On 23 August 2019, our CEO announced that our company was going to be acquired by another company. This was great news for our company but not for some employees, as we knew this meant some positions would be made redundant and I knew in my heart that my team would be affected.
True enough, it was announced to me in early September by my manager that our whole team (globally) would be made redundant and my last day with the company would be on 30 June 2020.
Though I was mentally prepared for this, reality sunk in when the rubber hit the road. In my heart, I was thinking that it’d good as I would receive a severance package that would help my family to tide over some months.
But what would be next? I am over 50, don’t have a degree – would I be able to find another job with a similar pay?
In moments like these, it is easy for me to think of the impossible rather than God’s promises. As I was processing my thoughts, the Holy Spirit reminded me of God’s faithfulness. I recalled the times when our family was in need and how God had miraculously provided. Like my hubby said, “The world economy is not equal to God’s economy”. No matter how bad the situation looked, God can always turn it around for the good. Once again, my faith in God lifted up and I knew God is faithful and He would provide and I began to look forward to seeing God’s miracles come true in my life.
In early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic began and many employment sectors were affected with hiring freezes, pay freezes, pay cuts and job cuts in major firms and markets. Again, my faith in God was put to the test. I clung on to His promises and I knew that our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, and nothing should shake my faith in Him.
Despite the pandemic situation, I started looking for a job and interviewing in March. Praise be to God! Within a month, I had a job offer and the hiring manager was willing to wait for me to finish my term with my current employer, and to start my new employment in July. In addition, I did not ask for an increase in salary but the new employer gave me an 11% increase! Hallelujah!!! God is so good, He is faithful and He knows our needs.
On another note, I would like to share about giving. As a home-based music teacher, my hubby was unable to teach due to the Covid-19 situation, which equated to no income from his students for the months ahead.
In our situation, it is very logical for us to be prudent in our spending and our giving outside of the church. However, we have learnt and we are still learning that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts: 20:35). Before I had received the job offer, I had seen some requests for donations from friends who were involved in mission work, and charity fundraising for migrant workers. My hubby and I agreed that we should not cut back on our giving. Instead, we would continue to give to those that are in need, just like Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings17:7-16).
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38). Amen!!!