God's faithfulness
- ilse-mari kilian
- May 4, 2010
God has shown Himself so faithful to me that I have to tell of His goodness, mercy and grace.
When it comes to work and the workplace I have not always had it easy. But, looking back I can see His firm, steady and always-loving hand working through situations and in me.
In the first four years in the marketplace, after completing my studies, I faced several difficult and challenging people and situations. I was often treated unfairly and was “trampled on” – a common occurrence in the creative industry, it seems. I faced harassment as well as emotional and verbal abuse – to the point that I became physically ill. I was manipulated, bullied and often belittled. I almost started to believe that the only way to the top in the industry was to just take the abuse and give it straight back to those below me! Only God’s grace kept me from that.
By the end of 2007 I had had enough, and started searching for a new job – my sixth in four years. And so continued my difficult road – a road of hard yet valuable lessons – where it often felt that the next uphill would break me. I worked as general manager at a printing company for six months (which was agony) after which I was out of work for around a year. I had no idea where the money would come from to pay rent and buy food, not to mention to buy petrol to get to job interviews. Sitting in the dust of another slammed door, I often felt like never getting up again!
In that time I started believing that I was a burden to friends and family, but God remained faithful in strengthening me, loving me. He so often had to remind me that He is way bigger than anything or anyone I would ever have to face. He sustained me and provided for me – day by day. I never went without.
It’s amazing to look back at all the bad experiences and how they were ultimately used for good. I learned how to handle situations and people, and how to forgive. All of the trials I had to go through set me up to be able to do what I do now. I learned how to work with and deal with people, including difficult people, and how to strive towards excellence in whatever I do. I learned to glorify God in my coming and going – be it with a smile, an apology or a friendly attitude when I answer the phone. I’ve learned that to love people in the seemingly small things might just have a bigger impact than what we are able to perceive.
So, where am I now? For just over a year I've been working at the most wonderful small company. I'm treated well, encouraged daily and challenged in such a positive way. I'm built up and motivated – it makes me want to give even more of myself. And I love every moment – I cannot wait to go to work every day.
I also realise that every step of this journey – up to now – has been absolutely necessary. It was often not very nice or easy, but it was always good, as we see in Romans 28!
All the glory belongs to God.
