I swore when moving to Greenwood, South Carolina, I would never work at Greenwood Mills. But I did.
Foreign imports were hurting business. Shortly, weekend shifts were discontinued and layoffs arrived regularly. Since I was the new kid, they chose me repeatedly. I was usually called back to the same job, but the last time around sweeping was the only position available.
I was pessimistic about the job and the wages. Sweeping eight hours didn’t excite me and pay barely above minimum wage didn’t help. But I hoped for better things and was eventually rewarded the overseer’s position.
Things don’t always work out so well. King David looked when he should have turned his head, acted when he should have walked away and followed both with deception and murder. The sordid sin produced a child but cost David the infant’s life. Yet he remained optimistic until the end, hoping God would heal the baby. While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live. (II Samuel 12:22)
God: I never promised you a pain free path. Me: But why not? God: I want you to trust my love and decisions whether they make sense to you or not.
Being confident of God’s control and unconditional love makes optimism in the darkest times possible. Unconfessed sin darkens the tunnel but confession reveals the light of optimism’s hope.
Prayer: Father, enable us to look for the bright side even when there appears to be none.
Martin, so true. I really liked, "Unconfessed sin darkens the tunnel but confession reveals the light of optimism's hope." Thanks for sharing. Stopping by through Bless a Blogger Friday.
ReplyDeleteHi Martin...I love this image...what a great one for the first entry on Bless a Blogger : )
ReplyDeleteThis is also a great message. Thanks for linking up without even a reminder : )
I'm praying this week for your ministry on Love Lines. May God continue to bless it.
Bless you!
Gail
Hopped from Bless a Blogger. In times where jobs are uncertain, and there are people hurting we must remember "to do as unto the Lord"! He is mindful and he will bless us!! And you remained faithful and He blessed!!
ReplyDeleteHopping over from Bless a Blogger. What a great story and what a great lesson for us to remain optimistic in the face of trials. God always has a greater plan that we can't see! I pray He bless you in all that you do. Blessings from Zagreb!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we haven't been promised a pain free way. I've found God is always there in my pain. Trusting in God's love is the way of victory.
ReplyDeleteLove how you tied this together.
ReplyDeleteAs a young worker, I took the heavy work from the older men, but it earned me jobs when others were not working. These men would ask to take me with them at the union hall as we waited for a call. It is difficult to be the one laid off. We realize it is not personal, but it still hurts our pride and our emotions. May God grant you employment and advance you as you remain a valuable worker.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when days are dark, it is difficult to stay focused on God and His promises. But when we do, He always proves faithful! Even when it seems like nothing is happening or that He is distant, God is always at work, shaping, molding and growing us! Blessings!
ReplyDelete