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Q. Is unemployment something you've experienced?

A. I wrestled with unemployment while supporting my widowed mother and five younger sisters in Argentina. In those days massive strikes shook my home country. I was without work, without relief, without anything!

What should a committed Christian do if he finds himself out of work?

First, accept your unemployment, even though difficult, and trust God to use it for good. The Bible tells us that "in all things God works for the good of those who. … have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Second, carefully plan how to use your time. In Ephesians 5:16 we're instructed to make the most of every opportunity. I suggest that you spend the first two hours of every day in Bible study and prayer. Spend the next three or four hours looking seriously and systematically for a job.

Third, minister to others. Use your afternoons working for your church. Help those in need, visit the elderly, evangelize, disciple new believers. God's Word says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).

Fourth, work together as a family to creatively use what you already possess to meet some of your needs and even help others. If you have some land, plant a garden. If you have certain talents that could be used to earn some money, use them. As we honor God in every part of our lives, we can be sure He'll supply everything we need.

Luis Palau is an international evangelist.

Adapted from: Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth (Discovery, 1994)

For your convenience, Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, thank You that You have or will direct me to a job that satisfies because it matches the way You made me.

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