Hope in the Workforce: The Search for Spiritual Meaning and Strength on the Job Experiencing Heaven(Jesus)in a Broken World

By Joshua Ivey

There is an all-encompassing living Word that speaks eternal meaning and significance into your life. No matter how low our circumstances, our spirit, or our life may be this Word filled with Almighty power from above clothes us, transforms us, sets us free, and changes our lives. This Word comes directly from heaven itself, and is made flesh as a man and God spoke through His miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection not in human words, but in supernatural unconditional eternal never ending love that ceases all condemnation and accusations of injustice. The healing word of Jesus mends broken hearts; the resurrecting, life-giving Spirit of God raises us from the depths of the pit into the kingdom of heaven. But He doesn't stop there! The same power (God) or Word that set you free from the power and lies of a sinful life under Satan's will"" wants you to walk in faith, surrender, steadfastness, and a love commitment to the Truth of that Word until it becomes reality in your life. God waits for us to take the step of full-hearted love and obedience to be able to move. I have seen it in my own life and in the lives of others that obedience to God (out of faith), moves His hand and the power of His Spirit to bring healing. Many times, however, there is a waiting period, where we remain standing and hoping in the Lord, praying, depending, and clinging on to Him. This is essential because the good work God wants to do through you will be impossible for you to do alone.

In the wait, when nothing seems to be going on out of the ordinary in our life, and we just go through the routines of what we have to do to make it; it can feel empty, meaningless, depressing, and even hopeless. It is these sentiments, we battle against as they all attack our faith, our joy, and our hearts. But God is asking you in these moments to trust Him even when you cannot see. Cannot see results, cannot see fruit, cannot see purpose, cannot see anything good that will come out of where you are; it is the Spirit that opens up our eyes and helps us see not only how God sees, but God Himself in midst of the situation. It is in this moment when we fall on our faces before His glory and worship Him, because it is promised search for Him with all your heart and He will be found! Because in every moment, He is your greatest need!

The one who gave you life, breathing into you, can also give dead hearts life, newness, and help them beat again! This is nothing less beyond a miracle; it happened in my life, and it can happen in yours! Even if a heart feels as cold or hard as a stone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781642998252

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Day 1

In the Hands of God

I am not a victim of the world. I am not a victim of the evil one. I am in the all-powerful hands of the Father. God, You, call me your child (son/daughter), and I am no longer a stranger. You call me your love. You call me holy and pure because all my sin you erased. You called me more than a conqueror. Your Word stands above all else, all other accusations, and all lies from the enemy- and your Word will always come true!

I am not a victim of the world.

When one believes he or she is a victim of the world’s system, they will act or even live upon that belief. Indeed, the world has much power; its attractiveness pulls one so much that it can take everything from a person. It absorbs or consumes a life if a life is given to it until a person feels completely empty. One can come to feel powerless and hopeless upon the expectations and/or obligations that are thrown at us each day, as one would think that the hostile world itself is throwing them against us. For one to accomplish his desires, dreams, calling, or goals, he must face these gigantic insurmountable obstacles which make him feel small in the face of such a powerful force. One can come to resent the world because of its demands, get tired of the expectations and responsibilities, and even associate and encompass life itself as an obligation and not a joy.

There are words from God that speak into this situation. First of all, it is important to realize you are not at the mercy or in the hands of the world. You are in the all-powerful hands of the Father, the Creator of the world, who has power over it. Our Heavenly Father is full of love, goodness, wisdom, mercy, and grace, and always extends these in abundance to his children.

The passage 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV), Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. God’s hand is a hand of support, of help, and even of service. Mark 10:45 (NIV) says, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many, toward you. At this time in my life, this verse really touched me deeply; it was the Lord speaking to me. I want you to let go of the pride of having the title of a bachelor of science degree, and I want you to treasure me more than these titles. So I was working in a chicken plant and it was hard work. God directly told me, Humble yourself before me and allow me to lift you, don’t try to lift yourself. Trust in my power and in my timing.

Here are some Bible verses that speak into the truth that God supports and helps those who love Him, seek Him, turn to Him, look for Him, and call upon Him. Continue to think of the Father’s generous, providing, and loving hands through these verses. Psalm 18:16–18 (NIV), He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of the deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. Psalm 18:29 (NIV), With your help (support) I can advance against an entire troop, with my God I can scale a wall.

Think about this: only one man can face an entire army and come out victorious because the hand of God is his help and his support! You have the support of the heavens, all the Lord’s army of angels, and the abundance of His kingdom at your disposal in which you have access to through Christ! Psalms 20:2 (NIV), May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion (Zion is referred to as heaven). Think about if you wanted to do a project and an entire university backed you up to do it. Now think about something God has put in your heart to do, can you do it if the Almighty God, His favor, support, and all of the heavens, are backing you up?

God never abandons the one who places his trust. He, in fact, gives them hope and a future within His perfect plans (Jeremiah 29:11–13). Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this (Ps. 37:4–5, NIV). The challenge of life comes in when one has to humble himself to God’s almighty hand through the hard times. This means that though my circumstances may be hard or even terrible, I will entrust my well-being, my heart, my thoughts, and my life into the hands of the Father who cares for me. To make this decision, despite the circumstances, is to submit to God’s control and trust that all will go well, despite what the present situation may look like.

To trust in what God says in Romans 8:28 (NIV), And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, is the only way one can experience peace beyond all understanding, knowing that though I am suffering now, I know I am in the potter’s hand, and I am the clay. He is shaping me and forming me to become more like Him; therefore, through these hard times, good will come through. Entrusting myself into His hands and humbling myself before Him is the only way for your joy to be complete. Trust Him to guide your life. The passage 1 John 5:4–5 (NIV) says, For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Who is that overcomes the world? Only he who believes in Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:31–32; 38–39 (NIV) says, What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things? …For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

Day 2

God’s Word Is the Last Word

God, You, call me your child (son/daughter), and I am no longer a stranger. You call me your love. You call me holy and pure because you erased all my sin. You call me more than a conqueror even in my weakness. Your Word stands above all else, all other accusations, and all lies from the enemy—and your Word will always come true!

God’s Word Is the Last One

Isaiah 55:10–11 (NIV), As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

When God speaks as in creation, things come to pass. He said, Let there be light, and it came to pass. He said, Let the land produce all types of vegetation, and it was so. He spoke into an empty and formless world and the work of His hands placed order, life, and fullness in the universe as when He speaks into our once empty, dark, and formless (chaotic) lives, and brings peace and wholeness into our souls. To experience this active living Word sharper than any sword man can create in our lives, we must come to recognize God as God and not as our servant (telling God what to do or how to do it; rather, we must surrender to His will). He knows what is best for us.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says, He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. Above all, the noise of negative voices of others and the devil’s voice calling us sinners, failures, insignificant, worthless, won’t amount to anything, good for nothing, etc. As when there was a woman caught in adultery, she was brought to Jesus in John 8:1–11. He silenced the roaring crowd, who were ready to stone this woman, If any one of you is without sin let him be the first to throw a stone at her. Jesus said; at this, one by one, everyone left, leaving the woman alone until only Jesus and her were left. It is in this moment when Jesus speaks personally to the woman and says, Where are they? Has no one condemned you? Then neither do I, Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin. And this is what He has done with each one of us, declaring that in Christ, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1), He is the ultimate judge, not us.

Job wanted to challenge God, as sometimes is our tendency to do when we go through hard times. This is because of pride and is actually fighting against God and His perfect and holy will. This is what God says to us when we go as far to question God’s justice, sovereignty, and authority. As it says in Job 38:3–11 (NIV),

Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’? His voice silenced all complaints.

Hebrews 1:1–3, In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom he appointed heir. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

There is indeed none who compare to God. He is omniscient (all-knowing), infinite in wisdom; sees the past, the present and the future all in a glimpse unlimited by time, and omnipresent. He shows power/authority through Jesus over death (his resurrection), also when Jesus calls Lazarus by name out of death into life, over sickness, over nature—as when His voice calmed the storm, even over demonic powers.

His voice always prevails, no matter the situation. When He speaks, He brings freedom from the past and healing from pain. His forgiveness, love, and grace define you, not your sin, mistakes, and failures. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh who dwelt among us (John 1:14), the highest message God wants to convey to all of us, which He expressed not only in speech, but in action (His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave). This is the living Word that frees our souls, all things, and through whom He made the universes. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." Jesus is the lamb sacrificed for our iniquity, oppressed and afflicted, yet did not open his mouth, and brought healing to our souls (Isaiah 53:3–7). He brought silence to guilt and complaints for good.

Day 3

Listening to the Whispers

Listening involves a recognition or acknowledgment of God’s presence in your life, though life’s busyness always tries to make the face of God disappear in the shadow of excuses (meaning we don’t give God the time of day). Not only recognizing His presence, but also His power, the beauty of His love, the splendor of His greatness will transform how we think, act, and relate to one another and even God himself. To recognize and acknowledge Him in your midst is essential for hearing the powerful, living, transforming, comforting, and truthful words of God. These words are essential for your soul. Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.

When we find ourselves in a hurry all the time, attempting to meet deadlines and feel pressure because of time, as the old saying goes. It is more important to stop and smell the roses. Let me show you why. Let’s look at a parable, Luke 14:16–24,

Jesus replied, A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything now is ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ The servant came back and reported this to the master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’

Be careful, never be too busy for God, you may have important tasks to accomplish—but the most important is spending time with our precious Lord. When you give Him space and time in your life, you will hear more and more of His voice, be more aware of His presence, experience more of His peace and most likely see more of His splendor. Luke 10:38–41, As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ The Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.’ When we are so focused on just trying to get by, it leads to a selfish spirit. I can’t come, because I have to do something else." This shows reliance on self. Sometimes, God wants us to rest, of course, the practice of the Sabbath (which can mean more than go to church on Sunday) shows no matter what, it can wait, because God is in control, not I; thus, I recognize my dependence on Him.

When life gets overwhelming, when it feels like too much, and your world is slowly slipping out of your fingertips, and you feel like giving up, remember verse Psalm 42:5. I enjoy more the Spanish translation of this verse. Translated, it means, Why do you beat yourself up (downcast), oh my soul by getting so stirred or shaken up. Why are you so perturbed (disturbed) within me? Wait in the Lord, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 33:18–22 (Spanish KJV) complements this verse beautifully,

No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those who hope in this unfailing love (on those who wait on his mercy), to deliver them from death and give them in life in time of hunger/starving/famine (taken from the Spanish KJV translation). We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love (thy mercy—KJV), O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee (as we put our hope in thee)."

As we wait on the Lord, trust in him, and put our hope in him our hearts will rejoice and receive mercy, deliverance, and life. Fret not thy self…Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself. The internal and crazy chaos will turn into peace. I am reminded of the scene when Jesus was sleeping in a boat the middle of a storm, his disciples awoke him and said,

Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? The he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" (Matthew 8:23–27,).

This is a picture of what happens in our hearts, when trouble comes our way.

Turn the eyes of your heart from the waves of fear from drowning in the problem to hope in God Himself, and trust in the one who can get you out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. He wants you to praise Him, to declare shouts of victory because of your faith in Him, even before the victory or help has come. Sometimes, not only busyness, but also anxiety and worry can block out God’s voice and peace in the midst of your situation. Yet, for this comfort and peace, one has to let go of his worries, place them at the Father’s feet by asking for God to take the burden of worry off our shoulders with His strength and may His Spirit’s power rest upon us, in our weakness. Jesus describes this well in Matthew 11:28 (NIV), Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Carrying a burden on our own because of pride and wanting to fix it on our own, rather than allowing the only one who truly can and will fix the problem because of His grace is much like rejecting God’s help. This is another description of listening to God, placing your burden at His feet, and finding rest for your soul in Him.

Another way to describe the process of listening to God from our hearts is that we must empty our own thoughts or be emptied of ourselves to be filled with the fullness of God. This means stop trying to figure out what is happening with your mind (worrying), still your thoughts, silence the worries, and begin to trust God and listen to Him with your heart.

For the living Word of God to speak into us and transform us, we have to be willing to wait on Him faithfully, long for Him in our anguish and loneliness, hope for Him in our helplessness and need, and yearn for Him and His will to be accomplished; and in our thirst and hunger, we come to His fountain of living