How to Trust God When You're Unemployedਨਮੂਨਾ

Pride is one of the most dangerous sins because it blinds us to reality. In Scripture, both King Nebuchadnezzar and King Saul had everything—power, position, and influence. Yet pride became their downfall. Their stories remind us that no matter how high we rise, we can always fall. We are never beyond the need for humility. Let’s learn from their mistakes, so we don’t repeat them.

We’ll start with King Nebuchadnezzar. You can read his full story in Daniel 2–4.

At first, Nebuchadnezzar’s success was a direct blessing from God. The Lord gave him a dream about a statue made of different materials, symbolizing the kingdoms that would rise and fall. God revealed that Nebuchadnezzar would reign over a powerful empire. But over time, that blessing went to his head.

Blinded by arrogance, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the creation of a massive gold statue and commanded everyone to bow down and worship it or face death in a fiery furnace. While many remember this moment for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courage, today our focus is on Nebuchadnezzar himself.

Later in his reign, God gave him another dream—this time, a warning. The dream revealed that, because of his pride and failure to recognize the true source of his success, he would lose everything and live like an animal until he acknowledged God’s authority. And that’s exactly what happened.

Nebuchadnezzar lost his kingdom, his dignity, and even his sanity. But when he finally lifted his eyes toward heaven and recognized that God alone rules over all, his understanding and his throne were restored.

Before God humbled him, Nebuchadnezzar had multiple opportunities to give God glory for his success. But instead of gratitude, he chose arrogance. He forgot that every good thing he had came from God and convinced himself that his power was self-made. How foolish! Yet, his story gives us hope because when he repented, God restored him.

Contrast that with King Saul. Unlike Nebuchadnezzar, Saul never truly repented. He made excuses, shifted blame, and prioritized pleasing people over obeying God. As a result, God rejected him as king.

As 1 Samuel 15:23 says:

“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.”

Saul lost not only his crown but also his legacy because he refused to humble himself.

Both men started strong. Both were chosen by God. Yet pride destroyed one and humbled the other into restoration. The difference? Nebuchadnezzar repented. Saul didn’t. Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and was restored. Saul hardened his heart and lost everything. Here’s the truth worth remembering:

Pride unchecked leads to destruction, but humility opens the door to restoration.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if more leaders today followed Nebuchadnezzar’s example of repentance instead of Saul’s stubborn pride? Unfortunately, many in positions of power fail to take responsibility for their actions. Instead of admitting mistakes, they make excuses. Instead of sacrificing part of their excessive salaries, they lay off employees, disrupting lives while protecting their own comfort.

So if you’ve recently lost your job, remember this: it may have nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with the pride of those in management. Don’t waste energy replaying the “what ifs” or throwing yourself a pity party. God can use this setback as a setup for something greater. Just a reminder that God can and will give you back what was stolen from you (Joel 2:25).

It’s time to shift your focus. Instead of asking “Why me?” start asking “What is God teaching me?” Approach this season of unemployment with a biblical perspective rooted not in pride or despair, but in humility, faith, and trust that God will restore what was lost.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can unchecked pride affect you?

2. How should you approach your season of unemployment?