One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Acts 18:9-11

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I’ll never forget the first time I lost a job. I didn’t do anything wrong per se. My boss just let me know one day, “You’re not a fit around here.” Ouch! This hurt to hear and lead to a confusing, painful, and discouraging exit. I still don’t understand it all. He didn’t seem frustrated with me. There was no laundry list of complaints. We were just at odds when it came to working together and our approaches to leading. In hindsight, I do remember feeling increasingly frustrated and discouraged the longer I worked there. But I’m too loyal (or maybe stubborn) to leave on my own. As much as getting dismissed from my role stung, it turned out to be a gift from God when I didn’t realize I needed it most.

I have a hard time stomaching the kind of persecution the Apostle Paul faced regularly. He encountered harmful levels of hostility during his second missionary journey. Disheartened by it all, he followed the Spirit’s lead back to the notorious city of Corinth. To Paul’s surprise, the dark clouds broke, and he received an unexpected stint of rest for the next 18 months. God built him back up, revived his calling, and gave him favor. The church grew stronger and more courageous there, and so did Paul. It was a much-needed season of replenishment after such a draining chapter.

If you’ve not figured this out yet, God is in the business of showing up with power and provision when you need it most. I thought I lost a job, but really, our Heavenly Father gave me an opportunity to reset and recalibrate. My next role turned out to be a miraculous fit for my background, passion, and gifting. Even if I hadn’t landed a fantastic job, moving on unexpectedly was good for my soul and everyone I’ve served since.

As I reflect on the healing Paul and I received, I’m drawn to Psalm 30—a passage of healing and hope. Verses 11-12 say, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Rather than get struck down and silenced, God desired to revive us and release us with renewed purpose. And I’m confident that He will do the same for you when you need it most.

Next Steps

Read Psalm 30. What part(s) of this chapter resonates with a hard season you’ve faced or are currently enduring? Talk with God in prayer about it. In the spirit of Psalm 30:2, ask your Heavenly Father to help and heal you before moving on to whatever’s next.