How can I know the difference between a test and a curse?

Hi! I wouldn’t say this is a curse. It may be a test, a waiting period. Perhaps there’s something coming you need to wait on. Who know- only God. In the meantime, and I’m not sure what field of work you’re trying to enter, have you tried letting a recruiter help you? There’s lots of them out there on LinkedIn headhunting for reputable companies.

prudent_commenter said:

Hello,

I have a long-time problem that I have not be able to solve, and I'm not sure what it is. I have everything in my life except a career/financial stability. On this side, opportunities have always been non-existent: never had access to higher people, likewise job opportunities I could never find. For some reason, the right people, and the right jobs are out of my reach. What I am given are jobs that are either above me, or jobs that are below me. This is to say, it's made such a way that you can't succeed.

It is very painful for me because I consider myself a capable individual. The degrees are there, same as the work experience. I also posses a fair amount of foreign languages, and other valued skills, but all of this - for some reason - is nothing to what I'm dealing with.

Over the years I tried many things, but nothing seems to work. It appears to be that I'm stuck in a perpetual loop, and there is a fair amount of confusion as well. Sometimes I feel like what I have, i don't have. And what I don't have have, is actually what I do have. I try to slow things down to understand how it works.

And, there is this thing of traps, as I like to call them. The roads which I'd need are all closed for me. Yet, every road that either leads nowhere, or leads to evil is wide opened. In the past, I let down the knowledge and wisdom, and went through one of these opened paths, only to realize that it caused much more problems than it solved, and that I was better of before that road was taken. It fells like what is easy is wrong for me, and is a trap.

The career is the ultimate humiliation because I love to study, and allocate a lot of time for it. The development of my mind, and acquiring knowledge, and the forming of wisdom later-on are one of my top priorities. So obviously, when it is fruitless, I feel like I'm dying inside.

I'm trying to understand if this is a curse or a test.

I have not introduced myself (yet), but for a short context, I am a man, that keeps the scripture as much as possible. Some of my activities: I pray, I fast (daily), chant the psalms, treat the body as it is the temple, sober and vigilant towards corruption, never had a romantic relationship, and saving for marriage (if ever). In the case of a potential curse, how would this be possible? And if this is a test, why? It's been going on for a lot of time now (years).

Thank you.

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I doubt that all of what you're experiencing is a curse or a personal test. More than likely, it's a state of life in which many of us pass through or have passed through because we live in a fallen world filled with ridiculous conflicts and contesting ideologies.

As for the job situation? Your plight in Bucharest is very similar to mine in the good ol' U.S. of A. I've no job and little prospect for ever getting a good one because of one thing, person or another that prevents it. There are those dishwasher and stocking positions though.................................

Don't beat yourself up over being caught in the Modern Singularity.

I don’t think God curses His people. He tells us not to curse our enemies. I think it’s a trial. You have everything else. This is one area that is hard for you. I know God blesses spiritually. But jobs are provided by time and place. I had only one good jod that was from God after getting saved and when I sinned I lost it. Keep trying.. Maybe you should be in ministry. You have the gift of celibacy? If you don’t need money I.e. no wife that is a blessing. Go ahead and study the word, or brush up on your skills and make them more current.

Do you have friends and minister to them in their trials?

prudent_commenter said:

Hello,

I have a long-time problem that I have not be able to solve, and I'm not sure what it is. I have everything in my life except a career/financial stability. On this side, opportunities have always been non-existent: never had access to higher people, likewise job opportunities I could never find. For some reason, the right people, and the right jobs are out of my reach. What I am given are jobs that are either above me, or jobs that are below me. This is to say, it's made such a way that you can't succeed.

It is very painful for me because I consider myself a capable individual. The degrees are there, same as the work experience. I also posses a fair amount of foreign languages, and other valued skills, but all of this - for some reason - is nothing to what I'm dealing with.

Over the years I tried many things, but nothing seems to work. It appears to be that I'm stuck in a perpetual loop, and there is a fair amount of confusion as well. Sometimes I feel like what I have, i don't have. And what I don't have have, is actually what I do have. I try to slow things down to understand how it works.

And, there is this thing of traps, as I like to call them. The roads which I'd need are all closed for me. Yet, every road that either leads nowhere, or leads to evil is wide opened. In the past, I let down the knowledge and wisdom, and went through one of these opened paths, only to realize that it caused much more problems than it solved, and that I was better of before that road was taken. It fells like what is easy is wrong for me, and is a trap.

The career is the ultimate humiliation because I love to study, and allocate a lot of time for it. The development of my mind, and acquiring knowledge, and the forming of wisdom later-on are one of my top priorities. So obviously, when it is fruitless, I feel like I'm dying inside.

I'm trying to understand if this is a curse or a test.

I have not introduced myself (yet), but for a short context, I am a man, that keeps the scripture as much as possible. Some of my activities: I pray, I fast (daily), chant the psalms, treat the body as it is the temple, sober and vigilant towards corruption, never had a romantic relationship, and saving for marriage (if ever). In the case of a potential curse, how would this be possible? And if this is a test, why? It's been going on for a lot of time now (years).

Thank you.

Click to expand...

Everything is a test. Depending on how we handle it, they can be curses too. Offer up your trials and suffering in unity with the trials and suffering of Jesus. Our savior knew how to get victory out of those things. You can too, with His aid.

prudent_commenter said:

Hello,

I have a long-time problem that I have not be able to solve, and I'm not sure what it is. I have everything in my life except a career/financial stability. On this side, opportunities have always been non-existent: never had access to higher people, likewise job opportunities I could never find. For some reason, the right people, and the right jobs are out of my reach. What I am given are jobs that are either above me, or jobs that are below me. This is to say, it's made such a way that you can't succeed.

It is very painful for me because I consider myself a capable individual. The degrees are there, same as the work experience. I also posses a fair amount of foreign languages, and other valued skills, but all of this - for some reason - is nothing to what I'm dealing with.

Over the years I tried many things, but nothing seems to work. It appears to be that I'm stuck in a perpetual loop, and there is a fair amount of confusion as well. Sometimes I feel like what I have, i don't have. And what I don't have have, is actually what I do have. I try to slow things down to understand how it works.

And, there is this thing of traps, as I like to call them. The roads which I'd need are all closed for me. Yet, every road that either leads nowhere, or leads to evil is wide opened. In the past, I let down the knowledge and wisdom, and went through one of these opened paths, only to realize that it caused much more problems than it solved, and that I was better of before that road was taken. It fells like what is easy is wrong for me, and is a trap.

The career is the ultimate humiliation because I love to study, and allocate a lot of time for it. The development of my mind, and acquiring knowledge, and the forming of wisdom later-on are one of my top priorities. So obviously, when it is fruitless, I feel like I'm dying inside.

I'm trying to understand if this is a curse or a test.

I have not introduced myself (yet), but for a short context, I am a man, that keeps the scripture as much as possible. Some of my activities: I pray, I fast (daily), chant the psalms, treat the body as it is the temple, sober and vigilant towards corruption, never had a romantic relationship, and saving for marriage (if ever). In the case of a potential curse, how would this be possible? And if this is a test, why? It's been going on for a lot of time now (years).

Thank you.

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Welcome to CF.
Without more context it is difficult to understand why progress is stagnant in your desired career. You have mentioned " traps" are involved in all these potential paths, why is that? We do live in a fallen world which is why the " full armor of God" is needed in order to survive. His Holy Spirit. Additionally, our Father does not curse those who are " in Him" . This I know for sure. As far as being tested, look at it this way, our Father is Love and Love casts out all fear. If there is any test here, perfect Love will always pass that test.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18

Be blessed.

prudent_commenter said:

Hello,

I have a long-time problem that I have not be able to solve, and I'm not sure what it is. I have everything in my life except a career/financial stability. On this side, opportunities have always been non-existent: never had access to higher people, likewise job opportunities I could never find. For some reason, the right people, and the right jobs are out of my reach. What I am given are jobs that are either above me, or jobs that are below me. This is to say, it's made such a way that you can't succeed.

It is very painful for me because I consider myself a capable individual. The degrees are there, same as the work experience. I also posses a fair amount of foreign languages, and other valued skills, but all of this - for some reason - is nothing to what I'm dealing with.

Over the years I tried many things, but nothing seems to work. It appears to be that I'm stuck in a perpetual loop, and there is a fair amount of confusion as well. Sometimes I feel like what I have, i don't have. And what I don't have have, is actually what I do have. I try to slow things down to understand how it works.

And, there is this thing of traps, as I like to call them. The roads which I'd need are all closed for me. Yet, every road that either leads nowhere, or leads to evil is wide opened. In the past, I let down the knowledge and wisdom, and went through one of these opened paths, only to realize that it caused much more problems than it solved, and that I was better of before that road was taken. It fells like what is easy is wrong for me, and is a trap.

The career is the ultimate humiliation because I love to study, and allocate a lot of time for it. The development of my mind, and acquiring knowledge, and the forming of wisdom later-on are one of my top priorities. So obviously, when it is fruitless, I feel like I'm dying inside.

I'm trying to understand if this is a curse or a test.

I have not introduced myself (yet), but for a short context, I am a man, that keeps the scripture as much as possible. Some of my activities: I pray, I fast (daily), chant the psalms, treat the body as it is the temple, sober and vigilant towards corruption, never had a romantic relationship, and saving for marriage (if ever). In the case of a potential curse, how would this be possible? And if this is a test, why? It's been going on for a lot of time now (years).

Thank you.

Click to expand...

I sometimes pray "Shut doors no man can open and open doors no man can shut." It seems quite practical to do this. There are some other variables too I think in gaining good employment and opportunities. The foremost is to follow God's will. This includes preparation, direct guidance (sometimes may be available) for location, and even the type of jobs one is applying for. Other variables that will help are taking a look at your giving and service. God likes committed workers that are humble and will submit. No one really owes us much of anything, only God in his mercy will lift us to bigger and better heights. God too might be calling you to ministry and if that is the case, no secular work is going to be fulfilling. I guess what i am saying is to become the part of the body of Christ that relies on God and follows his direction.

I once remember hearing a teaching on God's favor. Favor works about the opposite of a curse. God's favor shows up by giving you additional opportunities that others do not get. Daniel recieved such favor. He was extraordinary and God granted him interpretations and a countenance that basically created his calling. At the end of this minister's teaching he called those up to the front and prayed for everyone that wanted an increases in favor. I went up and the very next week I was promoted in my position.
Why would that occur? because God loves such demonstrations of his love and glory. The question is can we expect that? Yes, and Amen. God responds to faith and a desire to please him. So yes, assuming you are asking for the right reasons, God wants to bless you and move you forward to the right positions. I pray you seek His will and way in getting there. That you can have faith that he wants to give you abundant life that includes meaningful work. I do not say it is always instant, but God rewards the faithful servant, giving him more.

To relate another story, as a young man I worked at one missionary base where I rotated into the kitchen and basically just peeled potatoes because the EU women never thought a male American could cook much if anything. At that same base later, I heard a message from a leader who said to seek out opportunties where you can learn and grow, ones that push your limits and make you reach. Absolutely, that is true. As I was scheduled to change positions I wondered how the next place would go. It was similar in structure but far more expansive in opportunity. I now was rotated in as the sole cook for some forty plus poeple once a week, planning the menu etc. Small examples but I pray they get you to thinking that God is going to meet your need because you are attentive to his will and desires. No you are not too old. Yes, this business of finding the right position is spiritual. So God speed my brother, may you have more opportunites and expansion. may you carry the attitude that God desires and the realize that through God you can do mighty things. Such a ride is no always for the timid. You can be bold in God though, bold is your dependence on him too.

Revelation 3:8 (KJV)
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Psalm 18:29-36 (KJV)
29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

prudent_commenter said:

So, one can curse himself by not handing it as it intended?

Whenever I do not know what to do, I don't do anything at all. Would this be an example of bad handling?

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One prays and considers what to do. And then does it. Better than just going off.

prudent_commenter said:

It's the hardest one. The idea of being a failure destroys me. I believe this has been chosen specifically based on its impact on me.

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Hello prudent! Good to meet you. In the end there is only going to be one class of people who are failures, those who leave this life not having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. If you know the Lord you are not a failure. Opportunities to serve the Lord and encourage others are everywhere, every day. The only qualification is willingness.

As for your job situation, a few years back I applied for two internal vacancies in the organisation I work for and was knocked back, in one situation by an inferior candidate who was an unreliable employee and left eventually. That was a bitter blow at that time. But sometimes the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence. In the long term I believe it worked for the best, those two positions I was knocked back for were made redundant, mine has been augmented. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, my old post with unsocial hours is now the capstone, in terms of wage and security. Praise the Lord. And those unsocial hours gave me free afternoons, which I used to volunteer in a church ministry providing lunch for the elderly, many times of blessing there. Romans 8:28- the Lord works for the good in all situations.

Curses can be a real thing, the jealousy of one believer against another for example. The only way I have found to avoid this is to be ultra careful around unstable persons in the church.

God Bless, take care

2PhiloVoid said:

As for the job situation? Your plight in Bucharest is very similar to mine in the good ol' U.S. of A. I've no job and little prospect for ever getting a good one because of one thing, person or another that prevents it. There are those dishwasher and stocking positions though.................................

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Hello! Your post made me think of this counter-cultural scripture:

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position (James 1:9).

If more dishwashers and stock takers were in pulpits I think it would be a good thing.

God Bless

lismore said:

Hello! Your post made me think of this counter-cultural scripture:

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position (James 1:9).

If more dishwashers and stock takers were in pulpits I think it would be a good thing.

God Bless

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To some extent I agree with you, but my main point was to insinuate that dish-washing and store stocking don't usually pay the bills these days.

But thank you for the encouragement.

2PhiloVoid said:

To some extent I agree with you, but my main point was to insinuate that dish-washing and store stocking don't usually pay the bills these days.

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Hello Philo. Yes, I see your point. Sadly that can be true.

2PhiloVoid said:

But thank you for the encouragement.

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yw, anytime. God Bless

prudent_commenter said:

It's very difficult to pinpoint what is happening.

When I was younger, I applied to any position I could find in my field. I got calls, got interviews, however, got only refusals. It's surprising because once you get the interview, it's clear that they are interested in hiring, and that you are what they are looking for. At the time there were on-site face-to-face interviews, so I went to each and everyone and they rejected me. The jobs I got so far were after a long period of rejections and humiliations. (As if something wants to feel the pain before it allows me to have it).
Now, I have internet interviews, on a computer, with a webcam. Now, it's ghosting (appear to be interested, then abandon all sorts of communication). So, nothing has been changed all this time.

I don't know what to think. This is because, every job I've ever had, I knocked it out of the park. But.. the people in charge could never help me advance. Either they had no budget for raises, or promotions; or they refused to see my work - recognize the quality of the work. Making it so as if it was ordinary work, useless, not worthy of anything.

And in all my jobs I've dealt with lower people. I wanted to do something, they did not understand what I wanted to do. It's like, we were talking separate languages. I say something, and they don't understand it.

To me, this sounds like oppression, confusion. It sounds a lot like the imprecation psalms. I don't know what to do anymore.

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Believe it or not, what you're experiencing is what is currently going on in the U.S. on a fairly wide scale. It's a manifestation of the economic fallout from the inroads of new technology and power politics. I've been ghosted several times in the last half year myself. It doesn't matter that I held a solid job for 32 years. None of that matters anymore.