Natalie took a sip from her water glass, then glanced up to find Jenn hurrying across the restaurant to her table. Jenn slipped into the seat across from her and Natalie grinned at her dear friend. 

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Jenn said, a bit out of breath. “There was a job posting this morning that looked promising and I wanted to get my application in right away.”

“No problem,” Natalie said. “I’m working the evening shift at the hospital, so I have plenty of time. How is the job search going?”

Jenn slumped in her seat. “Honestly, it’s exhausting. Every day I sort through a bunch of different job sites to see what new jobs have posted. Then I have to tailor my resume to each posting, plus write a cover letter. I check each company to see if I have any contacts there who can direct my resume to the hiring manager. I have a spreadsheet listing everything I’ve applied for so I can keep track.”

“Wow,” Natalie said. “That sounds like a lot of work.”

“Getting a job is a job,” Jenn said.

“Haven’t you taken any time to enjoy being home?”

“Getting laid off is not a vacation,” Jenn snapped. “It’s not like I wanted to be off from work.”

 “I understand that, but you were so stressed at that job. You never had time for the things you wanted to do. You talked about spending time with your mom, helping out at church, and helping at the homeless shelter.”

“I can’t just goof off,” Jenn said. “I need a job.”

“Have you prayed about it?”

“Of course.” Jenn paused and then shook her head. “Honestly, no, not really.”

“God gave you your first job,” Natalie said, keeping her voice gentle. “He has a plan for you now. How many of those jobs you see listed are really a good fit for you? You can only accept one of them. Why don’t you pray that God will bring the right one to your attention? It would be far less stressful.”

“But applying to more gives me a better chance of getting one.”

“Maybe, but if God already has one chosen for you, all the rest are a waste of time.”
“I can’t afford to be without a salary for much longer.”

“And God knows that. He’s never late, but He’s also never early. He has something for you, but it’s according to His timetable.”

Jenn nodded. “I promise to pray about it. Thanks.” She picked up her menu. “So, are you buying?”

A few weeks later, a twinge of guilt attacked Natalie. She hadn’t checked in on Jenn like she’d mean to. When she called, Jenn answered on the first ring. “I’ve been meaning to call you. You won’t believe what happened.”

“Did you find a job?”

“Well, no, not yet, but mom had a minor stroke. She’s ok now, but I was able to spend a whole week with her, taking care of her and driving her to appointments. We also had our church’s Vacation Bible School last week. I’ve never had time to volunteer before. I got to lead a little boy to Jesus!”

Natalie’s spirit soared. “That’s wonderful!”

“I know, right? The boy had never been to church before. He came with his neighbor’s family When he told them what happened, the family came over to meet me. Turns out the mom works at KLR and they have an opening that sounds perfect for me. If I hadn’t gone to help at Vacation Bible School, I never would have connected with her.”

Natalie beamed, “Sounds like God is taking good care of you.”

“He is. I’m so glad I didn’t get a job a month ago. I would have missed out on so much. You were right. God’s timing is always perfect.”

2 Peter 3:8-9

“ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  

Lord, You have a plan for us. So often we try to push forward in our own strength, but unless we follow Your will, our plans will only exhaust us. You tell us in Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” If we’re walking in Your plan, your yoke is easy. Please open our eyes to Your plans for us, and guide us in Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.