I was raised in Christian Science, but I wasn’t actively practicing it for much of my early life. Some time ago, however, I faced a difficult period of unemployment that lasted for four years. It was during this time that I decided to turn to Christian Science for guidance and healing. This decision led to a transformation, not just in my professional life but also in my understanding of myself and my relationship to God.
During those years, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear. At first, I viewed unemployment as a personal failure and a loss. But as I immersed myself in the teachings of Christian Science explained in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, I began to see my situation differently. The idea of “spiritual baptism” stood out to me—a spiritual cleansing and renewal much like Job experienced. I realized that my period of unemployment could be an opportunity for spiritual rebirth rather than a setback.
I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear.
I began to shift my focus from worrying about finding the right job to trusting in divine guidance. I prayed daily to align my desires with God’s purpose for me. As I did this, I began to feel a sense of peace and assurance that the right opportunity would unfold at the right time. This trust didn’t come all at once, but over time I learned to quiet my fears and listen more to what God was revealing to me. I started to see that my true employment was in expressing God’s qualities, among which are intelligence, creativity, and love—whether I had a formal job or not.
Instead of being consumed by thoughts of lack, I began to think of small ways I could be of service in my community. This shift in thought not only helped alleviate my anxiety but also opened up unexpected opportunities for self-employment.
Instead of being consumed by thoughts of lack, I began to think of ways I could be of service in my community.
One day, after a particularly deep period of prayer, I felt inspired to pursue a path that aligned more closely with my interests and talents. I trusted that this was God’s direction, and soon after, I was able to establish a self-employed role that to this day continues to be both fulfilling and sustainable.
Science and Health’s statement “Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires . . .” (p. 1) was a guiding instruction for me. It reminded me that by aligning my desires with divine wisdom, I could trust that God’s plan for me would unfold perfectly. As a result, I was able to approach my job search fearlessly and eventual self-employment with confidence and joy. And through prayer and spiritual growth, I was able to find peace during such a challenging period.
