My favorite author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, has been known to say that her testimony is, “I’m still here.” I understand that message.
I’m still here too. Still standing. It’s been a long, winding, uphill road navigating through corporate America. If you have found the workplace to be challenging, I want you to know you’re not alone.
I wasn’t young and inexperienced when I entered through the corporate America door; yet still I was met with more uphill struggles than I ever could have imagined.
I often wonder, What if I would have quit when the going got tough?
Only a couple of twists and turns down the way but I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. “The first five years are the toughest,” a good friend told me. I thought, You don’t understand. I won’t be here in five years. I merely smiled at her, too weary to argue.
After nearly seven years, I finally arrived in a better place. However, much to my surprise, a challenge erupted like a volcano, reminding me it was still the corporate work setting. A previous manager, with a personal vendetta, struck unexpectedly, and I had only been in my new position for a few days! I didn’t even see trouble coming. I’m thankful I had a good boss to help me manage. Jesus never promised an easy life. He said there would be challenges along the way. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33.
There is no peace—no real, lasting peace—in the world, only in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14.
The workplace has provided me with many challenges. Each new struggle has been an opportunity for growth. God is using the workplace to change and refine me.
I’m still here—still at the company that has been a hard place to be for many years. I’m extremely blessed to be in a better situation now. I’m extremely grateful that God has brought me to a new place and put me under the care of a good manager. I’m thankful for healthy teammates.
I’m very grateful to my current manager for restoring my faith in the corporate world and for giving me a hope that we can all make a difference and make our places of work a better place.
No matter where you are today, I hope this encourages you and gives you hope.
God walks through the marketplace with us. He is greater than any work challenge we will ever face. Wherever life finds you today, please be encouraged.
Shari is currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain at Olive Grove Hospice. Shari is a certified coach who lends a blend of business and ministry experience to her every endeavor. God has given her a passion to encourage people to integrate work and faith. You can learn more about her book, Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement on her website: www.sharjharris.com and contact her at sharijharris@comcast.net
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