Unemployment Rates Rise
Whatever the unemployment rate is, when it’s you that is unemployed, it’s at 100%. My husband has been unemployed for the past five months, and it can be an all-consuming thing. Because it’s not for lack of trying that he’s unemployed, it’s just for lack of jobs as far as I can tell, and the process of looking for one is wearing.
Whatever the unemployment rate is, when it’s you that is unemployed, it’s at 100%. My husband has been unemployed for the past five months, and it can be an all-consuming thing. Because it’s not for lack of trying that he’s unemployed, it’s just for lack of jobs as far as I can tell, and the process of looking for one is wearing.
Looking for jobs, any job. Filling out applications and sending resumes. Waiting. Hoping you get an interview. Some you do. Most you don’t. Hoping you get a call back. You don’t. Trying to follow up. They don’t want you to. Then starting again. The process never ending.
For me, it’s an emotional roller coaster. Thinking this is the one. Praying this is the one. Finding out from the lack of communication that this must not be the one. Such a disappointment.
To be honest, I find that I am most disappointed in God. We’re not asking for a Maserati here. Just a job. Something that we can pay the bills on. After time, I begin to wonder why He’s not helping out, why He’s not answering. I’d answer me.
As I really think about it, the ugly truth of it is I am disappointed I can’t control God. I wish that He’d just do what I asked and answer my prayers as I want, when I want. Like a vending machine, I want to put in my coins of prayer, push a button, and get the object I desire.
But then again, do I really want to control Him? If I could, who else could? Oh, it could get pretty ugly if some people were in control. Can you imagine? The “evil” ones.
It’d get pretty bad if I was in control too though, wouldn’t it? We’d end up with that Bruce Almighty answer everyone’s prayers with a “yes” chaos (if you haven’t seen the movie, it’s a long story, but let’s just say when everyone who prayed to win the lottery gets “yes” as an answer, they all end up with $17).
So, here we are. Still unemployed. Still praying. But perhaps, I’m a little less disappointed with God. He’s got the big picture and He cares. I’ll just have to cling to that. I’m glad we had this little talk.
Jamie Lath
Jamie Lath is a middle child that has no baby picture without her older sister in it. Even with only two siblings, she grew up with family everywhere because all her aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and even second-cousins lived in her hometown. With forty people at her birthday parties (all relatives) and her sister in every picture, she knows a little about community, and it's everlastingness. This has brought most of her ministry focus into meeting people where they're at, listening closely (especially to those who feel voiceless and like no one is listening), and helping them find God's voice in the mix. Jamie graduated with a BA in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas. Following a year of teaching English in China, she returned to the states to attend Dallas Theological Seminary. She received a Th.M. with a focus on Media Arts. Her background in the arts (ballet, writing, and acting) has given her an understanding of how creative expressions can give people a safe place to begin exploring how to use their voice and how it can touch hearts to hear God’s voice. She also blogs at I just called to say "Olive Juice."
8 Comments
Kelly Arabie
I hear you….
We’re in the same boat– I can relate!
Jamie Lath
Cruise Liner
There’s so many people on this boat, as far as I can tell, that we could fill a few cruise liners. Too bad it’s more sea-sickness, than hanging by the pool. : )
Leslie
Thanks
Thank you for your realness here! It’s so hard to trust the Lord’s provision in this area. I find myself thinking – ‘Oh, if we just looked for jobs here, or talk to this person, or did this, then we could make it happen!’ I agree with how you closed the post – the bottom line is that God cares and He never ever abandons.
Jamie Lath
You and me
I’ve said and thought that so many times. I have to really work at not placing blame on myself, or even worse, on my husband.
Lael Arrington
Dittos
We’re still on the transition journey. My verse from Hebrews…""strive to enter his rest." And from Jeremiah: "In returning and rest is your deliverance." I’m better at striving than resting.
Jamie Lath
Resting?
Insomnia more like it. But thanks for the reminder. Ironically, I’ve been fighting a cold this week (more like losing to it) and find myself having to rest. Sad that I have to be ill to see that I should’ve been resting sooner.
Sue Bohlin
What wisdom!
>>As I really think about it, the ugly truth of it is I am disappointed I can
Brian Govender
Disappointed with God
Same here and have been for five years since the global recession. I have had 3 different short term jobs totalling just under 6 months since 2009, and thats it. I am a seasoned believer with a lot of holes. Sometimes i just dont know what i feel. All i want is a job to take care of my family. I have exhausted all attempts with God. i have tried and done every thing i know and still i'm not ready to quit, not by a long shot. I reckon God can deal with my being disappointed with Him. He sees the bigger picture and has my best interest at heart. I guess what i am saying is that God knows all things and He will do whats best for us. So! inspite of the disappointment, and our troubled heart i still look up to Him for my daily bread. I've got to keep the faith, we've got to keep the faith.