We all have a dream job in our minds. What would that look like for you? I have a degree in accounting and I love to travel so my dream job would combine those two items. I kept looking for it but was never quite sure how or what that job would look like in the real world. I have enjoyed most of my jobs through the years but none were my dream job. I always prayed about finding that perfect job because then everything would be great.

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

A number of years ago, my husband’s job required us to move cross country. As we prepared and packed, I started looking on job websites for my next position to try to get something lined up before we got to the new city. I did not find many options but did post my resume on line on several places for employers to see. The moving van arrived and loaded up all our possessions and we drove off to our new life. It was a two day drive. On the second day of driving my cell phone ran. It was a call from a not-for-profit organization that had seen my resume and wanted to talk with me about an opportunity they had come open. I was intrigued and set up a time to interview with them once we got into the city.

I learned much information about the company and their work during the interview. The position would be an accounting position that was responsible for the bookkeeping work of the international offices. It would also require travel to some of the international locations each year to perform audits on the offices. It sounded perfect and I was very excited. A few days later I got offered the job and I accepted. This position had everything I wanted in a job. It included accounting, travel and an organization that help people to boot; this had all the markings of my perfect job.

I worked for the organization for almost two years before I was laid off. Like many charities, they struggled with a lack of donations and they were forced to do layoffs. This was my very first layoff in a career that spanned almost 20 years. I was devastated and questioned why God would allow me to lose my perfect job. It took me almost 6 months to find another job. I was left with so many unanswered questions and I was angry. Why would a God allow this to happen to me? The bible always help me during my times of doubt and in this case I turned to Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

So fast forward a number of years. I have a different job now and not one I ever expected. I started this new job as an accountant and move up until I was in management. This job requires me to use my management skills more than my accounting skills but I am enjoying that part. I only get to travel about once a year to our corporate headquarters but that is okay also because I travel on my own time for our mission work. The best part of this job is my bosses. They are both wonderful men that have taught me so much about our business and about life in general. One of them is also a great Christian example in my life. When we meet he starts us off with prayer and we can talk about our religion openly. He has been such a blessing to me. Oh, and the company that I thought was my dream job, well they finally had to close the doors for lack of funds. So I guess God knew what He was doing after all.

Proverbs 16:3-4 “3 Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. 4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.

When God seems to be closing one door, He is probably preparing something better for you if you just trust Him and wait patiently for Him. Just because something or someone seems like the perfect option for you, it may not be what God has planned for you. Cover all your decisions in prayer and trust in God to lead you to the best options in your life. My life verse is Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Sometimes, I have to be reminded of these words but I have found it to always be true, God will work it all out. I just have to trust and obey.

God bless you.