God's Gift of a Job

[llewksgood]

Back in the 90's I was laid off work in response to "the recession we had to have" here in Australia. During this time of unemployment I developed hypertension, would you believe, by becoming addicted to video games, which took control of all that spare time I had, while I avoided the gloom of unemployment.

In order to get back to work, I finally took the same job on a part time basis for a reduced income, which was not adequately meeting family needs. A second part time position became available, delivering newspapers to the local homes. I applied, and got the position. It's a fun job.

The little vehicle I used [the newsagent's] was a mini moke [fun driving] that was in poor condition due to age, and parts not being readily available. The brakes were very poor, and the horn didn't work. Finally, after I had driven up someone's driveway and through their garage door, having failed to stop; run over a truckie's tarpaulin, and been run into by someone reverse parking, the owner decided it was time to get a more up to date vehicle. The thought occured to me to offer him a contract in which I would provide the vehicle [I had not owned one up to that point] and we reached an agreement giving us our 1st family car ever.

However the 365 day implementation of the contract, and having to do 7 days a week severely limited the position to travel around. Preaching has always been one of my enjoyments, and I still get opportunities, which is exciting. I remember talking to the Lord about this and he answered, "I gave you this job, do not leave it."

I found this both strange and amusing [since I worked 365 days a year], but have come to have great delight in what I am doing, and finding so many things i can trust God in. It has caused me to be more dependent on him.

I began with a part time job, which became a 5 year contract. The business sold almost right on the 5 years, and the new owners renewed the contract another 5 years before they sold. A new contract is now in place with the other newsagent in town and, quite frankly, I have never looked back. God has always provided, and the blessings are abundant.

My prayers go out to those who have found themselves in the position I once shared, and I would like to encourage them, God will do it for you, just trust him through the hard times.

Today I have Christmas Day off - so its a real celebration, even if you don't want to.