It’s inevitable that all of us, at some point, will experience days at work when we get blind-sided – when something goes wrong and it seems like there is no way out. You can either go into denial, hoping that somehow it will all go away, or freak out about it and be consumed with worry about what to do and how it will all turn out. Unfortunately, neither of those are all that effective.
But there is another alternative – you can turn to God with faith that He can turn even the most devastating situation around for a positive outcome.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It has helped me get through the loss of a job – God used it to bring me to a new position that was better aligned to my passion and strengths. It’s helped me navigate failure – I have learned valuable lessons that have allowed me to support others in similar situations. It’s given me the courage to have difficult conversations with people – many that have led to even stronger working relationships.
Those positive outcomes were only possible because the difficulty occurred AND I gave it to God.
Joseph’s story provides a great example of what can happen when we have faith through our most difficult circumstances. In Genesis 37:27, his life took a tragic turn when his brothers sold him into slavery. Yet Joseph approached his circumstances with faith, even when the difficulties and unfairness continued. When Joseph finally gained victory over his circumstances and became second in command to Pharaoh, he could have taken revenge on his brothers. Instead, he provided for the needs of his brothers and their families.
In Genesis 50:20 (yes, it took that long) Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” And save many lives, he did.
The next time you face a trial – or if you’re facing one right now – speak Romans 8:28 over your life and trust God. Your situation is no surprise to Him. As Proverbs 3:3-6 instructs, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 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.”
We all face circumstances that are overwhelmingly difficult at work at one time or another. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and He can turn it around for good.
