I am thankful to be a believer and follower of Christ. I'm am thankful that the morals He desires have been instilled in me and continue to expand. I wonder what my life would look like if none of this existed. What path would I be going down if I didn't have my faith and trust, nor if I didn't have morals that stem from Christ and God's Word?
In my current state, I can understand where those who are not blessed to have this type of mindset and strong faith can lose it. I think I understand how people lose hope and resort to stealing and dealing drugs or doing whatever to make money, especially when attempting to make money the right way continues to not work out and have door after door close in your face. It's easy to become selfish and focus on yourself and the current situation. If one has a weak faith or no faith at all, taking this wrong direction is, more than likely, just a matter of time. But through daily prayer and daily time with God and His Word, on top of surrounding yourself with strong Christians, you find the needed hope, comfort and strength.
I have been job hunting since July 2008. I've worked some part-time jobs here and there. I currently work 12 hours a week and am grateful to be bringing in some type of income. For a little is better than none at all. However, it still gets discouraging to get told that you are not qualified for something (especially when that something is a job that requires no prior work experience) or you are unable to even get on as a volunteer at a local homeless shelter (you have to fill out an application and submit to work as a volunteer). Some days are harder than others. I focus more on the negatives and I start to feel sorry for myself. But in the end, I come back to the realization that God is in control. I am reminded that He tells us that we are just a little lower than angels, that we are more important than the animals of the earth, that He cares for them and meets their needs, therefore, He will surely take care of us and meet our needs. I also am reminded that we are on His time table and not ours. I think this is the hardest. Especially with the type of society we live in where patience is practically non-existent and our wants get in the way of what we really need. On top of that, we are easily consumed by selfish desires and feel the need to seek out self-pleasure for right now, without thinking of the long-term effects.
I do not know how much longer this refining, faith-building road I am on is going to last. I pray that it is not much longer because I am ready to be trusted to use my talents, gifts, and abilities to not only impact others but to finally get to be the husband that I desire.
I can only keep seeking Him everyday, trusting Him and His Word and keep trying in my looking of jobs and applying. I know something is going to work out. And when it does, I know it will be awesome and better than I could ever imagine.
