“...I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
I was fresh out of college and searching for my dream teaching job. I got hired right away but to a location an hour from where I lived. Having a job was a great feeling, and I was so thankful that it seemed God had opened the way. After a year of working there, I realized it was no dream job. I had met some terrific people, but as a teacher working in East New York City, I did not feel like I was making a difference. The parents were unfriendly, the teachers lacked professionalism, and the students, though elementary age, were out of control. I wanted OUT! I started applying for work closer to my home. All around me came discouragement. People started telling me how impossible it was to get a job on Long Island. Some teachers, who live on Long Island, have been commuting one hour to Brooklyn, New York, for nearly 30 years. However, I never allowed others’ negative thinking to change my heart. I was reminded, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).
That summer, as I started looking for work, I felt confident that Christ would provide the best opportunity for me. I had forged ahead and left my job in Brooklyn and was ready to change professions if need be. The month of June came and went, and I had no job. The month of July came and went, and I had no job. Now it was mid-August, the school year would be starting in September. I was out of work.
I brought up the subject to my earthly father, who prayed with me. The following day, I woke up and decided to go to the education administration building for the Brentwood School District on Long Island to let them know I was still looking for work. Before I left, I prayed. "Father, in a world of nepotism, I don't know anyone who can put in a word for me, but I know you, King of kings and Lord of lords. You who know everyone, please put in a word for me." And with that, I set out for the administration building.
The assistant superintendent for the elementary schools told me to wait for her. When she finally came to speak with me, she told me she had an available fifth-grade position at one of her schools and asked me if I wanted to interview for it. My immediate response was, “ABSOLUTELY!” Then the assistant superintendent called a newly hired principal and told the principal that she had someone she wanted her to interview. That someone was me. I went just as I was, sandals and all, for the interview. That principal thought I knew the assistant superintendent personally since she was the one who sent me to be interviewed. But the person I knew was God Almighty. I call Him “ABBA, Father.” Two days later, on August 17th, I signed a teaching contract for work with the Brentwood School District. I had found my dream job!
Call to Action
How’s your faith? Do you worry and fret when things aren’t working out? Do you let negativity creep in? Sometimes the Lord waits until the last minute to open the door. He gives opportunities for us to grow our faith. Talk to Him when you are discouraged. He is able to do more than your mind could ever imagine possible. Remember, “…with God all things are possible.” Keep the faith!
Part 2 of Keep the Faith will be published in May.
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
