When you see this blog title, what immediately goes through your mind? Since this is a Crossroads Career blog, it’s highly likely your thoughts initially turn to something like:
- Which target companies are you going to pursue?
- Which role do you think best suits you?
- Which new function sounds good to you (since you didn’t like your last job)?
- Which job search approach are you going to rely on the most? Networking, job support groups, or applications?
- Which resume version are you going to use?
- Which business card design are you choosing?
All of these, plus many others, are valid questions and reactions to today’s blog title. Yet I’d like to use this blog to delve into the most important question I’ve both seen and grappled with myself…which way are you going to go with your faith journey?
As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, being unfulfilled or unemployed falls in the top 10 Life Events which cause stress and trauma (Click HERE to read). Over the 20 years I’ve been involved with Crossroads Career, and in the previous 15 years with Human Resources as my primary vocational functional role, I’ve seen case after case of crises hitting people. Some people lean into their faith…some people lean away.
Stand at the Crossroads and Look
Jeremiah 6:16 is the verse which spawned the name for this ministry, Crossroads Career. It reads, “This is what the LORD says: ’Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’ But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Here God is speaking to the Israelites through Jeremiah about their choice to serve Him as their God, or worship other gods. God warns them of impending judgment that will befall them if they don’t make the right choice, and unfortunately, they didn’t.
Of course, since Crossroads Career is a faith-based ministry, you already know where I’m going to land on this question of, “Which way are you gonna go?” I strongly believe you should lean into your faith. Let’s take a look at some common perspectives I’ve both heard and have personally felt in my own transitions, and the Scriptural promises we can use to defend ourselves against Satan’s lies causing those views.
- Why did God allow this to happen to me? – Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” While we may not ever know or understand all that happens to us, we know God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and His sovereign plan is for our ultimate spiritual best.
- God must not love me or care for me – Romans 8:38-39 is one of MANY verses about how much God actually does love us. It says, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- I don’t know if I can trust Him – Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Proverbs 3:5-6 further assures us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
- Because I don’t have answers for this situation, I question whether He’s even real – Ecclesiastes 3:11 points out the innate way each of us as human beings realize deep down that there is a God. It states, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Additionally, God has established His existence through His creation as we’re told in Psalms 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” The entire Biblical account is about who God is and how much He loves us, and the historicity of the Bible has withstood the test of time and evidential proofs.
- The ripple effect on my finances and relationships is devastating, so does He care and is He in control? Psalms 55:22 adds to what I’ve shared already, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Matthew 6:10 records Jesus as telling us, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” 1 Peter 5:6-7 further states, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Faith Deepened Through Crisis
In the 4/9/25 Crossroads Career podcast, Harry Urschel, who leads the Minnesota Crossroads ministry, shared some insightful views from his own life and his observations in serving others through crises in their careers over the past 20 years. Listen HERE.
Of one particularly difficult career crisis of his own, he said, “I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”
He went on to share how his faith actually deepened through his career crisis. He found that his personal desperation led him to a closer walk with God, and the reality of this faith journey continues with him to this day.
On others’ job transitions: Harry has seen career crisis as a crucible point for many. Some people yield to our Father’s sovereignty and place their full faith and trust in God. Others hit the rocks of questions with no immediate or direct answers and turn their back on God.
Harry mentioned, “I don’t wish for desperate times on anyone, but if that’s what it takes for them to really understand who He is, then I hope people experience that.”
Since the length of a person’s job averages less than four years these days, it’s probably not a question of “if” it will happen, but “when” will it happen?
Will you be ready? Will you be solidly grounded with your faith in God?
A song I’ve come to appreciate and find useful is entitled, “Do It Again” by Elevation Music. The bridge lyrics and chorus read:
“I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
You made a way, where there was no way
And I believe, I’ll see You do it again
I’ll see You do it again
[Chorus]
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You’ve never failed
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I’m still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet”
Multiple Scriptures, and many of our experiences back these lyrics up. Jeremiah 29:11-13 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Note that these promises are conditional upon our choosing to seek Him (versus following our own path).
Deuteronomy 31:8 also reminds the Israelites (and us), “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Claim God’s Promises
I could go on and on with passages about God’s love and faithfulness for His children, people who have repented of their sin and turned to follow Jesus Christ. I’d encourage you to spend some time searching the Scriptures and claiming the many promises He gives us.
I’m hopeful (and prayerful) you’ve found this blog encouraging. At Crossroads Career, we strive to provide people with sound, practical counsel that deepens people’s faith and encourages them along their path. We want to help you choose wisely on “which way you’re gonna go.”
So take action today, get a free consultation with one of our Crossroads Guides. Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our Guides!
God loves you and wants to help you, and so do we! Blessings!
Dave Sparkman currently serves as the volunteer Crossroads Career board chair and local ministry leader. He is also the founder and managing director of Spark Your Culture, a corporate culture consulting firm. Prior to that he worked at UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune #5 public company, serving in the role of Chief Culture Officer. His unemployment experience came from the implosion of Arthur Andersen, where he served as the West Region Managing Partner, People.
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