December 02 2009
A morning prayer from the unemployed
Tagged Under : A29, Matt Chandler, prayer, Thomas Young
As some of you may or may not know, I am currently looking for work and have been for the past month. This is the second year in a row I’ve been jobless over Thanksgiving and now possibly Christmas. Last year was extremely difficult for me, but God was faithful and through that season I learned so much. I feel better prepared this time around, though unemployment is still not enjoyable, I know God is in control.
Before I go any further I feel I must say, there are many people in far worse situations than I. My intention is not to draw attention to myself, but hopefully encourage those struggling with unemployment as I know many who are. Even inside of A29 recently 2 stories have brought my suffering into harsh context, Matt Chandler’s brain tumor and the suicide of A29 pastor Thomas Young. Locally in Phoenix the McRae’s are still battling brain cancer with their daughter Kate. So please, pray for them and their families. Here was my prayer to Jesus this morning that hopefully may encourage others who find themselves in a similar position.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment,
for we brought nothing into this world,
and we cannot take anything out of the world.
But if we have food and clothing,
with these things we will be content.”
Jesus I am content with You.
Though much has been lost
and my mind worries about provision,
I know You are good and all I need.
I pray that you’d put my spirit at ease
and my mind at rest
You have never forsaken me,
never left me alone.
You are my creator, sustainer and eternal hope.
I pray for my family,
that you would give them peace and trust,
and your love for them would be a shelter.
During this Christmas season I pray for my children.
God that they’d treasure you as their Savior above all,
give me grace and wisdom in how to father them.
Finally I pray that you’d open doors for me.
Give me wisdom on what jobs to apply for.
Grant me favor in the eyes of hiring managers.
I ask these things with all humility.
Never the less, not my will but yours be done.
Amen.
Podcast - 
Facebook
Twitter
Soundcloud
Stumbleupon
Linked In
Vimeo
You Tube
Contact
Loading ...
Hey Man,
I have commented here a couple times I think, and emailed once or twice.
But I read your blog pretty consistently. It's a huge help to me and really encouraging a lot of times also. Hopefully I can return the favor just a bit.
I just wanted to share with you that March was my last month at the church I had served at for 5 years, and been on staff at for over 2 years after that. We were really confident that God would show us the next step, but became increasingly unconfident over the 4 months that followed.
It was tough, as you obviously know. I just wanted to let you know that while I don't have any children, I do know some of what you are feeling. My wife and I were married for 13 months when I became unemployed. I have never felt that kind of…anything, really. Emotion, pressure, stress.
As always, God proved faithful. We stood firm in what we felt like God had called us to and held on to His promises. Not trying to pat ourselves on the back…it's just that we didn't have any other options.
Long story short(er?). We ended up finding an incredible church that was literally exactly what we had been praying and looking for.
When I was in the "looking" phase, it didn't really help when people told me "it'll all work out" and "God's got a plan." That might make me a bad Christian, but it just kind of ticked me off.
I'm not trying to do that to you. Just want you to know that I know, at least a little bit, how you feel.
I'll be praying for you guys.
~chris
one of the greatest joys and honors that I have in my life is to be a colaborer with you and your family at life connection church. I am constantly reminded of Christ when I am around you. I have never met someone who can face this kind of struggle and endure and trust with such joy and fulness in Jesus. I am praying continually for you and I feel like I stress about it more then you… LOL. I know that is not true but I care for you a great deal. I am asking God for his grace and favor. I trust that he will and can. Love you brother.
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the encouragement, God is faithful and his faithfulness has been my shield. I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. Glad God got you where he wanted ya eventually
God bless.
Love you man. Thank you for your friendship, for your wisdom, your prayers, your teaching…everything. I'm humbled that we get to do the gospel together.
I was unemployed this time last year too, and my current position is ending but I'm not sure when (we're also emigrating…I'd like it to last until we leave the country in April, but just have no idea if it will)
So definitely joining you in prayer, and keeping our circumstance in perspective certainly helped us keep our eye on God and not the problems. He's got it covered for sure.
Just found a link to you from obit. for Young. Wow – you listed the EXACT 3 families I have been following and praying for this week! God has these families covered in prayer from random people like me, so be encouraged- he's got you covered too!
Some would say … what a terrible situation, but I believe God has you right where he wants you.
there is a season for everything under the sun.
I've been in the (un)fortunate situation of being unemployed four Christmas's in a row. 99,00,01,and 02. Seasons of dispair pass, views of what's important at Christmas shift.
May the Lord Bless you & keep you… may the Lord give you peace … the Lord gives & takes away … Blessed be the name of the Lord