Unexpectedly becoming a widow who was also laid off without notice , I witnessed money rolling in from unforeseen sources just as my refrigerator developed an echo , or the light bill came due . Yes , there were times I wrung the facial tissues through my fingers so long and hard as I cried , I ended up with shreds in my hands . But as God came through , each and every time , my faith bolstered . Friends and family around me were astonished . God was honored , and I kept a roof over my head .
Thirdly , Jesus held the situation in perspective . This is not our world . We are merely travelers journeying through it on the way to our home in Heaven . But we are all called to be an example along the way and to also be Christ to a hurting world . In 1 Peter 2 : 11-12 , Peter states , “ Dear friends , I urge you , as foreigners and exiles , to abstain from sinful desires , which wage war against your soul . Live such good lives among the pagans that , though they accuse you of doing wrong , they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us .”
Paul stated we would be battling things not of this world : “ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood , but against the rulers , against the authorities , against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms ” Ephesians 6:12 . But , Paul also testified that we had something better than the world has to offer . We have spiritual armor . He told the Roman Christians who were being persecuted :
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword ? As it is written : “ For your sake we face death all day long ; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered .” No , in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us . For I am convinced that neither death nor life , neither angels nor demons , neither the present nor the future , nor any powers , neither height nor depth , nor anything else in all creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord . Romans 8:34-38
Practical tactics ? Here are a few I ’ ve found helpful . Whether your position is threatened or not , whether your work life becomes miserable , or all your co-workers turn their backs , stand firm on your faith . God , the Ruler and Creator of the Universe , is your foundation . If necessary , literally plant the weight of your feet to the floor or carpet and lock your knees . Straighten your posture , pull your shoulders back and look people in the eye . You may even try smiling to really throw them off their cocky platform . Body language can not only influence those around you , but yourself as well .
Ask fellow believers to daily pray for you as you daily return to the battlefield you once thought to be your security and identity . Also , try to pray off and on during the day , even if you have to crouch in the bathroom stall . Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts , your tongue and your actions often throughout the day . Let your family know so they can support you and be understanding during the times when you feel vulnerable and a bit grouchy . Dive into the Word . Don ’ t expect the Bible to be your Magic 8 Ball , but use it to fully armor yourself . Measure what is happening at work against the Ten Commandments , and Jesus ’ commandments in Matthew 22:37-38 . Read the Psalms where David literally ran for his life , but trusted in God . Write down and memorize verses that touch you , send holy chills up your chest , or a warmth of assurance to your heart . Copy and plaster encouraging Scripture verses on your mirror , car visor , or computer monitor to encourage you as you battle the evils of the workplace . Carry a few in the notes app of your smart phone for quick bolstering when you feel the need . Praise God in all things , even when circumstances get tough . Find something each morning and night to thank Him for . Keep positive . Enjoy simple pleasures like the company of family and faithful friends . Watch a clean , God-honoring sitcom ( some of the old black-and-white classics work ), or rent a Christian comedy routine . Laugh out loud , not just snicker , at least once a day to relieve stress .
Above all else , know that God not only walks with you through this furnace , but has called others to pray for you . You are never alone . You have armies of angels at your side , the Sword of Truth in your hands , and the Good Shepherd guarding over you . That is a promise you can count on .