My Answer: God guides us through job woes

Q: I know the economy is supposed to be getting better, but it sure hasn’t helped me find a job. Part of the problem is that I’m in my 50s now, and no one wants to hire people my age. Why won’t God help me? I feel so useless.

— F.B.

A: The most important thing I can tell you is that you are not useless — not in God’s eyes. He cares about you and knows all about your situation, and he wants to help you. You can trust his promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

What steps should you take? First, thank God for his love for you — and respond to his love by committing your life to Jesus Christ. Right now, you may wonder if God even cares about you, but he does, and the proof is that he sent his son into the world to purchase your salvation.

When we give our lives to Christ, God welcomes us into his family and makes us his children forever. Why not make your decision for Christ today?

Then commit your future to God, and ask him to lead you as you seek employment. Be open to whatever he has for you — even retraining for another job, if that’s possible. Don’t be a defeatist, but see your age and your experience as potential assets. Wise employers know that older workers often are the most dependable and responsible.

In the meantime, ask God to fill your days with useful activities. Can your church or other agencies in your community use you as a volunteer? Does your church have a Bible study for people your age?

God has said, “I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

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Q: I’ve never thought much about what happens when we die, but my grandmother died a few months ago, and now it really worries me. Is there any way we can know? Or will we just have to wait to find out?

— L.W.

A: No, we don’t have to wait until we die to find out what happens after death — and I sincerely hope you won’t take that risk. And you don’t need to, because God has done everything possible to let us know what lies beyond the grave.

Think of it this way. How could we know — really know beyond all doubt — that death is not the end but that there is life beyond the grave? The only possible way would be for someone to die and then come back from the grave and tell us. And that is exactly what happened with Jesus.

Although he was innocent of any crime, he was executed on a cross, and the Roman soldiers who killed him made certain he was dead and that his tomb was sealed.

But three days later, he was alive. At first, his disciples couldn’t believe it, but soon they were convinced as he repeatedly showed himself to them. Altogether, the Bible says, hundreds saw him after his resurrection.

They knew he had come back from the grave, proving for all time that there is life after death. He declared, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see” (Luke 24:39).

No, death is not the end. We will live on — either in the place of absolute despair the Bible calls hell, or in heaven with God forever. Don’t gamble with your salvation, but put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who alone offers us the gift of eternal life.

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.