The disciples went and woke him saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” … (Matthew 8:25-26)
By Charlie Singleton
Since our business was purchased by another company, we’ve seen significant growth. But it has come with difficult transitions, growth pains, and increased tensions. Personally, I felt “under attack.”
Things that don’t normally go wrong are going wrong. Things requiring little oversight need unplanned resources. To add to the stress, I had new and aggressive goals and projects that were being curtailed by the onrush of issues.
I could sense my impatience growing in conversations with coworkers. I was withdrawing from issues for fear I would be taking on more water to my already sinking ship. I was at my wits’ end, growing in desperation as things were slipping away.
It all came to a head when one such problem was the subject of consecutive emails with two fresh issues. I felt a sinking in my stomach as a wave of new frustration swept over me. And then I received a phone call with another, yet unrelated, issue. I stopped and pushed away from my desk.
“Lord Jesus, I am so frustrated and am going nowhere fast. Apart from you I’m lost. Give me the strength to open my heart to what it is that you would have me do right now. Help me to push aside my own desire for ease so that your will would be done. Whatever happens, I trust you.”
I pulled back to my desk, resolute in the love of Jesus and the opportunity to love and serve my coworkers.
That one small choice to step away and invite Jesus to reign transformed the moment. While the challenges continue, each time I open the door of my heart to Jesus in faith, he brings peace.
Pray
Lord, when my job is overwhelming, I pray that you will give me the strength to open my heart and mind to your unconditional love so that I can serve my coworkers.
Reflect
When the tides of your workload threaten to overtake you, what steps can you take to stay afloat?
Discuss
When the possible seems impossible, how do you invite Jesus into the situation and overcome the problems you’re facing?
Charlie Singleton has been a member of WorkLight for 15 years and is a part of the Hilltop Small Group. He lives in Burnsville, MN, with his wife, Kris, and their children Grace, Edith, Jude, and Ezekiel.