“I lost my job today,” Julia said with a sigh as she sat on the sofa beside me.
OH NO!” I replied. “What happened?”
“I was over $14.27 in my cash drawer. I don’t know how. I
counted everything. And this was the third strike against me in this area.
Three strikes and you’re automatically fired. I am a reliable worker and my
manager thinks so too yet I am suspended until farther notice,” Julia said.
Faith began to rise up as I replied, “I know this situation
looks impossible but I am learning nothing is impossible with God. Please give
God a chance to work on your behalf and do not speak in negative terms about your
job. Let your good character and work performance speak forth. I cannot promise
anything. However, we will pray that God’s favor will triumph when your boss
calls the corporate office.
I am not sure Julia was actually on board with the idea at
first but as we prayed, she seemed to relax and we sealed the deal with a hug.
The next day, I sat by Julia in church. During the praise
and worship, the Lord spoke to me and told me to ask Julia this question:
What are you expecting from
Me?
Knowing the Lord desired to teach Julia to trust Him with her job, I
wrote the question on a scrape of paper and handed it to her. She read it,
smiled, and hugged me again.
Later that afternoon, Julia received a call. Her boss had talked
to the corporate office about the error. Corporate wanted to stay firm on the
rules until Julia’s boss stressed that even with the error, Julia was still one
of her most dependable workers. After hearing that plea, corporate decided to
give Julia one more chance.
We both learned from this experience of trusting in God so with joy, we both celebrated the victorious news.
And now…as I take down the Christmas decorations, that same
question keeps coming back, challenging me to walk closer to God this year. I
know my heart wants to but how can that happen when my mind accuses me
of unworthiness?
Then Jesus gently reminded me,
“My blood
continuously cleanses you of all unrighteousness. There are no barriers keeping My favor away. When your mind accuses you of unworthiness,
who is behind those lies? I desire to freely bless you with grace and favor
beyond measure, if you will allow Me entrance into your daily situations.” Jesus held
out His hand, “Come…let us walk close together in this brand new
year.”
And so I ask you…
What are you expecting from Jesus this year?
Are you ready to change habitual thoughts and attitudes?
Will you let go and allow God to work on your behalf? Favor does not come
because of our abilities and righteousness. It comes because of our acceptance
of His. Allow God to work on your behalf this New Year and watch the marvelous
begin.
