Employment Security Provided Through Prayer
Many times people have asked me, “What do you do for a living?” I say “I am a freelance designer.” They say, “Oh, you’re just a freelancer?”
I have been a freelance designer for many years. While independent temporary employment with many clients can have its ups and downs for some, I have had many opportunities to prove God’s grace is sufficient for every need. God’s care is anything but temporary.
Many years ago, my contract with a full-time employer was nearing its end. I had renewed this contract in the past, but this time it became clear to me that I needed to pass on re-negotiating my full-time contract and go freelance for the first time in my life to pursue graphics.
I was a little afraid as the final month of my contract neared. Would I be able to get enough work to pay the rent or to ever buy a house? I needed to look deeper into this situation. I needed to check what I was really thinking about.
I remembered from my Christian Science Sunday School class one of the most powerful statements contained in Mary Baker Eddy’s book “Science And Health With Key To The Scriptures”: Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need. The founder of Christian Science wanted her students to know (to daily pray) this for themselves that the fields are already white; the need of one as well as of others; that Mind, God is active and that you reflect that divine activity; that the true source of supply supplies your every need; that there is plenty of work for all; that yours belongs to you, and that no one else can do it, and it comes to you direct; and that supply is abundant. I needed to know this for myself right now, right here. That’s how I prayed!
In the final weeks of my job, I honored the fine print of my full-time contract. I did not enter into negotiations with any future employer. I did not send out any resumes or make any phone calls announcing my availability as a freelancer. I realized that Truth governs our business. God directs our business in Truth, and the power of good regulates everything. God has made all provision for us; and no legal provision or mortal mind limitation can keep us from our God-given inheritance.
My resumes and cover letters were not mailed till midnight on the last day of my job. What would be the result of obeying my contract and knowing my rightful heritage as a child of God - - always supplied, always provided for?
Well, freelance opportunities from new employers and my old employer came quickly. I rapidly developed a steady clientele and a steady stream of work. My supply was intact. Over the years, I even found my banking experiences to change from a mortgage officer reaction of “just a freelancer” to a mortgage officer recently explaining that “freelancing or being an independent contactor” is now viewed as much more “substantial”. I have not had difficulty in obtaining a home mortgage and even affording to make mortgage payments over time.
God's grace is sufficient for every need. I am a child of God, I must be whole. I am perfect. I am free, I have all that I need, for God is the source of my supply, and His supply is infinite.
- Mark Hopkins
Hermosa Beach, CA
