Retirees have guaranteed pay! Yet, I’m not insensitive to the fact that COVID-19 impacted some in ways they never imagined. Prior to retirement, I had two major jobs, Norfolk Police Department (NPD) from 1978-1983 and Department of the Navy (DON) Federal Government (Fed Gov) from 1983-2015. God’s orchestration was strong, the entire time, for both jobs. My focus here is my federal civilian career, though. He worked for me in 1983, prior to the start of it, continued to work throughout and had He not worked for me prior to the inauguration of it, my retirement would not be as sweet and wonderful years later. Needless to say, that’s how He works. He knows the end from the beginning and works according to perfect wisdom and knowledge.

God’s Timing

When I started working in 1983, I had no idea that God was operating in perfect timing at the beginning of my federal career for purposes of the end of it. Timing would be instrumental in the comfortable retirement I would later enjoy. Apart from His timing, I would’ve missed out on the federal retirement system I believe allows one to live comfortably on their retirement salary without social security, other retirement savings, or part time employment. Other federal employees, I know, feel the same way! God was keeping up with federal laws for my sake. He orchestrated my steps accordingly!

God Orchestrated Steps

After applying for federal positions in the administrative arena, He started orchestrating the actions of others. I couldn’t just put in an application and begin working, a skills test had to be taken, too. I complied, and took steps to get tested. Here’s a specific example of God’s orchestration regarding the skills test: a woman, unfamiliar to me, administered the skills test. I struggled to pass and qualify for entrance into the Fed Gov, but the Lord worked it out…it was a matter of the right person being at the right place at the right time. Our steps were ordered by the Lord! Had she not been on duty, I would not have gotten my foot in the door of the Fed Gov! Years later, I found out that unknown woman at the testing center was a Christian!

My First Federal Job

Finally, the day came in February 1983 when I got my first telephone call from a federal government manager wanting to interview me. He was a Christian. He selected me! God still at work on my behalf indeed. My first federal boss…a Christian man–God worked for me! Prior to getting the job, He worked! During my government tenure, He worked! Now, today, I’m blessed with good benefits after retirement, and He’s still working for me!