A presention by Deacon Ken Clemens of Holy Infant Parish at the CEN Job Search Workshops.

Some of us might not pay much attention to our relationship with God until something happens in our lives over which we have no control. This could be a death in our family, it could be someone who has a serious illness, or it could be when we lose our job. In these moments we realize how dependent we are on God, we realize that we don’t have all of the answers and so we reach out to God who is always here to help us, who is always here to love us.

Some of you may have been laid off, downsized, fired, or maybe still working but looking for a more fulfilling job.

Depending on what has happened, you may feel angry, bitter, betrayed, or concerned about your future. I am not a management consultant or specialist but I have been in the business world a long time, have hired many people over the years and know that if you want to conduct a truly effective job search, it is necessary to get past any negative feelings you have. Whether you realize it or not these negative feelings may consume too much of your time and energy. These feelings can affect your networking contacts and employer contacts. People will detect this negativity whenever you attempt to explain your previous employment relationship. Your ability to talk about your past with sincere, positive confidence, will translate into credibility with the person to whom you are sharing your story. It is so important that you be upbeat, positive and focused on the future. When I interviewed people I listened very carefully as they described their previous employer. I could, of course, understand that there would be hurt, some anger, but were they trying to get beyond this. What I was concerned with was whether their feelings would spill over into the job they were applying for. Would I have to deal with this in addition to training them?

If we are going to get past the bitterness, the anger, the concern we might have about the future; if we are truly going to find happiness, in the job search and in life in general, God needs to be part of our life. We need to pray to Him and be open to His will so we will know His plan for us.

As part of discerning God’s plan for us, it is necessary we get over feelings of hurt and disappointment. As difficult as it is, we need to forgive those people who have harmed us, intentionally or unintentionally. It can be as hard to do this as it is to forgive ourselves. For our own good health (physically and spiritually) we cannot continue to keep these feelings inside us. We need to give them over to God. Accept the fact that God is still in charge, that He can change our circumstance. We need to remember what is truly important to our future…eternally important. As St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” We need to believe this with all our heart and soul.

For some of you it may be a time when you are questioning your career choice and your capabilities. When this happens, it is important for you to rely on certain values that will help you during difficult times. Have faith that God will guide your path. Believe that He will fulfill His purpose for you. Allow God to direct your steps by making prayer a daily part of your life. Pay attention to what God wants you to do. God said through the psalmist, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Ps 32:8) It is necessary for us to develop a personal relationship with God. Like any relationship, it needs to be nurtured if it is to grow. A friend is someone we talk to on a regular basis, not, not just when we need something.

One thing all of us have experienced is rejection. The question is, “How did you handle this?” Have you ever thought rejection for a job is a blessing in the long run? Maybe God has something better planned for you. Have you ever considered that maybe a job opportunity that didn’t materialize was God helping you to avoid another potential career accident?

Scripture describes many individuals who overcame rejection in their lives. Moses was rejected by Egypt and then later by his own people on several occasions. Ruth was rejected in her mother-in-law’s native land. David was rejected by both King Saul and by Absalom, his own son. Also, think about the rejection experienced by Samuel, Eli, Job, Mary Magdalene, St. Paul.

Most importantly, Jesus endured rejection from the Pharisees, the Sadducees, even Peter. While these individuals endured different kinds of rejection, God used these various situations to create great opportunities in each life. He will do the same in your life. Each individual mentioned had a purpose that could only be fulfilled as a result of experiencing rejection.

For instance, if Jesus had not been rejected and crucified, the greater purpose of His resurrection could not have occurred. Had Joseph, the son of Jacob, not been rejected by his brothers and sold to merchants who took him to Egypt, he would not have been in a position to serve his family and his nation many years later.

Sometimes after you experience rejection, you can look back and understand the reason why God allowed the situation to occur. At other times, you may never completely understand some difficult situations.

Remember, while rejection can hurt, it can be for your benefit. Ultimately the job you get is the blessing that would not have occurred had you not experienced the prior rejection. Identify with the rejection Jesus experienced.

Take courage from the knowledge that you need not worry about tomorrow for God is already there. He will never reject you. He is a God of love and can do nothing but love. He will, however, use the rejection you experienced to bring you to a better, higher place, for it is God who works in you to act according to his good purpose.

Allow your personal relationship with God to grow into one of significance so you can call on Him in every circumstance for every need and for guidance. May this relationship develop to the point that you will attain the insight and sensitivity to hear God’s direction. This can only happen when we open our hearts to Him in prayer and in the reading of His Word. The psalmist said, “Lord you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”

Pray for God’s grace and wisdom to overcome your fears and doubts. Believe that God will give you all the power you need.

Remember that one of God’s greatest commandments is that we love each other. Get rid of all bitterness and hatred and put on the Lord Jesus. Share the love of Christ with everyone you meet, friends and strangers, with those who can help you in your career journey and with those who need your help.

Finally, we pray to our God that He will forgive us for the many times we attempt to do things on our own, without His help. May God forgive us when we think we know better how to live our lives and careers. We thank God for His patience, for His faithfulness, for His grace. May we have faith in God that He will show us the road ahead, the turns we are to make and each signpost along the way. May we be open to receive the gifts He gives us to serve Him and be a blessing to others along the way.