In February (2 days before he turned 25), my husband lost his job unfairly. After this, his union chose not to follow through as they said and did not provide any support.
We had just gotten into a routine financially after getting married, and we had just gotten the insurance that came along with his job.
And now we were back to one income and no insurance.
I knew something was wrong when he called me in the middle of the day. My heart sank as I heard him say, “I have to tell you something.” His voice cracked as he told me he had been let go from his job.
Encourage him.
He just kept apologizing, and I just kept reassuring him that he had acted with integrity and that it would be okay. I could feel in my heart that my job as his helper, his partner just got a lot more real. I was now his rock, where before he was always mine. I knew I needed to step up and help and uplift him in any way I could. And that was overwhelming.
We hung up, and then I cried. I knew it would be alright – God has walked us through many tough times. But this time I was his wife. It was my job to hold it together and be strong for him. And I was not feeling strong or held together. I was angry. Angry at his former employers for doing this, angry at God for letting this happen to us – to him, and angry at myself that I had a sinking feeling of embarressment that my husband was now unemployed.
Don’t fall into the trap of worry.
What would people think? How would we make ends meet? How was it going to work out…
If you have been in this situation, you know how dangerous those thoughts can be. I poured my heart out to my Heavenly Father and just asked “Why?”
And you know what? He gave me peace. I had peace in the knowledge that He was there. Listening. Knowing. Crying with me. Feeling my pain.
I was still angry. I still didn’t understand. But I knew that I was not alone.
Work together.
The next two months were difficult, but we made it. I feel as though it made us stronger as a couple. We were closer to each other and to God as we trusted His plan. We communicated (sometimes well and sometimes not so well) and we made a plan as a team. We did our best not to dwell on the questions and the what ifs.
Know that it WILL get better.
At the time I didn’t see a solution. I said “Oh, well I guess there is something better coming!” but I didn’t always believe it. But now? Now my hardworking husband has a better job, with a better company, with better income. Is it perfect? No. Is it easy? No. Do we still have issues? Of course.
But it did get better. We did get through it. Good did come out of the hard times.
And it will for you as well.
This is definitely the short version of this story. There were many ups and downs, and I certainly did not have it all together or keep my focus on God the entire time. But there is grace, and each day is new.
So friends, wherever you are in life’s journey right now, whatever you are dealing with, let His peace wash over you. Trust that you are not alone. There is a plan – and it is better than you could ever have imagined!
I’d love to pray for you if you are going through something right now. Comment below or message me on social media.
You are not alone.
Rach says
Thank you for the encouraging post! I was laid off on Monday, and was the sole breadwinner of our household. God blessed me by my husband putting out job applications immediately. He had a promising job interview today.
My job hunt is just starting. I am anxious and trusting God in this process. All prayers are appreciated. Again, thank you for your prayers and the encouraging post.
Anna says
I am so glad that it was an encouragement to you! Praying that your job hunt goes well!