As I scanned the first few lines of the email, I my heart felt as though it sank into my toes.
“Thank you so much for your interest in…. At this time we are pursuing a different candidate whose experience better meets our needs… we wish you all the best in your search.”
Another rejection email. Another few fruitless hours spent crafting the perfect cover letter and preparing for interviews. Another setback. Searching for a new job at any phase in life can be a draining experience. Whether you’ve lost your current position, are stuck in a toxic work environment, or just aching for a career change, the search for a new role can be an intimidating prospect and a beautiful invitation to step forward in faith.
Job Searching with Jesus
As you navigate your job search, here are four ways to invite God into the journey with you.
1. Find a verse.
The Bible is full of incredible verses about the presence of God, His care, and His providence. I would encourage you to take time and really talk with God about what He wants to speak to you in this season of searching. Maybe He is inviting you to trust or place your hope in Him. Or maybe He’s simply asking you to remember your worth comes not from your work but from your identity as His daughter.
Whatever He wants to communicate to you, He’ll find a way to put on your heart. And once He does, keep it physically close to you. Save it in the notes on your phone. Make it your computer lock screen. Write it on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror. Highlight it in your Bible. Keep it close, accessible and at the forefront of your mind. There are many voices you can listen to while looking for a new position, make sure you are always able to hear the Lord’s loud and clear.
2. Phone a friend.
The Saints are powerful friends and advocates for us in Heaven. When looking for a job, there are a few in particular I would recommend inviting to walk with you. First and foremost, your own patron or confirmation Saint, who is always in your corner. Other great additions to your support team include Saint Cajetan, the patron Saint of job seekers, Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, or if you’re really feeling discouraged, Saint Jude, the patron of hopeless causes.
Whether it is through your daily prayer or through a structured novena, you can never go wrong asking for help from these incredible advocates. After all, who better to talk to about your desire for meaningful and fruitful work than the man who provided for Mary and Jesus? Rest assured that the Saints are there to intercede and help bring your hopes and needs before the Father.
3. Extend the invite.
This practice may seem small or insignificant, but I can assure you, it is so fruitful. Invite the Lord into each moment of your job search by offering a small prayer each step of the way. Some of my favorites are: “Come, Holy Spirit” and “Jesus, I trust in You.” Keep it short and simple and say it audibly whenever you can.
Before clicking submit on that application.... Jesus I trust in You. Before answering the call on that phone interview... Come Holy Spirit.
Some days you’ll say it in full confidence, other days it might not come as easily. But just extending the invitation allows the Lord to walk alongside us in a real and tangible way.
4. Keep it honest.
When you are going through a job search the rollercoaster of emotions be overwhelming and it is easy to feel like you are spiraling out of control. No matter what’s going on in your search process, remember: keep talking to the Lord about it.
He wants you. Not you at your best. Not you after you’ve gotten your emotions in check. You. The you that is heartbroken after not getting the job. The you that is frustrated when the search drags on. The you that is worn out, cranky, or irritated. Bring it all to Him. He wants it all. And He wants all of you. Take everything to Him, without censoring yourself or holding back. He can take it, and what’s more: He wants to.
You're Not Searching Alone
No matter where you are in your job search process sister, I can promise you are never alone. Jesus wants to walk with you through every season, and He longs to be near you in a special way during this time of transition.
Are you searching for a job right now? Drop a line in the comments below and we will pray for your search!
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Shelby Hennen is a young professional who hails from the Midwestern metropolis of Kansas City, MO. She loves a good book, a good chat with a friend, and a good taco joint.
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Comments
Michelle said:
I am confused and discouraged about my God given purpose. I am working, but greatly feel that I’ve missed my calling. Members of management staff prefer that I not leave and have sabotaged previous efforts for other employment. All prayers are appreciated.
Vanessa said:
Hi!! I’m currently looking for an on-campus job for this september soo it would be great if you can also keep me in your prayers <3 thank you so much!!!
Vanessa
Elizabeth Bonanni said:
I’ve been a follower of BIS for years. It’s been a blessing and grace especially as I navigate through my calling. I’m a teacher, Catholic School too. It’s a toxic environment regardless of the title. I feel defeated and scared to leap out on faith. At times I feel desperate and emotionally drained. I have a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling and would love to find a job more willing to be flexible with life and family. Teaching is beautiful but I am so tired and feel pulled to leave but I don’t have a current job to go to. I know God provides and I never go without. Thank you for the reminder to let Jesus job search with me. My humanity gets the best of me.