A. WHAT GOD DOES
1. Remember the division of labor, i.e., we must work as best we can to find a job, while God supplies the job. God does the supernatural by arranging circumstances, planting ideas and guiding you where to look, ask and apply.
2. The secret to God’s leading and answers to prayer: (a) Confessing of sins, (b) Repentance, (c) Yield to God’s will, (d) Commitment to do God’s will, (e) Disciplined follow through.
B. WHAT YOU DO
1. Accept what has happened.
2. Don’t go through the denial phase that it didn’t happen or even “it shouldn’t have happened.”
3. You can’t change what has happened so deal with it!
4. Some reasons why you may have lost your job: (a) Downsizing, (b) Changed their futures, (c) Many good reasons, (d) You didn’t do your job, (e) Tell yourself, “I’m not going to complain, nor am I going to blame anyone.
C. 19 STEPS TO FINDING A JOB
1. Control your emotions. (a) When you suddenly lose our livelihood, it hits you in the ego, pocketbook and in your self-esteem. (b) You are likely to face a junction of emotions – shame, confusion, self-blame. (c) To control your feelings, look at it through God’s eyes: (1) God is in control, (2) He wants to teach you something, (3) You can get a new job, (4) You need to stay positive.
2. Find out your benefits. What is my severance pay? What will happen to my health insurance? How long will my 401k be carried? Do I have vacation time or sick days? Are there any other resources or service offered?
3. Know your rights. Were you wrongfully dismissed? Union workers have a vast number of rights available to them. There may be costs involved in contacting a lawyer.
4. Ask about references. You will have to do some “damage control.” (a) Ask their attitude if called for a reference. (b) A negative confrontation will not get any help. (c) They won’t say anything for fear of being sued – remember, we live in a litmus society. (d) Your boss wants you to leave on reasonably good terms. (e) Calmly discuss your exit. (f) May be a good “teachable” experience for you.
5. File for unemployment compensation.
6. Check health insurance. If your company has 20 or more employees, they must legally offer health insurance coverage. You will have to pay the full premiums if you are going to keep the self-coverage.
7. Your résumé. (a) A document that summarizes your relevant job experiences. (b) Your next supervisor has probably received many résumés; therefore write your résumé for someone who will scan your résumé. (c) Too long, it probably won’t be read. (d) Too short, it probably doesn’t have enough information. (e) Your resume is perhaps your most important “marketing” tool. (f) Resume must include your work history and credentials. (g) Prepare your resume because you believe in yourself, so you can get your next supervisor to believe in you. (h) Don’t volunteer that you were terminated. (i) Don’t play the “blame game.” (j) Do not say anything negative.
8. Make a budget. (a) Take stock of available finances. (b) Plan for absolute necessities.(c) Determine how long your existing money will last. (d) Cut all extras.
9. Plan tomorrow. (a) Make a plan for tomorrow. (b) The worst thing is to wake up tomorrow and not know what to do. (c) Make a “to do” list of contacts. Start looking immediately.
10. Thanks: Write a letter of appreciation to your former boss.
11. Develop a path of action. A quest to find a job is like taking a trip. Consider your options, your assets, and always keep a strong, positive determination to find your “destination.” Write down some thoughts about the job you want. Make a list of the ten best jobs you would like to do.
12. Market yourself to friends, to all your contacts, and to potential employers. Remember, people want an optimistic, energetic person who is excited about the future.
13. Market your network. Friends, family, work associates.
14. Be prepared for disappointments and be prepared for “near misses.” You will be frustrated, keep your final destination in mind. Keep marketing, keep moving, and keep branching out.
15. Target and focus. Very seldom will employers come looking for you; you must go looking for them. If they don’t know you, they will never offer you a job. You will choose where you will work.
16. Thoroughly research resources. You need to know where jobs are, so go search at your local library, magazines, and Internet for information on where jobs are available.
17. Target job opportunities. Getting a job is similar to catching a fish; the more hooks (contacts) you have in the water, the more likely to catch one fish. More than one hook leads to more than one fish.
18. Focus on what you can control, not on things you can’t control. (a) Perhaps the worst scenarios went through your mind, bankruptcy, loss of reputation, loss of valuable things, i.e., house, car, or even marriage. It’s only human to reach for the “panic button.” (b) Many things you cannot control. (c) You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control what happens in you. (d) You can control the way you are going to respond to your problems.
19. Look again at your faith. (a) Jehovah Jirah, “the Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14). (b) If you believe, “God has a plan for your life,” then you realize that you are in excellent hands. (c) Put God first. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). (d) God is interested in both the means and the end result. God expects you to talk to many people and use the avenues of communication to locate a job. In that process, God can lead you through small details to help find that job. While the world says, “the devil is in the details,” you must believe that God is the details.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns .
