Resetting Perspective
Are you frustrated with a circumstance in your life right now? You thought you should have had the promotion by now? Where is my spouse? The dream God gave me, why hasn’t it come to pass yet?
Something encouraging I saw online recently was the expression: God shows the destination but he doesn't show the entire map. This was a reminder to me to remain patient. If you were embarking on a trip and knew you would get to your final destination safely, what difference would it matter how long the trip took or how many detours happened along the way?
If God showed us each step in advance, we wouldn't need faith for the journey.
A few reminders on faith:
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
“We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
It can be frustrating on the journey but oftentimes we can only see the reason for our wait in retrospect. In October 2020, I joined Breakline, a program that works to place more minorities, women, and veterans in tech careers. When I joined in October of 2020, myself and many others were in agreement I could find a new role by Christmas. I was eager to leave the job I was working at and I wanted to find a role that would put me closer to my then boyfriend and now husband. Shortly into my time working with Breakline, I thought I found my next role: a marketing role with Google in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I thought great, this is right by Vic, great company; this role is mine. I didnt even interview for the role. It would be a few more interviews, many coffee chats, and education sessions before I would land my next job. My journey through Breakline was longer than most participants but the job I have now was worth the wait. I’m exactly where I wanted to end up when I started with Breakline: in customer success. I’m at a great company with a great team and management, for once in my life I don't dread going to work. I genuinely enjoy my work and I am not only growing hard skills but have a path forward to grow with the company. The job I have now didn't even get posted till 7 months into my Breakline tenure, long after I thought my time in the program would be complete. Getting the job I have now was well worth the wait.
Waiting can be a frustrating thing but in waiting, God is not only growing our faith but protecting us. If I would have gotten any of the jobs I interviewed for before my current role, how dissatisfied would I be? How soon would I find myself back to a period of jobhunting?
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:17)
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26)
