TWISTS AND TURNS

During the break from secular work in 2009, I was happily immersed in the joys of reading and writing. When an admin temp job came by, I took it on to earn some pocket money. At the same time, to surround myself with people again as reading and writing had secluded me in the desert and made me a recluse in the mountain.



1 month into the job, there arose a 1 year contract position that came with better pay, brighter job prospects and staff benefits. Because of good referrals, I was recommended for the position and set my eyes on that job. But it was not to be as the supervisor had his own choices. I lost the first Round.

Just before the end of the temp job period, there was another similar opening. My heart began to yearn and crave for the job. Again, the joy was short lived as the manager exercised his preferences for a young female. Round 2 lost again. The higher the desire and expectation, the harder and deeper the fall would be. Losing 2 battles within a short span was psychologically damaging to my self esteem.

For 2 months after I walked away from the temp job, I was healing a disappointed heart and a wounded spirit. While in rehabilitation, I confessed my sin of craving someone else’s job. When I surrendered my heart’s desire, I was comforted and uplifted. Just as I came out of woods enlightened, the testing came almost immediately.


I was overjoyed to know that I was again recommended for a contract position. I could not believe that for the third time, I was being interviewed for a position in the same company. The contract was almost done deal when higher management stepped on the brakes to allow HR to find internal transfers for retrenched staff in a closing down unit. I lost Round 3 to God for He gave and He took away.

Because I did not crave for it, my heart was not disappointed. And I could sing and praise God as He provided the “poorer substitute” of an admin temp job for another 2 months. As the temp job drew to a close, friends advised me to proactively seek out the Recruitment Agency. I declined and braced myself for a list of reading and writing activities.

As I waited out the final day, the Recruitment Agency called to offer a 6 month contract in another department. Because I surrendered, I saw God’s faithfulness and mercy in placing a job at my doorstep without any of my effort or initiatives.

Again, I was carried away by my own folly. After the initial couple of weeks, I thought I saw an abundance of contract work coming my way at least till 2015. But my delight was as limited as my human perspective.

3 months into the job, things changed. Due to his negligence, a senior staff was “condemned and demoted” to admin work. Though no one had anticipated such an event, I knew my days were numbered as he will be taking on my job.

 
But our God is a God of miracles and surprises.

When all seem bleak and gloomy, He provides light for the dark path.

When circumstances work against us, He provides comfort for the disillusioned heart and peace for the dispirited soul.

He works in marvellous ways that are beyond my comprehension.




Who would have thought that an unglamorous, monotonous and dead end temp job could lead to a few unsolicited job offers?


Who would have imagined the anguish of having the gift given and yet taken away?

Who would have believed that He manipulated the heart and hand of a lady boss to extend a contract despite dire circumstances?

I am amazed by His omnipotence. He staged and directed the drama to fold and unfold the story with its twists and turns. And like every fairy tale, it had a happy ending. I thank God for my inconspicuous part in the drama and beneficiary of a Christmas present.



Alexjoshua

13 Dec 2010