God Is Fair Even When Your Workplace Isn’t

Written By Lee Yune Yee, Malaysia

We experience God’s grace in our lives in so many ways—His redemptive work on the cross, His healing work in our lives, His protection in our comings and goings . . . But sometimes I feel like I’m a failure, unworthy to accept His grace. Yet, God doesn’t keep my “failures” in His check-and-balance book. Instead, as Max Lucado puts it in his book, Come Thirsty, God beckons me to come “drink deeper in grace.”

Someone in my small group once mentioned that going deeper into God’s grace is like training for deep sea diving. Every time a professional diver trains, he tries to go deeper and longer into the unknown. In time, the diver develops the skill and endurance he needs to discover more of the ocean.

Applying the analogy to my life, how can I know the full power of grace if I only know how to receive it? The essence of relationship is two-way. The Bible clearly says “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” (Luke 12:48). Usually we think of giving our wealth, time, talents and actions, but this time, I saw that this included giving grace to others.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)

A few years ago, I started working in a food-and-beverage business. I knew nothing about the job, but my superior was very helpful. One day, my supervisor’s boss handed me a project to manage. Being naïve of corporate culture, I thought that I only needed to report to the top boss without having to check in with my immediate supervisor.

My supervisor was offended that I didn’t consult her, and after that began leaving me irrelevant tasks, telling others I was incapable, and she even stopped talking to me. She denied being offended, but I apologized nonetheless. One night, in a roomful of staff and interns, she berated me loudly for my supposed errors. This was followed by the boss himself removing me from our messaging groups. The message was clear: Leave.

I wanted so badly to just disappear and not come back. But that wouldn’t be right, so I waited a week to meet the boss and inform him of my leaving.

God’s grace was with me throughout that week. He gave me strength to get to work and to work well. He reminded me that I had done my best to amend the situation. And I truly felt grace enveloping me as I announced my departure. I was able to speak calmly, thanking the boss for the opportunity. I went to thank every colleague, including my superior, though she responded coldly. It was God’s grace that carried me through that week.

More recently, I was again leaving another position, but had to serve a three-month notice period. All was going well until a couple of missteps. I did some things that had been acceptable before my resignation, but according to unspoken company culture, now were not.

My supervisor at this job took the opportunity to get me to leave earlier, perhaps because he had already hired my replacement. He used harsh words and pushed me into a corner: leave that same day (almost seven weeks early), or leave his department and go upstairs. He hoped that I’d be too embarrassed and leave on my own, but instead I chose to go upstairs, reported to the Managing Director, and worked in a different position for the remainder of my time.

Again, grace never failed. I had feared that my colleagues would give me the cold shoulder for the sake of self-preservation, but they did not. My supervisor, however, acted as though I was invisible when I bumped into him, but I asked the Holy Spirit to keep me from gossiping about him.

I also asked for God’s grace in avoiding gossip when my colleagues complained, since I was in a position where I often had to pick up other people’s messes. Instead, I tried to simply acknowledge my colleague’s frustrations and suggest possible solutions.

God’s grace showed itself in many ways those last couple of weeks. When I worked hard to help put a project together, but was left out of its celebration, God’s grace reminded me that I do not work for the glory of man. Instead, I do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). So although it felt like I was relegated to an intern-level job, I was determined to do the best research possible.

In the new position, I was also able to leave punctually, and could go for regular evening walks, spending more time with God without my phone, taking in the greenery, and many beautiful dusky skies. And on my last day, I thanked everyone including my superior, and it ended on a civil note.

It is easy to say “hallelujah” when God graciously provides for our needs and wants. But when we’re in a difficult position or dealing with difficult people, the struggle becomes so real. Yet when we extend grace to others, God’s grace will carry us through. We can either choose to carry the burdens of hurt, or to leave our egos at the door and walk into freedom by the power of grace.

9 replies
  1. Jasmine
    Jasmine says:

    Hi,

    I would like to say “Thank you, Yune Yee for sharing your testimony – on 9 August 2019 God is fair even when your workplace isn’t.” Indeed, it’s encouraging to me as I faced with similar situation and struggled and still struggling. Yet, I Thank God’s for His grace and His mercies new every morning. Because of the situations, I’m drawn to God closer much more and having the community to pray with me. God encourages me through the verse in Hebrews 13:5b “Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”
    Thank you for your courage in sharing as I felt ashame and not capable of many things at work. But, one thing I was reminded of was to glorify God, to please God and not a man-pleaser.

    You helped me see how gracious is our living God to you. I appreciate your sharing in YMI. May you continue to bless and impact others through Christ in you.
    God Bless!

    Regards,
    Jasmine

    Reply
  2. SN
    SN says:

    Timely for me. Always thought I was the problematic Christian.
    Always thought that I am the only one that faced this , why all other Christians didn’t face such predicament. Am I the weird one to face with all these situations that you have described.
    I am just scared sometimes that maybe I am the one that is ignorant and did not blend in to the culture.

    Reply
    • Bobby C
      Bobby C says:

      You’re not alone 🙂 the enemy wants to destroy our testimony and make us ineffective. But you’d be surprised how people would later come to you later and say they want what you have. Then you can lead them to Jesus. Be ready.

  3. Sharon
    Sharon says:

    Thanks Yune Yee.
    I am facing similar situation too.
    Glad to hear I am not alone.
    Your post is indeed encouraging for me, thanks.

    Reply
  4. Erzahl
    Erzahl says:

    Thank you for unselfishly share your testimony Lee Yune Yee! I am currently experiencing the same situation, and is afraid, confused, don’t know what to do, frightened to face the people, the boss, the problems and pressure of work. I wanted to escape and give-up but by the wonderful grace of God, He revealed to me that I am not alone. I have the same scenario with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ but was able to overcome and victorious within themselves. Yes, it is only by the grace of God we can surpass this. I pray for His grace, strength, wisdom and joy for me to face this. Thanks for the words of truth and encouragement. God bless us all! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bobby C
      Bobby C says:

      You’re not alone 🙂 the enemy wants to destroy our testimony and make us ineffective. But you’d be surprised how people would later come to you later and say they want what you have. Then you can lead them to Jesus. Be ready.

      We may also need to brush up on social skills when we are introverts (as I am).

      God bless you and use you!

  5. Bobby C
    Bobby C says:

    Thank you for this very honest testimony, Lee Yune Yee. Reminds me of my own experiences that were just as bad, if not worse. I think our unintentional ‘missteps’ come from our naivete of office politics and the dominance structure.

    But what made my own bad job experiences was that I was able to lead people to Christ even after I’ve left these companies. I guess that’s what really matters for eternity. God bless you as you fulfill your role as Christ’s ambassador in your workplace.

    Reply
  6. Matthew Bertin
    Matthew Bertin says:

    Thank you and I thank Jesus for you cause this testimony was exactly what I needed to hear. I face the same battles at my job everyday. People gossiping and talking behind each others backs. I find sometimes I get wrapped up in the conversations and when I do everything starts to crumble then Jesus reminds me of who I am. A child of God. The enemy is a sly old fox. Anything he can do to dig his claws into you and reel you in, he will do. He too knows your weaknesses and try to use them against you. But thankfully we have victory in Jesus. We call out his name and He comes to our rescue. I just want to let you know that the next time I am in a situation at work, I will remember you testimony and will remember that God’s grace is sufficient for me.

    Reply

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