Fabulous and Focused

DAY 2

Pardon Me, May I Use You as a Rung?

Love… is not self-seeking.

1 Corinthians 13:4–5

Love is not self-seeking. Well, that’s a tough one to practice in today’s workplace, isn’t it? I mean, if you don’t look out for Number One, nobody else will, right? The world would have you think that you must push and claw your way to the top—even at the expense of others. But that’s not God’s way of doing things. God wants to promote you in His way—in His time.

You don’t have to play the game to climb the corporate ladder. You don’t have to step on others to get ahead. You can rest in God, knowing that He has a good plan for your life.

Maybe you’ve been hurt by a coworker. Maybe someone you trusted at work betrayed you to gain placement in the company. It happens, but don’t let that situation derail you. Continue to walk in love and allow God to open doors for you. He will!

See, God is looking out for you. He wants you to succeed, and He knows the best path for you to follow. If you follow Him and let love be your guide, you’ll receive every promotion and success He intends for you to have. —MMA

Lord, I trust You with my career. I know that You will cause me to succeed. I love You. Amen.

DAY 3

Nurturing the Blooms

Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Proverbs 10:4

One of my favorite hobbies is gardening. I could spend whole afternoons in my garden. I imagine how I want it look in one or two years. I plan the flower beds, choose the right plants, and get them settled into the ground. Then, once I’ve done the initial work, I nurture the plants so they can thrive. I must be diligent if I want to enjoy the benefits of my work. It’s relaxing yet challenging.

I think about my job and relationships while I’m gardening. There are a lot of similarities between them. This is a fast-food world, where results are expected quickly and diligence is sorely underdeveloped. But often, just like in gardening, it takes diligence to see the fruit of your labor. It takes time and effort to excel. A smart employer won’t hand over important responsibilities to someone who hasn’t proven herself to be a hard-working employee. He wants someone he can trust.

There are some qualities with which people are born, but others—like flowers in a garden—must be nurtured. Decide to develop the quality of diligence in your life. In the end, you’ll enjoy the colorful, lush benefits of your hard work. —GM

Lord, thank You for all that You’ve given me in my life. I’m thankful for it, and I will be diligent in everything I do—my family, my work, and my relationship with You. Amen.

DAY 4

Guess What I Learned at the Water Cooler

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

He is such a moron,” your coworker whispers over lunch. “No kidding. How did he get to be boss?” your other friend chimes in. “He’s so incompetent. And what’s with the polyester suits? Does he not own a mirror?”

Ahh… lunchtime chatter. It’s all harmless, right? Well, not exactly. According to Ephesians 4:29, we aren’t supposed to let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths.

Take your mother’s advice: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Remember, your words are powerful. They can be building blocks or wrecking balls, so use them wisely. Don’t bad-mouth your boss with your coworkers. You are giving ammunition to those same coworkers to talk about you next time. Instead, find positive comments and observations to make. Be the positive force in your office.

This will take practice. You may have to severely bite your tongue to keep from participating in the next boss-bashing session, but God will help you. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep a watch over your words. He will. And soon, your words will create a better work environment. —MMA

Lord, help me to speak only words that build up and none that tear down. Amen.

DAY 5

Out of Balance

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Genesis 2:2

When Friday night rolls around, are you exhausted? Have you given so much at work during the week that you have nothing left to give to your family and friends? If you answered yes to either question, you might be a workaholic.

While you should give your company 110 percent while you’re on the job, if you take mounds of work home or are constantly on your cell phone after hours, fielding questions from clients, you’ve probably crossed over into the land of workaholics.

It’s a tough call. You want to be the go-to gal when your boss is looking for someone to promote. If that means taking work home, you’re willing to do it, but at what expense? If your job is stealing time away from your family, your friends, and your God, then your life is out of balance. And you know what happens when we’re out of balance? We fall on our hind ends.

So take time today to ask God to help you get your life in balance. He will! He is the great prioritizer. Follow His example. He worked hard for six days and rested on the seventh. We should do the same. —MMA

Lord, I’m asking You to put my life in balance. I love You and trust You. Amen.

DAY 6

No-Man’s-Land

I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!”

Psalm 11:1 NLT

I once worked with two managers who feuded constantly. I don’t know what started the feuding, but I do know that it made for a challenging work environment. The office was a no-man’s-land, a place where no one won and even the simplest task became a major battle.

Unfortunately, this isn’t unusual. Even in the Bible, Jonathan lived in a no-man’s-land between his father, Saul, and best friend, David. His father sought to kill David, while David raced around the countryside trying to understand why (1 Samuel 20). Fortunately, God’s plan won out—David remained safe because Jonathan warned him of the danger.

In the same way, God has a plan for you. It doesn’t mean that you won’t face uncomfortable situations, but it does mean God can give you the grace to handle them. He may lead you to another position or show you how to endure the tension professionally and peacefully. Regardless, don’t get dragged into office battles. Instead, focus on your work and pray—for wisdom and for peace. Trust your heavenly Father to give you exactly what you need to stand strong in the midst of the difficulty. —GM

Lord, You know the situation far better than I do. Show me how to pray for the people involved. Help me be an example of peace and professionalism today and every day. Amen.

DAY 7

My Size 12 versus Your Size 4

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12 ESV

She was everything I wanted to be. I looked across the newsroom at her, and I wondered how she was able to write award-winning stories, parent such wonderful children, and still remain a size 4. I admired her, and yes, at times I was jealous of her—especially when I started playing the comparison game.

Ever played that game?

At first, it seems harmless. You simply admire a coworker. But if you take it further, you’ll be sorry. That’s when you start wondering, “Why can’t I do my job as well as she does hers? How does she afford such wonderful suits?” From there, it’s a downward spiral. By the time you hit the bottom, you dislike your coworker and you can’t stand yourself.

I’ve got three words for you—don’t go there! The next time the devil whispers in your ear, “See Carol over there? She earns ten thousand dollars more a year than you do, and she’s two sizes smaller!” tell him to back off. Begin praising God for who you are through Him and thank Him for the plans He has for your life. They are awesome—just as awesome as Carol’s. I promise! —MMA

Lord, help me to stop comparing myself to others. Help me be happy with who I am in You. Amen.

DAY 8

Pencil In Your Divine Appointment

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23 NLT

Did you know God sets up divine appointments for us? It’s true!

My business partner recently took her laptop to a nearby coffee shop to do some writing. As she settled in, the owner approached and asked if he could post a photo on the shop’s Instagram account of her working there. He explained they were trying to attract more professionals. She agreed, and as they chatted, she quickly realized this was a divine appointment.

When she told the owner she was a writer, he told her he was writing a children’s book and asked if she might have any advice. She answered, “My business partner is flying in tomorrow, and she’s a children’s author. She even teaches children’s writing at conferences. Our agent will be here, too.”

We all met at the coffee shop the next day, and before the weekend was over, my partner and I signed him as a client, and our agent took him on as well. We believe his book will be successful. It was a divine appointment for all of us.

Ask God each morning to order your steps. Watch for divine appointments and thank Him for the opportunities He brings your way. Wake up each day expectant! —MMA

Thank You, Lord, for divine appointments. Help me follow Your leading every day. Amen.

DAY 9

There Ain’t Enough Room for the Two of Us

God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

1 Corinthians 14:33

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt strongly that you were right, yet you were unable to voice your opinion because of your lack of authority? It’s tough, isn’t it?

Difficult as it sometimes is, we must honor those in authority over us. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with our bosses all the time, but we do have to show them respect. See, God is a God of order—not of confusion. To come against those in authority over us would never be God’s way.

Need more convincing? Read Numbers 12. Miriam and Aaron didn’t like it when Moses, their leader, married a Cushite woman, and they talked badly about him. Well, the Lord heard them, and verse 9 says, “The anger of the LORD burned against them.” And there were some serious consequences.

So if you’re feeling badly toward your boss, ask God to forgive you. If you truly feel the leaders in your company are going in the wrong direction, pray for God to change their hearts—or start looking for another position. But don’t come against them. Trust God to direct the situation and walk away in peace. —MMA

Lord, help me to honor those who are in authority over me, even when I disagree. Amen.

DAY 10

If You Need Me, I’ll Be under My Desk with Bonbons

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

2 Kings 6:16

Have you ever gone up against a much bigger competitor to win a contract? Or handled a huge project for your company with very little manpower and a crazy tight deadline? It can feel overwhelming at times—so much so that you might want to hide under your desk and eat a big box of chocolates.

But isn’t it comforting to know you’re not alone? God’s got your back. Even though you can’t see Him, He’s right there.

Need more convincing? Read about Elisha in 2 Kings 6. The king of Aram was angry with Elisha and went after him. Elisha and his servant awoke one morning to find the enemy’s army surrounding the city with their horses and chariots. Frightened, the servant asked, “What shall we do?” Elisha assured him, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed for the servant’s eyes to be opened so he could see the real situation—the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around them. God had the situation well under control.

When you feel alone or overwhelmed, trust that God is in control. Ask Him to show you the situation as He sees it. Ask Him to send help or to give you favor with your employer. Whatever you need, ask. God can make it happen. Now come out from under your desk and trust in Him. —MMA

Thank You, Lord, for showing me Your presence in my situation. I know I can trust You, no matter what. Amen.

DAY 11

Does This Cubicle Come in a Bigger Size?

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

Recently, I heard a preacher say you should enjoy the journey on the way to where you’re going. I wish I’d known that truth when I first started my career as a reporter for a daily newspaper. My first writing gig? I was hired as a police-beat reporter. I had to work long weekday hours and most Friday nights. I desperately wanted to work in a different area of the newspaper—anything but the police beat. But I spent so much time dreaming about a new assignment that I didn’t enjoy the one I had. I took for granted that I was able to hang out with the cool sports guys on Friday nights. I took for granted that working on Friday nights allowed me to work side by side with the managing editor. I took many things for granted.

Looking back, I realize those days were critical to my development as a writer. God placed me in that job for a season. No, it wasn’t my dream job—but I wasn’t ready for that one yet. I had some stuff to learn before it could manifest. Maybe you’re in that learning place today. If so, hang in there. You’re on the way. Be content where you are and enjoy the journey. —MMA

Lord, help me to enjoy the journey. Amen.

DAY 12

In One Day, Out the Next

If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.

Genesis 18:3

Michelle Adams to the marketing conference room, please.” As I heard the page over the company PA system, I wondered, What have I done?

I stopped outside the conference room, took a deep breath, and pushed open the door. My boss, my director, and a dozen of my coworkers stood and began applauding as I entered the room.

“I just wanted to congratulate you in front of your peers for a job well done,” my director said. “That is the best annual report I’ve ever read.”

It was official—I was the golden child of the moment.

The adulation lasted about two days. Then, for reasons unknown to me, I couldn’t even write my name accurately in my supervisor’s eyes. What changed? I was the same writer who had written “the best annual report ever” just days before!

My golden child status had departed as quickly as it had arrived.

You can easily fall out of favor with people, but you can’t fall out of favor with God. That’s why you shouldn’t base your worth on people’s accolades or the lack thereof. Instead, know that your value is in Him. Even if you’re not the golden child at your company, you are one with your heavenly Father, and that’s worth celebrating. —MMA

Thank You, Lord, for loving me unconditionally. Amen.

DAY 13

Big Changes

Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

I had received a tremendous offer for a magazine writing job in Fort Worth, Texas, and I was so excited. And then I wasn’t. After all, my high-school-sweetheart husband and I were quite happy in our hometown. It was our comfort zone. We both had nice, cushy jobs and lifelong friends nearby. My parents even lived next door. It was the perfect setup. But this job… it was amazing.

Unsure of what to do, we turned to God for direction. After much prayer, we knew He was calling us west. So I accepted the offer, and we began the big move.

Talk about changes! As I watched the moving truck pull away, fear shot through my body. Waves of questions followed: Are we doing the right thing? How will we survive in a big city? Is this fair to our children? What if I don’t like my new job?

It would have been easy to give in to the fear, but you know what? God was with us every step of the way, reassuring us.

He was with us as we celebrated new adventures, and He was there when homesickness overwhelmed us. Best of all, He was with me as I greeted my new coworkers and took on a new position.

No matter what change you’re facing today—even a job transfer or a cross-country move—you don’t have to go it alone. God is right by your side. —MMA

Lord, I am afraid of change. Help me to face what’s coming with joy and strength. I love You. Amen.

DAY 14