June 8
Persevering
Through the Storm
“Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIrV)
Cooper stared at the email on his laptop screen. Another rejection. He let out a long sigh and closed the laptop, the bright screen feeling like a mocking reminder of his efforts. Over the past six months, he had sent out dozens of applications, gone to countless interviews, and polished his résumé until he knew every word by heart. But no matter how hard he tried, the answer was always the same: We’ve decided to go with another candidate.
His savings were dwindling, and the bills were piling up. Every “no” felt heavier than the last, weighing him down with feelings of failure and hopelessness. “What’s the point?” he muttered, slumping onto the couch.
That evening, Cooper found himself flipping through his Bible, a habit he’d picked up when life felt too overwhelming. He landed on Galatians 6:9. The words seemed to leap off the page: “Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up.”
He closed the Bible and stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. “God, I’ve been trying so hard. I’m tired. I don’t know what to do anymore. Please, show me how to keep going.”
The next morning, Cooper decided to change his approach. Instead of focusing solely on the job hunt, he volunteered at a local food pantry. It wasn’t a job, but it gave him a sense of purpose and allowed him to meet new people. One of the regular volunteers, an older man named Carl, struck up a conversation with him.
“What do you do for work, Cooper?” Carl asked, stacking cans on a shelf.
Cooper hesitated but answered honestly, “I’m...not working right now. I’ve been looking for months, but nothing’s come through.”
Carl nodded thoughtfully. “You know, I have a friend who’s hiring at his company. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a start. Want me to give him a call?”
Cooper’s heart leapt. “Yes, absolutely! Thank you!”
A week later, Cooper was sitting in a new office, filling out paperwork for his first day on the job. It wasn’t his dream position, but it was a step forward. And as he reflected on his journey, he realized that God had been with him every step of the way, guiding him toward this moment.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding us to never give up, even when life feels overwhelming.
Like Cooper, help us to trust in Your timing and continue doing good, knowing that You have a plan for us.
Strengthen our hearts when we feel discouraged and guide us to opportunities that align with Your purpose for our lives.
May we lean on Your promises and find hope in every season.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
