A fresh season unfolded before me this past February. Prayerfully choosing a move back to my hometown also meant starting over with work. After creating a new résumé, it was time to seek out prospective jobs. When opportunity knocked, I drove to an interview, outfitted with a black top, cream cardigan, plaid dress pants, and leather Toms.
The following Monday, upon arriving to interview for a different position, my hands felt shaky as I filled out paperwork for a job I truly wanted, a job that would complement my college and career path. It’s hard answering questions face-to-face, putting yourself out there, not knowing if you’ll actually be hired or not. Even still, stepping outside of your comfort zone, moving forward despite fear and anxiety, and doing the dang thing anyway can bring about rewarding feelings. I left that second interview with a smile on my face as I dialed my mom to tell her about it.
From the start of this job journey, I made a habit of talking to Jesus about my potential options. And, with that last interview in particular, though I eventually left smiling, my anxiety had been raging beforehand. Once the day played out, I reflected on my decision to push through the anxiety and pursue the job opportunity anyway. Jesus told me this:
“The season I have purposed for you is unique and contains great breakthrough — and joy. The enemy hates progress but is powerless. Don’t let him persuade you from pushing through anxiety and leaving your comfort zones.”
Jesus’s insight to my situation brought comfort and peace. Spiritual warfare cannot halt breakthrough nor joy if we press on.
At the same time, there is no denying that fear and anxiety are a real, formidable hindrance to thriving. But pushing through and actually doing whatever it is that we wish to succeed in is the only way to conquer our fear and anxiety. Building confidence does not happen when we stay stuck. . . ask me how I know!
As I have stepped out, it has taken talking to Jesus about each detail I’m concerned about along the way, outside encouragement, as well as just doing the dang thing even when I am afraid, like Elisabeth Elliot asserts: “Sometimes…fear does not subside and…one must choose to do it afraid.”
We don’t have to wait and wait and wait for the fear to go away. It would certainly be more comfortable to be fearless when it is time to move forward. But, true to life as a believer, choosing to do “it” afraid asks more of us. Jesus calls us to strength and courage despite fear — and He promises His presence in the process, because He knows this is a valuable avenue for experiencing joy and growth . . . in and through Him.
We do not have to wait until we are brave or courageous to progress. Courage runs through our veins, usually undetected, even as we face that “thing” that scares us. By choosing bravery and consequently pushing through fear, we are getting out into the world, out of what is familiar, to reach for something better and beneficial. We just have to knock down the what ifs and do — even in spite of fear.
This doesn’t mean it will be easy. We’ve already established that journeying ahead will typically be something that “feels” anything but. Yet, we can focus on the reward — the joy and breakthrough, which will flow like gifts as a result of being brave.
Although written with positivity about me, I recently received an email notifying me that I was not hired for the position I hoped for. The comfort in this is knowing my steps were heading forward as I showed up and interviewed without knowing what the end result would be. Anxiety did not have the last say. Fear was disregarded and courage came through.
Now, onto the pursuit of other potential jobs. I know Jesus will open up the right one for me at the right time — and I’ll choose, all over again, to bravely move forward despite the anxiety.
Friend, if you relate to experiencing anxiety while job seeking, share in the comments and make it known. What is God teaching you in this season, and what are you trusting Him for? What is helping you to step out in faith even when you’re scared?
I recently graduated with a masters degree that will allow me to change my career drastically. I presently work at a company but this new job entails starting my own business and it scares me as I have no experience with that.
On Sunday, my preacher said “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” I really needed to hear that. I am not in this alone. God called me to this. He will help me through this.
Thanks for this encouraging devotional.
Hello, Diane! Congrats on graduating with your masters degree! Also, thank you for reading–I’m glad this devotional encouraged you. I will be praying Jesus will indeed equip you every step of the way. <3
Keep moving and holding to God’s unchanging hand. You and God have got this!!!
Thank you, Olivia! Soul moved by your kind words. <3
Praying that God will bless you with the right opportunity in his perfect time.
I appreciate your prayers, Laurie! 🙂
Currently in a similar season, but handling it with less anxiety whenever the “rejection emails” come in. I’m confident that we’ll be aligned with the best opportunity at the right time, because God is in the details. I pray God gives you an abundance of favor concerning employment.
That’s good to hear, Deidre! And thank you for praying for me–I’ll pray for you, too. <3
This is just what I needed this morning. After 13 years at the same job I finally stepped out and applied for a new job that is better suited to who I am and what I need. I was so anxious. I did not get that job. However, they called me back for a different position and though I was still afraid (and disappointed) by the original outcome I went through the interview process again for the new position. I have since been offered that job and to be honest am fairly terrified of walking into it. I’ve been in the same place for 13+ years. This is a huge change. It checks all the boxes. Your article reminds/helps confirm that I am headed in the right direction and that I can move forward scared. Waiting until I’m not afraid may mean a missed fantastic opportunity.
Your words brought tears to my eyes, so glad my story could encourage you in this new season of your life after 13 years at the same job. I will be praying for you! <3
It’s so comforting to read about this… I’m in a similar situation and it was a beautiful reminder that God is in control of everything. God bless you!
Eli, thank you for reading and I’m glad it was a comfort! 🙂
I’m on the opposite end of work; considering retirement in the next 2-4 years. the anxiety is how will I fill my time, be more disciplined in not spending money against a fixed income & did we set aside enough to pay the future unknown expenses??? BUT GOD has all those answers and will lead! I’ll face those anxious thoughts with rehearsing the stones of remembrances of all God’s provisions & leadings in studies & moves & career changes & unknowns of life up to now. We are not alone & can face the fears! Yeah God!
Praying for your job to come quickly and for your new co-workers to be blessed by your presence as you have blessed the incourage community with your words! Blessings!(((0)))
Praying for peace and courage as you face the unknowns of retirement! Also, thank you so much for taking the time to encourage me. <3
I have been in the situation of interviewing, not being given position. Although, it appeared promising.
My pastor preached about our deadlines and timelines is not God’s destiny for our lives. I have had to keep that in mind as my current contractual work ends, looking for my next.
Thinking on how God has made a way so many times before. God’s will is what is best for me. Got to keep my eyes focus on God.
Stay in God’s word, keep on praying and praising.
Hi Dee, I appreciate you sharing about your pastor’s words on deadlines and timelines…I have been considering that very thing lately for many aspects of my life. Praying as you look for your next employment opportunity. 🙂