Why did God let me lose my job?

Although many years have passed, I’ll never forget it.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  

I walked into a meeting with my boss, the Founder and CEO, to discuss how we as a company would position ourselves as an enterprise IT professional services provider that would simplify the complexities of software application development and integration challenges.

Ten minutes later, I was told that I and two others would be relieved of our duties immediately because his vision for where he desired the company to go had changed.  And in the blind of an eye, just like that, our work no longer mattered.  We gathered our belongings and said our goodbyes as we all came to grips with the fact that we were now unemployed.  

I drove home thinking of my wife and three kids, and how I would break the news to them.  Then the questions started to flood in like a raging river. 

How did this happen, and to me out of all people? Why did God let me lose my job? 

Why God, why?

Does this hit home or sound familiar to you? It’s not lost on me that losing a job can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, regardless of the circumstances that led to it. 

Whether you were fired, laid off, or simply weren’t hired, the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety that comes with job loss can be incredibly disheartening — to say the least. 

If you’re reading this article, you may be feeling lost and alone, wondering why God would allow this to happen to you. 

As someone who has experienced job loss and has sought solace in God’s word, I want to share with you some insights and encouragement that I’ve learned along the way.

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the pain and frustration that you may be feeling right now. Losing a job can make you feel rejected, hopeless, and even ashamed. 

But it’s important to remember that these feelings are valid and understandable, and you don’t have to go through them alone. 

God understands your struggles and is with you in the midst of your pain although He may seem distant as we battle the ebbs and flows of being overcome with a plethora of emotions. 

While it’s hard to hear and understand at the moment, know this to be true: He promises to never leave you or forsake you, and He is always ready to hear your cries for help.

The reality is though, it doesn’t answer or change the fact that you’re jobless. 

So, why did God let you lose your job? 

This is a question that many people ask themselves in the wake of job loss, and the answer is not always clear. 

While we may never know the exact reasons why certain things happen in our lives, we can trust that God has a plan for us and that He works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28) — even if the “all things” and “good” doesn’t necessarily fit our bill or description of good. 

Perhaps losing your job was a wake-up call to reevaluate your priorities or to redirect your career path. Or maybe it was an opportunity to trust God more deeply and to rely on Him as your source and means of living.

That likely doesn’t answer your why any more than when you began reading this article. But hang with me for a minute as you’re likely now thinking the following:

So, if I’m unable to reconcile why God let me lose my job, what should I do next?

If not why, then let’s focus on who and what.

In times of uncertainty and doubt as well as when things are on the up and up, it’s important that your next step is turning to God and his living word for guidance, comfort, and purpose. 

The Bible is full of stories of people — Job, Joseph, Ruth, and Paul to name a few — who faced difficult circumstances and emerged stronger and more faithful because of them. 

One of my favorite passages that brought me comfort in my hour of unemployment and loss, in general, is from the book of James, which reminds us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-4). 

God allows us to face challenges in order to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. He promises to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Turning painful losses into fruitful gains

So knowing this, let’s explore some next steps that you can take to turn to God and regain your relationship with Him in the wake of job loss. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Pray. God is always available and wants to hear from you — no matter how long it’s been since you last spoke.  Talk to God honestly and openly about your fears, frustrations, and hopes. He is always listening and He cares about what you’re going through.
   
2. Read the Bible.  Don’t simply read the Bible, but allow the Bible to read and speak to your heart. No matter how challenging it may be, allow God and His living Word room to truly and unabatedly speak to your situation and allow them to bring you comfort and hope.
   
3. Seek support. Now is not the time to become aloof, distant, or hermit.  Once you’ve spoken with God first, then talk to friends, family members, a pastor, a counselor, or a therapist about what you’re going through. You don’t have to go through this alone when God has given you the gift of community — Let’s Connect and Talk!
   
4. Look for opportunities to serve. In the meantime, until God clarifies your next assignment, volunteer your time to help others with your skills, talents, and gifting.  Volunteering at a charity, a local church, a school/college campus, or helping a neighbor in need can be a powerful way to redirect your focus and allow God to guide you in discovering purpose in your situation.
   
5. Trust God. I know, this anecdote is easier said than done.  But know this, it’s not impossible, and I’m your living witness. Remember that God is in control, even when things feel chaotic and uncertain. Trust that He has a plan for your life and that He is indeed working all things together for your good.

Reflecting on my past experience of being laid off from my job years ago, I now understand that it was a trigger for me to fulfill God’s purpose for my life. You may be curious about whether I received my next assignment and when it came – it arrived approximately six months later.

The fact that you are reading this today is living evidence that not only did my next assignment come, but also that my story of loss has been fruitful in supporting and inspiring people from all over the globe (that’s you too!) to bravely face and endure unemployment.

Although we may never fully comprehend the reasons for certain events in our lives, remember that you are not alone, and God will never let a single moment in your life go to waste, especially when you turn from the world to Him in times of adversity as well as times of triumph.

God is faithful. Therefore, let us hold on tightly to our faith in His faithfulness and trust Him to lead us through every season of life, secure in our hearts that He always keeps His promises.

Truly, a Man of His Word!