(September 5, 2021) Samuel Thomas (* Note: Not real name but good friend of Dr Robert and Pr Maureen McQuillan) praises God…

As I reflect over the last few years, I recall being advised by quite a few folk that I was too old (I’m now 64) to work any longer, especially due to medical issues.

What? I thought, believing that Jesus Christ wants me to share his good news until I die… especially still in the work force!

I had been a senior consultant with a multinational company specialising in sales and customer service for about 10 years. Prior to this position I was an executive, real estate consultant and franchise owner for over 20 years.

My faith in Jesus Christ has been front of mind and spirit for most of my life.

Refusing to accept the negatives
I refused to think that Jesus Christ wanted me to quit job hunting and sought advice and prayers from a few Christian friends.

But after applying for several jobs without success, even though I could supply top references, the months went by to the point where I was now merely going through the motions of trying to win employment… somewhere, somehow!

One year rolled into another. Then lockdown after lockdown wasn’t making it easy seeking a new job.

But all my disappointments bought me to a special place… that of realising ‘It’s just you and me now, God.’ So my prayer was ‘Apart from you getting me a job, Lord, please show me the way to continue being your witness… to touch someone, somehow in this lonely, single lifestyle I have.’

Waiting on God
Interestingly I was contacted by an Asian chap who, believe it or not, is a didgeridoo player.

Back when we could get together in my home for meals, he enjoyed me playing Christmas carols any time of the year on my guitar. It reminded him of his wonderful childhood memories and his family, together with the love they shared.

And I would even played Amazing Grace for him, bringing a tear to his eye as he recalled the family life he so missed.

As I witnessed to this didgeridoo player, I would pray regularly for Holy Spirit leadings for any opportunity to see this man saved. He’s a work-in-progress and I believe that one day, scriptures I was able to share with him over meal times will become so real to him and he’ll discover Jesus as I have.

On the applying for a new job side, I had all but given up when I was told that I was eligible for a disability pension! This almost disheartened me further regarding ever finding a job, any job.

I have spent years praying for others and asking for the Holy Spirit to move in other folks’ lives. I witnessed many answers to prayer… however nothing seemed to be happening for me. I was to realise that God was preparing me for what my Lord was planning for me – in his time.

A different ‘What?’
After years of ‘waiting’ and all but giving up I recently received an unexcepted call from my didgeridoo friend asking me if I would be able to work with him in his new franchise!

This was to prove a different ‘What?’

Amazingly this franchise is with the same multinational brand that threw me out two years ago! I immediately advised him that I would be happy to assist in any way I could.

An employment contract was emailed to me the following day. I signed and returned it to the very head office that previously did not want to know me!

Employed again!
Praise God, I am once more employed! And I now know that my heavenly Father was working his will for me – in his time!

Yes, over those years of unemployment I had at times been concerned about finances, food and shelter. Yet, I have never been broke moneywise, hungry or homeless as I thought I would be! God had other plans ‘in his time.’

Are you going through some kind of ‘hard time’? I encourage you to hang in there, keep praying and believing that God has good plans for you too – even if it takes some time for ‘his timing’ to come about.

Take courage, for Deuteronomy 31:8 declares that ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’

I think also of Psalm 91:4, ‘He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.’

And Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”’

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Samuel Thomas* delights to encourage and pray believingly for others. An accomplished guitarist, he has willingly accompanied other talented instrumentalists in marketplace witnessing.
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