Life’s trials are tough, but desert seasons are downright scary – especially when they impact our work. Our identity is challenged, our ability to provide for ourselves and our family is threatened, and any security we may have experienced previously goes out the window. You never know how long it will last, or how it will turn out. It’s as if a sandstorm of uncertainty gets stirred up, making it almost impossible to see even just the next step.
Moving to a new state a few years ago was a desert season for me. I left an abundant professional network to go to a place where no one knew me. Five months in, I had made new connections but still hit lots of closed doors. I was running out of options – and time.
If you’re going through a desert season in your work, I’d like to share some encouragement with you so that you can be fruitful during this time.
God uses our desert seasons to help us grow, to draw us closer to Him, to show His glory and accomplish His purposes. Just when I thought I had run out of options during my transition, one of those closed doors opened. The one requirement I lacked for the position was suddenly no longer an issue. That’s when you know it can only be God at work! My life is not what I would have planned — it’s better than I could have ever imagined. May God give you strength, peace and hope through your desert seasons so you can experience the truly abundant life that Jesus died to give you (John 10:10).
Think and Pray
There’s going through a desert, and then there’s going through a desert alone. There’s no need for the latter, though. God knows where you are and is where you are at all times. Lean into Him. Take your tiredness, worries and questions to Him. He is the answer you’re seeking.
Lord, thank you for the promise of Your presence. When things aren’t happening for me, help me to trust You. Tune my ear to Your voice so I can discern where You want me to be, and fill me with contentment just knowing You’re with me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Catherine Gates is Senior Director of Content & Partnerships for Workmatters. She oversees the development, distribution and support of Workmatters content to equip marketplace leaders to live out their faith at work. To see other content from Workmatters, visit www.workmatters.org.