When You Need Structure

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.~Proverbs 3:5-6

I like structure,  I like knowing and understanding the expectations that are set for me, especially on my job.  As an educator my life has been dominated by procedures, guidelines and clear standards to support the instruction that affects generations.  It can be a daunting task, but I was called to teach and so waking in this purpose was “easy”. 

But what happens when those structures are removed?  When there are no longer concrete templates for one to follow!  What happens when the security you once felt on a job is no longer present?  How does one fulfill their purpose without a clear understanding of what is to be done?

All these questions and more flooded my brain and attached my spirit yesterday as I tried to process all the new information that was being given to me.  I felt lost and fearful, in a jungle with no clear direction of how to get out.  

So what does one do in times like these?  Venting to my husband or a friend wasn't going to change anything.  I need help.  I need to know which way to go and what to do.  I need and must  go to the One with all of the answers. God has clearly told us that if we lack wisdom we can ask Him and He will give it freely. (James 1:5).  So I asked and He gave me some guidelines, structure, to see me through this and more.

1. He told me not to worry or stress about the changes in my job.  I am to give all of the fear and anxiety to Him.  I am to trust that He will hold me up.  He is with me.  He will sustain me. I will not falter. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 

2. I may not understand my job right now and I may not like the changes, but my feelings are not the focus.  Service to God is!  I must go to work each day and whatever I do it must be done for Him.  I must give my best effort and my work ethic must reflect that I serve something way greater than an organization or paycheck.  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23).

3.  I don't need to waste time trying to be seen or noticed.  Do the work of a servant.  Go into my place of employment with the mindset of lifting others up.  How can I make someone else's job easier?  How can I help shoulder a burden?  I must walk in humility.  I must follow the example of Christ.  It is God who elevates and He who demotes. He gave me this job and its His prerogative to take it, but while I am in it I must serve. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.(Philippians 2:3-7) 

The events on my job, this suffering, is an opportunity to stand firm and increase my faith.  I have to lean not on my own thinking or that of others.  I must completely trust and depend on God.  He is my compass and anchor.  It is He who will guide me through.

Father I thank You for your wisdom and guidance.  Help me to rebuke fear and stand on your Word.  May I be encouraged and faithful.  May I walk in unity and purpose as I seek to serve You daily.  In Jesus name. Amen