The taskmasters urged them on, saying, “Complete your work, the same daily assignment as when you were given straw”.

Exodus 5:13

When I was 22, fresh out of college, I got a job at a small computer store, tagging systems people brought in for repairs.

One of the owners would routinely come through the store screaming at the employees for no reason. Young and cocky, I went to her office and calmly told her that it was not appropriate for her to treat us like this.

She gave me a raise and put me in charge of tech support. Go figure. Did I mention I knew next to nothing about computers?

After 4 months, I’d had enough. I put in my notice and quit, with no other job lined up. It was a reckless decision, and I came close to flipping burgers to make ends meet. Remarkably, I landed a job as a youth director in a church, and the rest is history.

In my case, I was just starting out and I had some flexibility. I had no house payment to make, no children to feed. I could afford to say to my boss, “Take this job and shove it!”

Could you?

How do you feel about your job, or your boss? Would you love to say those six little words and begin a new life?

The Hebrews were in a similar situation. They were forced to make bricks for the Egyptians under increasingly oppressive conditions. After many years of pain, they cried out to God, and God answered. It wasn’t easy, but Moses led them, eventually, to the Promised Land.

That new life was hard, too, but they had received liberation. Their new boss, God, was tough but fair, always looking out for their best interests. They took a leap of faith, and it panned out.

If your job isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, is it time to shake things up? For some, the answer is no. Sometimes a job is just something you have to put up with to get a paycheck. I get that.

But if you’re feeling unfulfilled or oppressed, if you feel like work is sucking the life out of you, I hope that liberation is possible.

Maybe things will get better. Maybe there are ways to alter your job description. Maybe your boss will listen to a little common sense. Or maybe it’s time to take a risk.

I know, easier said than done. You might not want to be as rash as I was, but I suggest you pray about it, as the Hebrews did. Ask God for help. Look for Moses-types who can point you in the right direction. A new career comes with its own challenges, but God wants you have a life with purpose, meaning, and joy.

Here are six different words that might be helpful: “God, should I make a change?”

If the answer is “yes”, then consider this devotion

a tiny shove.

Have a great week,

Mitch