For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

I’d become a civilian again. After serving a hitch in the Navy, I returned to my hometown to find a job and begin my life as a civilian. My friends were giving themselves lengthy vacations between the time they were discharged and the time they went to work by drawing unemployment checks. With a wife and baby, I knew that wouldn’t work for me, so I went to find a job.

The interview clerk filled out a couple of forms and asked, “I suppose you want to sign up for your unemployment, don’t you?”

“No ma’am,” I said.  “I don’t want any unemployment—I want employment.”

She almost fainted, then went to work giving me a list of companies that were hiring. I went to each one, completed applications, and waited. A week or so later, one of the companies called me to work. I worked there for 13 years and was blessed. I moved my way from one of the dirtiest, lowest-paid jobs in a steel plant, into management.

Work is good. God directs us to work and blesses us when we do. It’s the first step toward financial success. Labor is an honorable activity and no one is too good for the task. Some spend their time waiting for an ideal job or at least one as good as their previous one. Sad to say, but for most of us that won’t happen.

When I left the Navy, I was a skilled aircraft electrician and instrument technician. My problem as a civilian was, no one needed one. Steel was not my first choice. It was my necessary option.

Today, thousands of people are out of work, however, God can and will open doors. He commands us to work not wait. Be honest, dependable, work hard, and keep a good attitude. Who knows–your necessary option may turn into your ideal job.

I challenge you to quit waiting, quit worrying, and go to work – even if it’s not the job you anticipated. See for yourself how God will bless.

Dr. Bob Wilkerson is a native of Alabama. He has had sermons and articles published in several Christian publications: The Southern Baptist Convention’s Award Winning Sermons, Vol.4; Proclaim Magazine; The Alabama Baptist; The Rocky Mountain Baptist; and the Alabama Christian Life Commission Report. In addition, he writes a devotional column for a local newspaper. Read Bob’s devotions