If/When you are terminated where you work or serve, consider the following…
Those in authority have just told you your services are no longer needed. Your days are over. There’s no need to stay any longer. You’ve been TERMINATED. What do you do now? What will you tell your wife… kids… and friends? Who would want someone with a “Scarlet T” on their chest?
Not long back everyone loved you. They patted your back and glad you came. But once you began carrying out your responsibilities as a believer in Christ, opposition arose. Some supported you, but others saw you as a threat. Then the day came it was easier for you to be let go than needed changes to take place… and you were the most expendable. Your head is spinning from being blindsided. Deep in your soul you ask… “God, why?!”
This type event is played out in varying degrees across America every day… in businesses and churches. You may be reading this by Divine providence. If so, my prayer is you will find words of comfort and encouragement in light of 2 Cor 1:3-4.
As one who knows what it is like to be in difficult circumstances… including the dreaded “Scarlet T,” what I present is tried and true. God made what follows real in the midst of fire, pain, tears, doubt, and fear. Though I felt abandoned and betrayed, God keeps His Word even when our faith is at 90… 70… 50… 30%… or less (2 Tim 2:13)!
My strong encouragement is to not only read these texts, but meditate on them deeply, often, and constantly. Pray them to God. Ask God to push them deep into your heart. You know, “Man does not live by bread alone but every Word that proceeds from His mouth…” (Mt 4:4).
You Are In Good Company (Matthew 5:10-12)
Joseph was hated by his brothers, almost murdered, sold into slavery twice, falsely accused of rape, unjustly thrown into prison, and forgotten (Gen 50:20). David was stalked by King Saul who made several attempts on his life (1 Sam 18:11). Isaiah was sawed in two. Jeremiah struggled with depression (Jer 9:1) was beaten and imprisoned (Jer 32:1-3; 33:1; 37:15-21; 38:6-13; 39:15-18). Three Hebrew youths were thrown into a furnace (Dan 3:16-25). Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den (Dan 6:16). Steven was stoned to death (Acts 7:54-60). Paul was constantly persecuted (2 Cor 11:23-29). The Apostles were all murdered, except for John who was exiled to Patmos. Early Christians were martyred (Acts 8:3, 22:4). And then there was Jesus (1 Peter 2:19-25; Hebrews 13:12-15)…
Without minimizing what you are going through, remember what those before you have endured (1 Peter 5:6-10). From all these things remember God’s promise that you are in good company in your suffering. You are blessed eternally and your reward in heaven is great (Mt 5:10-12).
God Is With You (Hebrews 13:5)
God Will Sustain You (2 Cor 12:9-10)
God Will Comfort You (2 Cor 1:3-4)
God Is Working For Your Good (Ro 8:28-29)
God Is Increasing Your Eternal Rewards (2 Tim 4:7-8)
God Is Proving He Loves You Deeply (Heb 12:3-14)
God Has Willed This For His Glory And Your Ultimate Good (Phil 1:29)
Your Ultimate Good Is Conformity To Christ, To Share In HIS Holiness (Ro 8:29; Heb 12:10-B)
Therefore, By A Scripture Driven Heart, Rejoice In What God Is Doing (Ja 1:2-4 with Ro 8:29)