About two years ago when looking for a new job, I had two offers that I was interested in, and chose what I thought was the better fit. God always knows the best way, He is omniscient. As His child, I did my best to go with the decision I discerned He was leading me towards. Did I hear him right, and it would just take some time for Him to work all things for good; or did I hear Him wrong, and suffer the consequences of stepping outside of His will? Either way, He never left me, and saw me through what would be a very difficult time, but I sure learned a lot.

I had been praying specifically for quite a while for my own office in a workplace, or to work from home so I’d have my own office.  As an introvert, this was a high priority for me. So it made sense to me to take the job that offered me this luxury along with a window with what us Floridians refer to as a lake (aka pond) view. Imagine my dismay when about a month after working for this company, I got booted to a small cubicle in a hallway, right next to the printer (aka noise). All because a co-worker who was in a cubicle was not happy that a newbie like me got an office, and she let it be known to management. So to keep her happy I got moved. I was not amused, as I had asked specifically in the interview process if the office was guaranteed and was told it was. I kept quiet, and kept on working. But that wasn’t the end of my being demoted.

About two weeks later, I was fired for the first time in my life from that job. I was told they no longer needed the position. It was a brand new position. Basically, my supervisor, whom thought she wanted an assistant, didn’t want to manage anyone, which included training/answering my questions. I told her while carrying my things out the door, “I believe everything happens for a reason.” Not until I was in my car did I allow the tears to come. Not until many months later would I see and feel that this did happen for a reason. I’m happy to say I now have a bigger office with a better window view and a much better culture. God hears our littlest requests.

Here are some things I learned from that difficult time:
1) Say very little and stay kind when you are hurt (Jesus only spoke seven times during the seven hours He suffered on the cross)

2) Don’t let what some people think of you become your reality.

3) Rely on those closest to you to keep you lifted during difficult times, and don’t be afraid to let them know you need some extra support for a season  

 

Optional journal prompt: What have you learned from a difficult circumstance?