I’m not having any luck with job hunting. How can I remain positive when not hearing anything back?

Here are some strategies to help you stay positive during this process. 

Know your worth. 

Your job doesn’t determine who you are. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

Focus on what you can control. 

Job hunting is a process, and each rejection brings you one step closer to finding the right opportunity. Focus on what you’ve learned from each experience and how you can improve moving forward. Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

Look on the bright side. 

I’m an optimist; there is always a silver lining. Maybe you have time to work on that project you’ve neglected, spend more time outside in nature, or spend time in rest! Genesis 50:20 (NIV) says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” 

Trust the process. 

Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when it feels like doors are closing. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on our own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” You’ve got this!

Captain Bree Barker – Albany, NY

A friend of mine is having a hard time right now. How can I be there for them and let them know they aren’t alone? 

When God created us, fellowship and connection was His intent. Our relationship with our Creator is foundational, but we also have a need for human connection. A recent article in The Atlantic reported that Americans are spending less and less time in one another’s company. While the trend was evident across all age groups, it was most pronounced among teens. In the last 20 years, face-to-face socializing among teens fell more than 45 percent. 

Our lack of physical connection has made “being there” for each other more difficult. When someone is having a hard time, the ministry of presence is imperative, and you can still provide that. You can reach out via FaceTime, online gaming, Marco Polo and other social media apps. A simple statement, written or spoken, of just letting your friend know, “I am here to listen if you need me,” has influence. However, as we see in the ministry of Jesus, nothing beats being in the physical presence of your friend. Even if you have no words, and you may not have the solution to their problem, simply making time to sit with them and give them quality time, lets them know they are not alone.

Captain Caroline Rowe – Phoenix, AZ