When Work Hurts: Finding Hope and Purpose When Suffering on the JobSample

Introduction

"…We’ve decided that today will be your last day..”. It was 7:45 am, and I was six minutes away from my job when I received “the call.” Just seven days prior, I filed a formal complaint against my manager. For months, I witnessed my manager commit many egregious acts to people, directly and indirectly, while being very kind to me. Why complain, you ask? Because treating other people poorly is a hard no for me! That particular week, my manager hit a cord when she used a racial slur against a fellow employee. I thought, “Finally, an action that the company can’t possibly overlook.” Yet, they did indeed overlook it.

I wasn’t shocked, but I was a little upset with God. Why can’t there be justice, Lord? Why do bad people get to get away with doing bad? I had so many questions. As I questioned God, I was reminded of Moses’ prayer in Deuteronomy 32. Moses was preparing to die, and Israel was embarking on their promised land after forty long years. Moses reminded the people of all God had done to get them to this point of their deliverance. He reminded the people of who their God was and is and of His words. “I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them." (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Like the children of Israel, I had to be reminded that God avenges the wrong. Nothing gets past Him. Retribution will occur in its perfect timing.

Since my departure, the company has been sued, the CEO has “left,” and they have lost three multimillion-dollar funding streams. The staff who were under this manager have all left to greener pastures. I shudder to think what would have happened to all our destinies had we been “victorious” and stayed with the company. Many of the successes we all have experienced would not have been realized.

One thing is sure: God fulfills His promises. I am grateful that, during my hardship, I found Deuteronomy 32:35 to meditate on. It allowed me not to be upset with God. Instead, I walked into my unemployment, believing I had done the right thing, no matter the outcome. I trusted God to deliver justice in His perfect timing.

Talk it over:

1. What is your initial reaction when you are wronged?
2. How can this knowledge that God will avenge the wrongs change your perspective?

Prayer:

Lord, I know that You are faithful and good. You have given me new life and love me as Your child. You are with me on my best days and carry me through the worst. You protect me and guide me. Please continue to show me how You are working in my life and in the lives of those around me. Help me to focus on my future with You and to be a witness to Your work. In Jesus' name, amen.