I didn’t want to be an engineer, and I didn’t like computers. I wanted to be a doctor or a biologist. But at the time, computers were the latest trend, and everyone wanted to become a computer engineer. My family urged me to pursue an engineering degree with a specialization in Information Technology, and I half-heartedly agreed.
After four years of college, I was ready to find work, but the job market was stagnant. With so many fresh graduates, landing a job felt almost impossible. I was rejected a couple of times. Then came the opportunity to apply for one of the leading IT companies of the day. I failed, again. I went home, threw myself on my bed, and cried out to Jesus. I said, “Lord, I never wanted to become an engineer, but You led me to it. I believed in You to see me through. But now I have no job. I don’t know how You will do it, but I need a job! Not just one job, but more than one, so I can choose.”
It was my way of wrestling with God. I was asking Him to bless me, and I wouldn’t let Him go until He did. I wanted to choose a path, not just settle for anything. I was desperate, but I also knew God was big enough to handle my desperation. I imagine that Jesus smiled that day.
Long story short, I prepared and attended more interviews. Within the next couple of months, I received offer letters from five different companies. I ended up choosing a company that allowed me to grow professionally at a pace that helped me thrive. It was divine provision.
I have felt His provision throughout my professional career. After working for nearly ten years, there came a fork in the road. My daughter, who was just a year old, needed me. As a working mom, I had a difficult choice to make. I was working in the United States, and quitting meant losing my work status and becoming a dependent. I wouldn’t be able to work again without a long process of adjusting my immigration status. Going back into the job market wouldn’t be easy, but my child needed me—and I needed her.
God told me to quit my job, and He asked me to trust Him with divine provision once again. Though I was filled with doubt, I resigned in surrender to His voice. It was a step of obedience. The very day after I resigned, the President of the United States passed an immigration bill that would allow me to work again whenever I was ready. I celebrated with joy! To me, it was God showing His faithfulness.
During this career break, God led me on a new journey. He held my hand as I began to paint. He revealed Himself to me through His Word and taught me how to paint with Him. What I thought was a break in my professional growth ended up being a blessing in disguise. I wouldn’t be painting today if not for those six years.
After six years away from the workforce, I thought I was going to be a full-time artist. I kept wondering if my engineering degree and ten years of professional experience were all a waste. I didn’t really know what to hope for. If I started working again, I didn’t expect to find a job quickly, nor did I expect pay that would match my professional history. I was fully expecting to start over from level zero.
That’s when God surprised me with His divine provision and favor again. I didn’t even ask Him for anything specific, but I kept praying, “Lord, please lead the way. I am not sure what my future holds.” He did! He expertly led me to a job that I obtained through divine favor. I was also compensated to the fullest possible extent, despite my six-year break. I often say it was an “unfair advantage,” but that’s exactly what miracles are: an out-of-the-ordinary divine intervention that blows your mind.
God is faithful, and His steadfast love endures forever.
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuternomy 7:9