"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." - Psalm 119:71
As of January 9th, only four days after returning from rest and coming back to work, I found myself facing a situation I believed would never happen to me. In fact, a few hours before I was fired, I had just told a friend that I would never get fired because I was valuable at work – I was part of different projects, so they couldn’t let me go even if they wanted to.
That’s what I thought. But God had other plans.
The Slow Creep of Arrogance
It wasn’t only that instance. Slowly, I had become arrogant, believing in myself instead of God. Mind you, I didn’t even get the job I had because of my skills.
I started humbly as a gardener, and God lifted me and gave me my first job as a junior web developer through recommendations, without any interview. My employer was so good to me that even when things were not going well, he never let me go. Payment would come late sometimes, but he always made sure I was paid.
After working for him and gaining real experience and learning practical skills, I was introduced to my next employer, who, by God’s grace, liked me on the day that we met. I told them my story – that I was self-taught, and even without a visa, they gave me an opportunity as a contractor with no interview.
The first year, I was so committed. I did above and beyond, and enjoyed the growth. That continued for some time into the second year. But the second year is where entitlement kicked in.
When Confidence Became Pride
I believed I had become so valuable. I did not trust in God anymore but became confident in my nonexistent skill. Yes, I’m not lazy. I can build websites, create workflows, and build AI agents. I can learn anything and master it quickly with enough time. But that is all because of God’s grace, not my own skill.
I became entitled and started relaxing at work. Of course, there were situations and injustices that happened in the course of the year that made me lose interest at times, yet my employer was still good to me. He liked me and always looked out for me. But deep down, I thought I was entitled to more.
I was not happy with some of the projects we did as they went against my values. I know we can’t always get away from such things as Christians, but my spirit was never at peace. I started lying and taking advantage. The intentions for my lies were good, but like they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
What I Lost (And What I Found)
In these past two and a half weeks that I have been unemployed, God has opened my eyes. With His mercy, He has given me help and peace and brought me back close to Him. He has made me realize what I lost—not the job. I don’t regret losing the job because I was going to quit in six months anyway, according to my plans, not God’s.
Through the course of the job, especially toward the last 3-6 months, I had lost my peace. I was so frustrated. I became complacent and stopped learning, and when I’m not growing, I feel frustrated. I started living in lies. In my personal life, I was already fighting addictions partly fueled by the stress from work, and it was getting worse.
At church, it was about the work of God, not about my relationship with God. My walk with God had become non-existent. I struggled to pray or fast. That is what I can think of at the moment, and I know there is more.
Truly, It Was Good
Through this season of affliction and reading Psalm 119, I finally understood the words of David: Truly, it was good that I have been afflicted.
"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." - Psalm 119:71
I am expectant of the new season. I am proud of the person I have become in my season of affliction. I have never been depressed—not because I am strong, but because He kept me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). He has surrounded me with loving people who stood with me in this time. He has rekindled my relationship with Him through NSPPD by Pastor Jerry Eze. Things are working out because of His favor and mercy upon my life.
Again, it is good that I have been afflicted.
To anyone reading this who finds themselves in a similar season: God’s grace is sufficient. His afflictions are not punishments but redirections. Trust the process, even when it hurts.
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John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
