As Steve and I continue on this nearly three-year journey of unemployment, I lean on lessons learned from the trials and tribulations of David as he awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would reign over Judah.
As a boy, David was anointed by Samuel to succeed Saul as the king of Judah. David was a full grown man with wives and children when he ascended to the throne. Quite a few years passed between the promise of kingship and the fulfilment of that promise.
The years of waiting were comprised of great victories and great hardships. David faced and killed the giant Goliath and was appointed a commander in Saul’s army. He led the army in many battles with tremendous success. Yet, Saul became increasingly jealous of David and sought to kill him. David was forced to hide in caves and live the life of a fugitive for many years. Still, he continued to believe God. He could look forward to the day when this difficult phase of his life would end and he would return from exile to rule over his nation.
It is easy for me to get discouraged about the state of our economy and the lack of job prospects for Steve. Two years and nine months is a long time to be unemployed and there is no end in sight. In these moments, I reflect on the trials that David went through and the place he arrived at when the trials were over.
1) David’s troubles were not of his own making. David did not seek to become the king of Judah. He served King Saul and honored him. Yet, he found himself running from Saul. Likewise, Steve’s unemployment is not the result of any action or decision on his part. He is a victim of a poor economy and bad decisions made by others.
2) David had victories in the midst of his hardships. While a fugitive, David continued to lead an army and had great success. Despite the loss of the majority of our income, we have learned to be wiser with our money and have been victorious over credit card debt.
3) God’s hand of blessing was on David during this time. God supplied David with food and shelter, and David married two of his wives and fathered several children during this time. God continues to bless our family, as well. Our family has grown in the last three years, with the addition of a daughter-in-law and our first grandchild; a second grandchild is on the way.
4) David became discouraged at times. In spite of David’s close walk with the Lord, he was human. He grew weary of the struggle and faced discouragement. David poured out his frustrations in psalms. In Psalm 55, David wrote, “My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of the enemy for they bring down suffering upon me and revile me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.” (verses 2 – 4) We know that we will have moments of discouragement. In those moments, we need to take our eyes off our problems and focus our attention on God and the blessings He has bestowed on us.
5) David trusted God. The same man who cried out in despair also wrote, “I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name will I hope, for your name is good.” (Psalm 52: 8, 9) Our hope is in God. Our lives are in His hands, and our trust is in Him, for He is good.
6) David’s troubles did not last forever. Although David was a fugitive from Saul for years, there came a day when Saul died and David was crowned King of Judah. David knew that God had promised him the kingdom and he looked forward to the day that God would fulfill that promise. God has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Steve and I are at peace knowing that God has a wonderful plan for our lives. Even in the midst of this trial, we can see His hand of blessing and His plans being fulfilled.
If you are in the midst of a trial that seems like it will never end, please know that God has a wonderful plan for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Suffering and trials are part of God’s plan to help us focus on the important issues in life and to learn to depend on Him fully. I pray that you will turn to God in your moments of despair and allow Him to fulfill his purposes for you.
Susan's Reflections 
“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19
I’m praying for you in this time, Susan. May God loose blessings on you and your husband!
Thanks, Anne. We appreciate your prayers. It is wonderful to know that God is in control of our situation and our economy.
Hi Susan. My name is Lebo from South Africa. I just read your story which took place in 2011 regarding your state of unemployment etc. I just wanted to know if your husband and yourself finally did get a job . I trust that God did finally grant you your wishes in his love and mercy. Im in a similar situation where i seek to start a business and need God to provide the finances. But he has never let me down even though things are tough.
Regards
Hi Lebo.My husband, Steve, did get a job–in fact, he got his old job back. While unemployed, Steve would occasionally help his former boss submit job contracts, with the understanding that if they won the contract, Steve would be hired to work on that contract. In November of 2011, after almost 3 years of unemployment, the company was awarded one of the contracts and Steve was brought back to work on that contract. Once he was back, his boss began finding other small jobs for him to work on. After 6 months of working part-time, Steve was offered full-time employment. I wrote a blog in early 2012 about the things that Steve did right to keep the door open at his old job.
It is interesting that you want to start a business. My job, here in the United States, is to help people start businesses. My organization is funded by the government to promote growth of businesses. If there is such a service in South Africa, I encourage you to seek their assistance. I will pray that God will provide the finances you need to start this business. God wants you to succeed in whatever endeavor He has laid on your heart.
I am sure that the process of establishing your business is different in SA than it is in the US. However, the principles of business ownership are the same. If I can be of assistance in that process, please feel free to send me an email at susan@susaneball.com. I will be happy to respond and share what I have learned in doing this for the past 6 years.
May God richly bless you.