How to Trust God When You're Unemployedਨਮੂਨਾ

Speaking from personal experience, when you’re unemployed, shock, anger, and uncertainty are the trio of emotions you’re most likely feeling right now. There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to acknowledge the impact that not having a job will have on your life. It is a traumatic experience, but if you don’t allow yourself to wallow in self-pity, you’re going to seek to immediately view your unemployment from a biblical perspective and embrace the following:

A job does not validate you.

Many of us, myself included, fall into the trap of measuring our worth by titles, paychecks, or how quickly we get hired. But God made you in His image. A rejection letter cannot undo His design. When shame whispers, “You’re a failure,” remind yourself: “I belong to God.”

A “no” can be protection.

My mom often says, “A no could mean God is protecting you from a worse situation.” That job might have stunted your growth or placed you in an environment that would steal your joy. I’ve already had the unfortunate pleasure of working with and for people who were a couple fries short of a Happy Meal, and trust me, being spared from that was a blessing in disguise.

Throughout my career, each role brought me more responsibility and greater pay. So now, when Satan tries to convince me that rejection equals failure, I shut him down with truth: “You’re a liar. God has something better for me.” Every rejection letter is one step closer to the opportunity God specifically designed for you.

I know it can be incredibly frustrating to see those rejection letters piling up in your inbox. Just remember that you’re not idly sitting by expecting a job to drop from the sky. Waiting isn’t passive. It requires action. Here are three things you can do while you’re waiting on God to provide you with your next adventure:

1. Begin your day with prayer and scripture to recenter and reinforce your identity in Christ. Even though you absolutely hate being unemployed, take comfort in the fact that God is going to cause this situation to work together for your good. Take this time to pray, journal, and surround yourself with people who uplift your mind, body, and soul.
2. God wants you to bloom where He planted you. Every experience offers lessons we can learn from, and we can benefit from them; therefore, look for opportunities to learn and serve others.
3. Prepare for your next career move by updating your resume, consistently applying for jobs, networking, and exploring side hustles. Here’s a fun fact: I refused to waste my valley season and decided to start the Hustle in Faith podcast. Make sure to steward your waiting season well, and God will refine you for what’s next.

Don’t let rejection break your spirit. It might bruise your pride, but it doesn’t own your future. Stay faithful. The blessing God has in store for you is on its way!

Reflection Questions:

1. What verse keeps you steady while you wait?

2. What steps will you take to ensure your season of unemployment is not in vain?

A Prayer for Strength:

Father, as we continue to go through this valley, please give peace to everyone waiting for work. Continue to provide for our needs, strengthen our faith, and remind us of our worth in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If this plan resonated with you, be sure to check out the Hustle in Faith podcast for more faith-based content.