The Extended Hand: An Inspirational Story

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

The Extended Hand: An Inspirational Story

Sarah had always been a diligent student. Graduating from college with flying colors, she was confident that her future was bright. Armed with a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources, she was quickly recruited into the corporate world, landing a job as a Human Resources manager at a well-known and desirable company. But her excitement soon turned to despair as her dream crumbled within two short weeks.

The initial days at the job were promising. Sarah delved into her new position with enthusiasm, eager to make a positive impact. However, she quickly realized that her lack of experience and knowledge level in Human Resources were setbacks. Her supervisors were demanding, her colleagues distant, and the workload overwhelming.

Despite her best efforts, Sarah struggled to keep up. She found herself drowning in the sea of responsibilities, barely able to stay afloat. Her confidence shattered as she faced criticism and reprimand for her perceived shortcomings. And then, just as suddenly as it began, her tenure came to an abrupt end. The termination letter hit her like a tidal wave, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Feeling lost and defeated, Sarah began to doubt herself. She questioned her abilities. She doubted whether she would ever find her footing in the competitive world of corporate life. Fear gripped her heart as she faced the prospect of endless rejections and shattered dreams.

Sarah loved Jesus and always looked to Him for guidance in good times and bad. On the first day after losing her job, instead of immediately going out and looking for new employment, she huddled up with her Bible and took time with God and in prayer. Sitting alone in her room, she opened her Bible with her eyes landing on the familiar story of Jesus walking on water.

Matthew 14:28-31 (NIV)

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

As Sarah read, she thought, “That’s me… I felt like the Lord wanted me to take that job and I stepped out of the boat, but in a short time, I was sinking.” Sarah continued to read,“…Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” As she read those words, her heart exploded with hope! “Lord,” Sarah prayed, “I know you are extending your hand to me! I will not doubt you because you have always led and guided me through every difficult situation. Lord, I pray that you will lead and guide me into that perfect place of employment, in Jesus name I pray!” In that moment of vulnerability, she felt a peace wash over her, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

The next day, with renewed hope and faith, Sarah stepped out once more into the unknown, trusting that God would guide her steps. She applied for multiple jobs, knowing that her past failures or fears did not define her worth. Her confidence was in Jesus helping her—not herself! And she knew she was holding onto the Lord’s extended hand! And then, just when she least expected it, a door opened.

A small company that loved her personality in the interview process decided to take a chance on Sarah, seeing her potential beyond her resume. With gratitude in her heart, she embraced this new opportunity, knowing that it was a gift from God. As she settled into her new role, Sarah carried with her the reminder that even in the midst of life’s storms, Jesus is there, always offering an extended hand when we feel like we are sinking! That is the time for great faith!

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NLT) “We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt