#amazed The Cinderella Job #yestoGod

                                                                "The Cinderella Job"


                             Written for OBS "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God"


Cinderella had been praying for God to send her a job that would glorify him. She felt very unworthy of God's help but in her heart she knew that God had great plans for her so she decided to be still and patiently, nervously wait. True to His word he led her to send a message to a friend whom she knew that was opening a business. Little did she know, that God was strategically putting the two friends back together for His purposes. Together these friends were able to minister to all kinds of people in many different ways. This friend was so gracious and showed her appreciation to Cinderella through kind words and deeds. Cinderella was blown away by her friend Fairy! She paid her top dollar and gave her what seemed to Cinderella a very important job. Unfortunately, the business closed and Cinderella was once again without work, but she wasn't worried because her God had delivered her last time and will do so again.

Cinderella, once again, began to pray. God led her through five interviews within a short period of time but all those doors closed. The same day, within a few hours of the last door being closed, Cinderella received a message. The message said, "give me a call". Now, the irony of this message is not only was it right after the last door closed, but also, it was from a friend at the gym, a place she's always wanted to work. Cinderella was getting her hair done when she laughed out loud! She jokingly said to Bridget, "maybe she wants to offer me a job!" Isn't God hilarious? Now, the story deepens.

Cinderella contacted her friend from the gym only to find out that she actually was offering her a job, but not a job that she ever wanted to do again. Childcare! #Saywhat?  "Lord, are you kidding me here? Ok Lord." So, off she went to deliver her resume.  Cinderella, had plenty of experience but the last time she taught children she left her job deeply depressed and suicidal and had vowed to never, ever work with children again.  Her heart had grown cold, bitter, and shut off.  So, she visited with the owner and said to him, "I am not trying to sell myself, just pray about it and give me a call." Four days later, he called. Inwardly Cinderella grimaced as he offered her the job but she obediently agreed to take the job...in childcare. Cinderella spent much of her time in prayer asking God for the strength to make it through each day. Little by little God began using those precious babies to soften, and open up Cinderella's heart again.

Cinderella not only performed her duties in childcare, but also, in the gym.  She scrubbed toilets, took out the trash, washed the windows, made the mirrors shine, mopped the floors, wiped down all the machinery, knocked down cobwebs, swept out dust bunnies, vacuumed...you get the picture. Most of the time she was actually singing while she worked. She also took advantage of her cleaning time to talk with God.  She loves Him very much! Her faith grew stronger and she began to ask God to use her.  Each day, even when she just wanted to complain, she would ask God for whatever situation was best for her that day and to send someone that needed his love. God never failed her, he is her Prince!

One day while her back was bent cleaning the machines she was mulling her job over. Happy to be where she was but at times feeling so unappreciated. The job she was blessed with before the gym was a job where she felt important.  She had lots of things to accomplish, she had been given a management role, was being paid $3.25 more than she was now; although, this job was never about the money, it was about obedience.  In her previous job she was up front interacting with many people and now, she just watched from the window in the childcare room or while she was cleaning, wondering if one them might be the one that needs to hear that God loves them. Wondering why she was stuck in this tiny room instead in the midst of all the people; in the big room.  This is when Cinderella fully understood her name and her purpose.  Cinderella interacts some with others at the gym, but mostly with the children and their moms.  This is where her true purpose, her ministry, was put into action.  Oh the brokenness that entered her room!  Her heart bled for them for she understood what it was like to be in similar situations or what it is like to be loved by God through tough times.  God used Cinderella to listen, to offer Godly advice, to understand, to have compassion, to cry with, to laugh with, to give hugs and to pray for and with these beautiful moms! 

Cinderella has a very tough and tiring job, but I believe she has been blessed more than anyone else there.  Her story continues on even now as she works for the same gym but under new ownership. 

When I had finished writing this story I stopped to read my devotions for the day and boy was I #amazed!  That days devotion as well as the two before were so perfect! I started digging through the scriptures and this is where God led me- 1 Samuel 15:22-23   22. Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  King Saul half did what God had asked him to do so he thought that he could make it up to Him with a sacrifice.  In our day and time I would say that we do that by performing.  22b. To OBEY is better than sacrifice and to heed(follow, listen) is better than the fat of rams.  23. For REBELLION(not doing what God tells you) is like the SIN of DIVINATION(to fortell future events, super natural powers) and ARROGANCE(self-importance) like the EVIL of IDOLATRY(worship of something or someone other than God), because you have rejected the word of God(said NO to God) he has rejected you as King. 
The sacrifices God does love are found in Psalm 51:17...a broken spirit, a broken(humble, shattered) and contrite(remorseful) heart.  You can cross reference this with Psalm 21.  I believe Job would be a good example here.  Other scriptures to read are. Psalm 119:111-112 I love that it says 111. Your statutes are my HERITAGE FOREVER; 112. My heart is set on keeping your decrees TO THE VERY END! Love it! Also, Psalm 119:33-37  33. Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will KEEP THEM TO THE END.  34. Give me understanding, and I WILL KEEP YOUR LAW and OBEY IT WITH ALL MY HEART.   I will end this with John 14:23-24  23. Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will OBEY MY TEACHING... 24. He who does not love me WILL NOT OBEY MY TEACHING. 




#AMAZED WHEN I SAY #YESTOGOD,
Stephanie Goode(Cinderella)