design – Called To Work

81. Finding God in Unemployment – God’s Provision for Those Who Cannot Work

April 13, 2026

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

In the early days of Christianity, the church at Thessalonica wrestled with what to do about those who were unemployed, just as churches sometimes do today. Paul sent them instructions: those who were able to work should do so, but those who were truly unable to work should receive assistance from their brothers and sisters in the church. It is clear that Paul has in mind both that all Christians should work to the degree they are able and that the church should take care of those in genuine need.

For those of us who are not able to work, this passage is a comfort, reminding us that God means to provide for all, even those of us who by reason of age or illness, or for some other reason, cannot work. For those in the church who can work, this passage is a challenge to be charitable to those who cannot.

If the close-knit members of the Thessalonian church had a hard time discerning who among them was worthy to receive financial support, imagine how much more difficult it is in today’s world. We may be on different sides of political debates about how to care for those who can’t work, but we can begin where we are, by getting to know the members of our community and seeing where they are in need.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you desire to provide for all. You even take care of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. If you are calling me to give, show me where to direct my giving. If you are calling me to receive, help me receive with grace. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read more from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary about what Thessalonians says about helping the unemployed.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

80. Created and Called – Called to Work Anyway

April 6, 2026

Scripture Reading: Ruth 2:1-7

Finding the “right” opportunity when we’re unemployed or underemployed may seem hopeless. In the book of Ruth, we find an example of someone looking for work in less-than-ideal circumstances.

When Ruth and Naomi were in need, Ruth didn’t find the perfect job. Gleaning the fields was not a steady job with regular hours and a paycheck, and Ruth couldn’t necessarily expect to earn enough to feed her family. She was uncertain about whether she would be allowed to keep her position. But she went to work anyway. If a lack of jobs leaves us with seemingly menial opportunities, if discrimination prevents us from getting the job we are qualified for, if circumstances prevent us from getting the education we need for the job we want, if conditions make work seem hopeless, Ruth’s example demonstrates that we are called to work nonetheless.

We are all vulnerable to circumstances that make it difficult or impossible to earn a living. Natural disaster, layoff, redundancy, prejudice, injury, illness, bankruptcy, unfair treatment, legal restrictions, language barriers, lack of relevant training or experience, age, sex, economic mismanagement by others, geographic barriers, getting fired, and a host of other factors can prevent us from working to support ourselves and the people who depend on us. Still, God expects us to work as fully as we are able. Our work might not even earn any income at first, be it volunteering to help others, caring for family members, getting education or training, or caring for our homes. But even if we cannot find a job that meets our needs, we need to work to the highest degree we can.

Prayer: Lord, it seems so discouraging sometimes as I wrestle with what all this means. Help me have the strength to follow Ruth’s example and to do the things I can do. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to listen to Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews discuss practical tools for getting through a season of unemployment.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

79. Finding God in Unemployment – Faithfulness in Adversity

March 30, 2026

Scripture Reading: Job 1:13-22

The temptation to believe falsehoods about God is very real when we are unemployed. In our suffering, we can become bitter against God or believe that God is against us. We see these temptations in the story of Job.

In the book of Job, Satan hopes to set a trap for Job, who is widely renowned for being a good and righteous man. Satan says to God that if he removes the blessings he has so richly bestowed on Job, Job will curse God to his face. If Satan can get Job to believe he is being punished by God, Job will be caught in either of two traps. He may abandon his righteous habits in the mistaken assumption that they are offensive to God. Or, better yet from Satan’s point of view, he will become bitter at God for his undeserved punishment, and abandon God altogether.

In times of discouragement and uncertainty, it may help to remember that lies about God’s character are traps set by the accuser, Satan. It is alright to be angry at our circumstances—the Psalms are full of people who express their anger and frustration to God. However, we can let that anger lead us into greater honesty before God and deeper trust in him, instead of bitter resentment.

Even at his lowest moment, Job blessed God’s authority over all the circumstances of life, good and bad: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). During seasons of unemployment, we can trust that God’s goodness remains the same.

Prayer: Blessed be your name, Lord, even in times of trouble. I don’t understand everything I am going through right now, but I pray that you will give me wisdom and discernment. Help me be honest with you about my doubts and frustrations. Help me grow in my relationship with you. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read more from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary about how the book of Job applies to work.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

78. Finding God in Unemployment – God’s Love Never Fails

March 23, 2026

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39

Some of challenges of unemployment—such as loss of income and slowed career progress—are obvious. However, unemployment can take a toll in other ways. Joblessness can remove our sense of purpose and identity. Depending on the reasons for our unemployment, we may struggle with feelings of shame or hopelessness. Fear for want of food or other provision may drive unrelenting anxiety. All of these things can hurt us. But they cannot triumph over us.

We may be very familiar with the verses from Romans 8 about God’s unfailing love. But have we ever thought about applying them in our unemployment?

Christ’s faithfulness—and ours, by God’s grace—overcomes the worst that life can do to us. If career progress, income, or prestige are our highest goals, we may end up disappointed; and that disappointment can be felt most acutely when we’re unable to find work. But if salvation—that is, reconciliation with God and people—is our chief hope, then we will find it amidst both good and bad, both in work and out of work. Christ died and rose and is at the right hand of God interceding for us. Even our darkest moments cannot separate us from God’s love. We can rest in that knowledge.

Prayer: Lord, I sometimes feel as though things present and things to come are separating me from your love. Help me remember that such is not the case. Rather, your love always enfolds me. Help me notice the ways you provide for me, and help me look for ways even now to advance your purposes in the world. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read more from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary about how Romans 8 can apply to work.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

77. Finding God in Unemployment – Is This Your Story?

March 16, 2026

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:22-34

Keri Anguiano writes about her continual difficulty finding work: “Nobody would have been able to foresee that I would be 28 years old with a master’s, several certificates to my name, four children, and no job…Every year I have to find a new job. The form letter I get each May tells me there is simply not enough money to keep me as a teacher, and they are sorry to have to let me go. The next few months are full of humbling moments, standing in line for Food Stamps, applying for government insurance, and using every waking moment filling out applications.”

This has been many people’s story, particularly since the economic downturn of the late 2000s. Some have been laid off from jobs after years of faithful service. Others are worried technology will steal the jobs that remain. Meanwhile, pundits bicker as to why, if the economy is recovering, people still don’t seem to be back at work.

Perhaps you opened this reading plan because you’re unemployed, and you wonder where God is in your situation. Maybe you’ve been laid off and are searching for a job. Or you’ve been laid off and you’re not searching. Over the next six weeks, you’ll read some of God’s guidance for the unemployed and be reminded that God’s grace strengthens us even in the difficulties of unemployment.

Prayer: Lord, I don’t always see where you are leading me, but I trust that your promises for me are true and you will bring good out of every circumstance. Comfort me in times of despair, and help me lean on your everlasting arms. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read the rest of Keri Anguiano’s reflection on the difficulty of finding work.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

76. Created and Called – Women Aren’t Limited to “Women’s Work”

March 9, 2026

Scripture Reading: Acts 18:2-3, 16:14-15, 40

In the Old Testament, we see examples of women at work in multiple spheres: Eve worked as a parent; Deborah’s work was both legal and military; Huldah was a teacher and a political adviser; and the woman in Song of Solomon tended to a vineyard. Throughout the New Testament, we again see women working in different spheres. They are benefactors supporting Jesus’ ministry, evangelists, prophets, church leaders, and mothers. In addition–particularly in the book of Acts and Paul’s letters–the New Testament gives us positive examples of women working outside of church and home.

For example, Paul works as a tentmaker with Priscilla and her husband, who are also tentmakers (“leatherworkers” in some Bible translations). In the book of Acts, we also meet Lydia who lived in Philippi. We learn in Acts 16 that she was a “seller of purple,” a businesswoman with high-end merchandise. Scholars suggest that Lydia likely employed others to do the dyeing and selling; she was the CEO of her enterprise. Upon her conversion, everyone in her household was baptized, demonstrating her influence. She also owned a large enough home to take in guests and to host the newly planted church. Throughout the Bible, we see women like Lydia whose success is not limited by gender.

In this study we’ve seen that God created women with work in mind. God helps women at work when times get tough, like he did for Eve. God often puts women in leadership positions where their important work has a direct impact on whole nations. This was true for Deborah, who defended the nation of Israel in battle, and Huldah, who contributed to a national revival. And if that weren’t enough to convince us that God values women and their work, the love poetry enshrined in Song of Solomon reminds us that working women are not only useful in God’s eyes, but truly beautiful.

Prayer: God, thank you for creating me, and thank you for my work today. Please use my work to further your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

75. Created and Called – Your Work Makes You Beautiful

March 2, 2026

Scripture Reading: Song of Songs 1:5, 2:15

A survey from Pew research found that 28% of Americans believe that it is “generally better for a marriage if the husband earns more than his wife.” Another study found that men’s egos were bruised when their wives or girlfriends excelled at work. Women sometimes worry that their achievements will make them seem threatening or unattractive, so they downplay their accomplishments. [1] But that’s not based on biblical wisdom. Instead, the Bible affirms the beauty of working women.

Song of Solomon is a book of love poetry that praises the beauty and value of a working woman. Just a few verses in, the woman states that her skin is dark because she works in a vineyard in the sun. In the ancient world, aristocracy looked down on darker skin, not for racial reasons but for economic reasons; it was a sign of the working class, who typically worked outdoors. In God’s love letter, however, the effects of work don’t diminish a woman’s beauty. “I am black and beautiful,” the woman says.

The remainder of this book highlights the value of work for both men and women. The second chapter describes them working together in a vineyard to keep animals from eating the harvest. The man and woman are so in love with each other that they turn work into a game. Together, they chase away the “little foxes.” This picture of work hearkens back to the Garden of Eden, where work was easy and pleasant. It’s as if the couple experiences a glimpse of God’s future redemption wherein “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.” (Isaiah 65:21)

The joyful partnership in this verse reflects work as it was intended, while the beauty of the woman reveals how God views working women. Participation in the workplace doesn’t detract from a woman’s worth or beauty in God’s eyes.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you affirm the beauty and value of women who work. Amen.

Further Exploration: For more on men and women working together in love, see the Theology of Work Bible Commentary on Song of Solomon.

[1] “Leaning In at Work, Traditionalist at Home: Women Who Hide Their Success.” Time, May 2, 2014, http://time.com/85391/leaning-in-at-work-traditionalist-at-home-women-who-hide-their-success/

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

74. Created and Called – God Calls Women to Use Their Gifts and Embrace New Opportunities

February 23, 2026

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 34:22-33

Huldah, a woman in the Old Testament, lived “in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter” (2 Kings 22:14), which was considered the “university” quarter. Some have suggested that she was a teacher by profession. She was married to Shallum, who was the uncle of the prophet Jeremiah. Like Jeremiah, Huldah was a prophet, meaning she could communicate God’s will to the people.

The backstory for Huldah’s work is a recurring one in the Bible. The Hebrew people often forgot God and engaged in the religious practices of neighboring countries. God sent prophets to call the people back to Him, but the people repeatedly returned to idolatry.

After a series of evil kings, Josiah came to power. Unlike Israel’s leaders before him, he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2). While Josiah was working to restore God’s temple, his workers stumbled upon an ancient manuscript, “the book of the law.” He immediately sent for a prophet who could explain the text.

The capital city of Jerusalem did not lack prophets at the time. Both Zephaniah (Zeph. 1:1) and Jeremiah (Jer. 1:1–2) prophesied during Josiah’s reign. But God led the leaders of the nation to ask Huldah, a woman, to do the important job of interpreting the Scripture for the king. Huldah boldly told these leaders what they needed to hear. In response, Josiah renewed the nation’s covenant with God, and the people “did not turn away from the Lord” during Josiah’s reign.

Gifts vary greatly from person to person, but whatever gifts God gave you, use them boldly as Huldah did. Do not shy away from speaking up, leading, or using your gifts in your workplace.

Prayer: Lord, help me recognize my gifts and embrace new opportunities. Guide me to the work you have for me. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

73. Created and Called – God Calls Women to Lead

February 16, 2026

Scripture Reading: Judges 4:6-9, 14-16

The story of Deborah shows us a godly woman at work, commissioned by God for leadership during a tremendously difficult time. Deborah’s work was both legal and military. As a judge she settled people’s disputes. She also set military strategy for Israel’s generals, as we see her doing in Judges 4:6-9. Inspired by wisdom from God, she directs Barak, a general, about how to defend the nation of Israel. Barak lacks Deborah’s confidence, so he refuses to go to war without her. Deborah agrees. She goes with the soldiers to the battlefield and delivers such a stirring pep talk in Judges 4:14 that Barak gains enough confidence to do his job successfully.

No other leader in the book of Judges is also called a prophet like Deborah is in Judges 4:4. By this characterization she is similar to Moses and Joshua, to whom God also spoke directly. Deborah led confidently because God put her in leadership and spoke to her about what she should do in that role. Deborah knew that God would help her. This is where Deborah’s confidence came from.

God gifted Deborah, and he gave her success in a time of crisis, even with a poorly equipped army led by a frightened general. Successful working women are not a new phenomenon. God has raised up women as leaders throughout history in many different fields. If you need confidence in your work, look no further than Deborah, who took her confidence from her relationship with God and from the surety that God would help her in her work.

Prayer: God, you have put me in my place of work today. Guide my words and actions. Help me lead with confidence, knowing that you are with me. Amen.

Further Exploration: For more on Deborah and women’s leadership, read the Theology of Work Bible Commentary’s article on Deborah .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

72. Created and Called – After the Fall: God is With Us in Our Work

February 9, 2026

Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:16, 4:1-2, Philippians 4:1-3, 19

Because both the first woman and the first man disobeyed God’s earliest commandment, work became more difficult. Adam finds that his original work (gardening) is much harder, while Eve’s greatest difficulty is childbearing.

Nonetheless, God helps Eve with the work of parenting. Eve says about her firstborn, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” It is only through God’s help that we can do any work, whether it’s parenting, ministry, or work in the marketplace. In Philippians 4, Paul writes to both men and women about their work together building the church in Philippi. He encourages these men and women, telling them that God will help them and meet all their needs.

Wherever we work today, whether at home or in a paid workplace, God is with us when things get painful or difficult. God has not abandoned us because of our sin. Rather, God wants to help us in our work.

Prayer: God, be with me in my work today. I need your help. Let me know your presence when I am in pain or difficulty. Amen.

Further Exploration: After the Fall, our work is more important than ever. Read People Work in a Fallen Creation from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Called To Work

Author: design

81. Finding God in Unemployment – God’s Provision for Those Who Cannot Work

80. Created and Called – Called to Work Anyway

79. Finding God in Unemployment – Faithfulness in Adversity

78. Finding God in Unemployment – God’s Love Never Fails

77. Finding God in Unemployment – Is This Your Story?

76. Created and Called – Women Aren’t Limited to “Women’s Work”

75. Created and Called – Your Work Makes You Beautiful

74. Created and Called – God Calls Women to Use Their Gifts and Embrace New Opportunities

73. Created and Called – God Calls Women to Lead

72. Created and Called – After the Fall: God is With Us in Our Work

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