A lot of people lead stressful lives. Sometimes the worst form of stress is when you feel like you are stuck in a dead end job. The reason for your anxiety may be that you feel like you have no control over the situation. Let’s look at how to approach this in a healthy, faith-based way.

Don’t water it down

Maybe your job is monotonous and seems like it has no meaning. Perhaps you have a terrible boss as well. You also have bills to pay and mouths to feed. It doesn’t hurt to look at things realistically – that way you can see solutions clearly.

Look at your options

You might hear some say that you should quit your job and start over. While this certainly is an option, maybe it isn’t the right thing for you. It’s not easy to change jobs, and not everyone is capable of starting their own successful business.

And if you have no options and you really are stuck – what then?

It’s like prison

There are some situations that can feel very much like a prison sentence. So in this case, what can we turn to? The example of real-life prisoners. When someone is incarcerated they certainly can say they feel like their life is at a dead end.

Some inmates get into intense physical fitness programs while others take up a new hobby. People have even gone on to get masters and doctorate degrees during their time spent behind bars. Your situation might be different, but options like going to school at night or taking courses online might provide you with opportunities that you thought were impossible.

Also, there are countless prisoners who have found true freedom on the Gospel message. Many of the most amazing testimonies are from those who met Jesus while in prison. Remember, Jesus was a prisoner too.

Look at Paul

In the Acts of the Apostles, when Paul was imprisoned, what did he do? He prayed and sang hymns (Acts 16).  When Paul was in what appeared to be a dead end, he raised up his voice to God because he knew the secret to true freedom.

Your freedom is found in Jesus

No matter what your situation, true freedom is interior. There are many that appear to be free and successful but live in a prison of emptiness. A deep relationship with God is so powerful that nothing can stop it. You can move about with incredible freedom in the space we call faith.

Many disabled or even bed-ridden believers are completely free as they soar on the wings of prayer to our living God. These people offer their suffering for God’s glory. You can also lift up what appears meaningless and make it glorious in the eyes of the heavenly Father. Do it for him until he calls you to do something different.

Intercession is the work of saints

If you feel that your job is at a dead end, then take on a second job: prayer. Pray intensely for those you love and care for. Pray for zones of conflict, disaster and disease, and pray for our religious leaders as pastors need the protection of our prayers. Pray for those you work for – even that terrible boss – and see how they begin to change.

This activity goes completely unnoticed by the world, but God looks upon this work with great interest. Praying in anonymity for others is a great act of faith. And if anything is ever going to impress God, it is great faith.

Your key to freedom

This doesn’t mean that you can’t ask God to change your situation, but the greater victory will be your transformation. Your life that seemed like a prison will take on a richer and deeper meaning. As your relationship with Christ grows in importance you will see that things around you begin to change.

Never give up hope. The secret to developing lasting hope is found in your trials. Paul outlined this in Romans Chapter 5 when he wrote, “because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit…”

Recognizing Jesus Christ in your life puts this Spirit into your heart. So when you face a dead end, as Paul did in prison, lift up your voice and praise God. Then watch the prison gates fly open to set you free.

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