they are still struggling to find full-time employment. They are more than qualified to work in their field; however, the job market is incredibly competitive.

For example, I read a story about a man who was trying to get into the publishing field. He held a Bachelor of Arts in English and Publishing, a Master of Arts in Professional Publishing, and a Ph.D. in English. Despite applying to various publishing jobs, he couldn't even land an interview. After trying for a year, he knew he had to get a steady job somehow and accepted a position as an English teacher at a high school.

Although he was more than qualified to do a publishing job, nobody was going to give him a chance because he didn't have the right connections. The old saying, “It is not what you know, but who you know,” rings true. To successfully land a job, you will need to make connections. This can be a challenge, especially if you don't know anyone in your field.

Networking with various businesses might be beneficial. Try to think about a few ways to get your foot in the door with a company you want to work for. Talk with people who currently work there, go out for coffee with them, and build a network. It might also be helpful to build a relationship with your alma mater and see if they have any connections with companies, non-profits, or businesses.

Nonetheless, these roadblocks can leave us feeling hopeless. We begin to doubt if we will ever have a full-time job. This causes us to feel inadequate, anxious, and unsteady. Obtaining a career will require much legwork on your behalf, prayer, and trust in God. Cultivating hope in your heart can help you get through these challenging steps.

The Lord tells us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has great plans for your future, even if you may not see it right now.

When everything feels awful, it can be hard to have hope. Choose to cultivate hope in your life by reflecting upon the plans that God has for you. Although these words were spoken to the prophet Jeremiah, there is no reason to believe they don't apply to us as well. God wants to surround us with His beautiful plans and provide us with an enriching life in service to Him.

The Apostle Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The plans God has for our lives are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. This includes our careers, relationships, and futures. Rather than doubting God during seasons of hardship, choose to find hope in Him.

Let's Pray

“Dear God, job searching is stressful, draining, and overwhelming. There are days when I want to give up. Because companies aren't reaching out for interviews, I begin to feel like a failure. I fear I will never land a full-time job and will continue to struggle throughout my life. I followed the path of college, yet I still cannot succeed. I ask You to give me hope in this waiting period and to also help me find joy in the plans You have for my life. I trust that You will bring the right opportunity into my life at the right time. I might need to wait for a few months, but I know it is coming. Until then, please help me to practice patience, contentment, and hope. I'm giving all control over to You, God. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Prostock-Studio

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

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