God Provided During Unemployment

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

[Proverbs 16:9]

Jamie writes:

I had different plans, but God directed my steps.

In 2005 things were going pretty good for me and my family. My wife was pregnant with our third child and due to deliver in the next two months. My wife was still able to work so we were tucking away every dime we could because my wife was going to stop working when our child was born.

One day it became very heavy on my heart to do something. After praying to God about this feeling I realized He was telling me to do this. I was told to buy (3) of everything that wouldn’t spoil. This meant deodorant, tooth brushes, zip lock bags, trash bags, diapers, wet wipes, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.

Over the next month we stocked up on everything. We bought everything in threes. God blessed us with a home a few years prior to this and we had plenty of storage area.

Our baby was born in February. Approximately one month later I was fired (for absolutely no fault of mine) by my employer. The entire situation was a test from God. As soon as I walked outside of that building I felt the weight lifted from my shoulders. I knew we had no source of income and still felt relieved.

Yes, I did freak out for a while. God calmed me down and helped me realize that He put us into a position that we could make it financially without having to sell our home. We simply needed to have faith in God and trust Him 100%.

Reading Joel Osteen’s book helped us to stay positive. I filed for unemployment and was told I would receive the maximum because the reason the company that fired me gave was not a legitimate reason to fire someone. After about a month I realized I would not be getting unemployment so I began working for a different company part time.

We were literally down to less than $20 in our checking account and credit card maxed. Then the company I had been working part time for did the unthinkable: they offered me a full time job!

I made enough money over the next couple of months to get ALL of our bills paid and to get into a pretty good financial position for when I took my new full time position as a draftsman.

God knew everything that was about to take place and took care of me and my family! Thank you God!!!!!