Four Godly Lessons from a Resigned Employee

"God is only silent when He's up to something fantastic."

- Charles Stanley

It is easy to be confident and say that you have made a good decision when you are certain that it would lead to a positive outcome. But what if your future seems vague and unclear after making a decision? Last week, I have decided to file for resignation from the huge multinational corporation I am working into for more than three years now. The decision was triggered by a couple of reasons. I have been exhausted-- restless in my job with tasks that seemingly have no end. I have been physiologically affected, lacking sleep worsening my anemic situation: frequent dizziness, headache, fatigue. But more than that, I know for sure that my job has consumed too much of me-- my time, my thoughts, my feelings. It was double, no, it was even triple my original workload. And while it was eating me up alive, I was falling short on my church ministries. It's not healthy, and definitely, I wasn't happy. I have been promoted from supervisor to officer three months ago, and was challenged to prove myself deserving. Of course, I felt both fulfilled and pressured about it. I was overwhelmed both in positive and negative light. Before I came up to my decision, I have prayed about it a lot, I have consulted my family, my Christian friends, my closest colleagues, and my pastor--all agreeing it's a wise decision. I tendered my resignation. But then, a part of my heart was too bothered. I was not at peace, and kept on asking God, "Did I make the right decision?" But, there are four godly lessons I have learned:

1. God's plan is beyond our logical reasoning.

I have been promoted. Who would have ever thought that I would resign in the middle of my probationary period for the promotion? I do believe some people would view me as idiot. It seems really illogical and impractical. But then, when God says, "Do it!", am I wise enough to know better? Definitely not! What God has made me realized is that no matter how something seems to be a pot of gold in front of us, if He would ask us to give it up for Him, we can always trust that He holds a barrel of gold on the other side. My struggle has been: I can't even see the next step to get to that barrel. I've probably asked God too many times, "Now, what?" But then, it points out to Him saying, "Just keep coming closer to Me. Search more of Me, seek Me first. And all the things you could hope for, I will give to you. You need not to know NOW what I have prepared for you. You're not wise enough to understand it NOW, but eventually, I'll reveal it to you. Just let go, surrender." The bible says, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." (1 Corinthians 3:19a) And yet, another verse says, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33) God's wisdom is unfathomable yet assuring. His wisdom is sovereign. Reflecting on it, I have just been focused on my "what-if's" rather than on God's"what-will-be's".

2. God's timing does not necessarily match our timing.

At this point, the probationary status for my promotion is running on its fourth month, and supposedly in October I could have achieved its full-pledged status. A few of my colleagues were asking me to stay for a few more months until I would be officially an officer. I totally understand their mindset and I was struggling for the same reason. I even haven't found a new job yet. But, I heard it has been said that delayed obedience is still disobedience. It's so easy for me to rant before God, "Lord, this promotion has come from You. Why can't I have it formally? All I need is a few more months, then I'm gonna be out!" But what holds me back from complaining is the fact that I can't be in two places at one time. How can I get to where God wants me to be now if I'd keep on choosing to stay where I am? Impossible! God's timing is perfect no matter how untimely it may seem to us.

3. God's want is for us to please Him alone.

In this generation of people-pleasers, God has always been reminding me that He is the audience who matters. A lot of people have been asking me, "Why do you have to resign? You've gone too far to give up now!" For them, it's such a waste throwing away that great opportunity. I appreciate their genuine concern. But time and time again, I would hear it and it made me so confused, "God, did I really just give up? They think I did. Isn't that shameful? Have I been a quitter? Does it mean I'm faithless? Is this Your will for me?" For a couple of days, I have been so depressed about it. I prayed, "Lord, if I am really obeying You, why is it that I don't have peace? God, please reveal to me the reason why I still feel so bothered." And at that instance, God answered me, "You have been too conscious about what would others think and say about you. Are they the ones whom you have to please? Do you want their acceptance rather than my approval? You're creating your own restlessness, my dear child. Let Me be your peace. Allow Me to do My perfect will on you." God deserves all the glory.

4. God's desire is for us to trust Him fully.

Another reason for my confusion, as God has revealed it to me, is worrying. I have been applying for a job, no company has called me yet. Is it normal to worry? Maybe. But it's not right either. God has shown the condition of my heart: doubtful, half-hearted, impatient. The waiting game is always difficult. I ask God, "What would be my next job? Where will it be? And when will I know? Will I be able to find a better job?" When God answers "Wait.", He is saying, "Trust Me." As timely as it may seem, I coincidentally was able to watch InTouch last Saturday. In Rev. Charles Stanley's preaching which was entitled, "Why Do Waver in Unbelief?", it was said that worrying is not only a sin, but a disaster. When we worry, we are doubting God's power over our lives. We aren't trusting Him fully. We aren't surrendering unto Him and would even try to make things on our own. And when we fail, when the damage has been done, that's when we would realized that we've lost track of God's plan just because we have worried so much. In the bible, James said, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." (James 1:6) Doubts and worries are the enemies of peace and success. Our God is omnipotent, faithful, and generous. Is there really anything to worry about? And the answer is clear, NOTHING!

I have written this as a testimony that God can lead us to His will if we would let Him. Not everyone is called to quit his/her current job now to go elsewhere. We just need to keep in mind that wherever He would lead us, we should follow no matter what the cost is. Our strength and confidence should always be in the Lord. He knows best and He "works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose." And as I wait for God to answer my prayer for a new job, I have faith that He is really "up to something fantastic" in my life. And, I've got to get myself ready! ☺