Last week, we began a series called “A Faithful Provider Series,” where I shared how I stepped into the role of being the provider for our family. This week, I want to focus on where we are now—still working a 9–5 to provide for our family, while also building the business we hope to pursue one day as our full-time calling and passion.
At this stage, we desire to leave our jobs, but as a sole breadwinner, that option isn’t yet available. We stay—not because it’s easy, but because responsibility requires it. For many of us, this means remaining in environments filled with toxicity, pressure, and stress.
It is in this very moment—the in-between—that I want to meet you. My prayer is to encourage and sustain you emotionally and spiritually, so you can endure and remain faithful in your God-given assignment: being a faithful provider.
Living in the Middle
This season has many facets:
- showing up at work
- managing household responsibilities
- navigating toxic relationships
- parenting
- stewarding finances
- and building a business after hours
I know your heart is focused on the destination—leaving the job, working full-time in your passion, and achieving time and financial freedom. But for now, we are not there yet.
What we have is today.
Surviving and stewarding the trials of this present moment is essential if we are to reach the destination we long for. We take each day as it comes, trusting that the obedience in the doing is often more important than the outcome.
When the Boss Is Toxic
Today, I want to talk about a difficult but very real topic: toxic bosses—and how we, as Christians working in environments often filled with unbelievers, can endure while keeping our faith intact.
What mindset should we have?
How do we endure persecution with grace?
And if leaving becomes the last resort, how do we prepare wisely for that day?
“Jesus Is My Boss”
Out of this ongoing experience, I designed a piece that reflects this season of faith:
“Jesus Is My Boss” – Floral Cross Christian Design Hoodie, available on Zazzle and TeePublic.
This design blends bold faith with vintage charm, featuring a rustic wooden cross surrounded by florals. It’s a visual declaration of everyday devotion—perfect for church, faith-based events, or as an encouraging gift for believers who boldly live for Christ.
“Jesus Is My Boss” is more than a phrase—it’s a declaration.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
—Colossians 3:23
This verse does not mean tolerating abuse.
It means keeping our integrity even when leadership lacks it.
It means refusing to let bitterness shape who we become.
It means we answer to God for our character, not to our bosses for our worth.
Guarding Our Hearts
A toxic boss attacks our peace, confidence, joy—and often our family life through the stress we carry home.
That’s why Scripture reminds us:
“Above all else, guard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Practical ways to guard your heart:
- Do not rehearse their words in your mind after work
- Pray short, honest prayers—not long, forced ones
(“Lord, You see this. Help me not sin in my response.”) - Don’t vent to everyone—choose one trusted person
Bitterness will cost us more than unemployment ever could.
Emotional Discipline Is Spiritual Warfare
This is spiritual warfare, which means emotional discipline is essential.
When a toxic boss craves a reaction, Scripture calls us to respond wisely:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1)
This doesn’t mean weakness—it means becoming uncontrollable.
Tactical responses:
- Speak calmly and briefly
- Ask clarifying questions instead of defending yourself
- Keep records (emails, instructions, timelines)
Silence plus documentation is power.
Provision Without Idolatry
As breadwinners, the pressure is real—but we must not idolize provision.
Provision is God’s role, not our boss’s.
“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches.” (Philippians 4:19)
If we are sacrificing our souls, marriages, or health to keep income, the cost is too high.
A wise balance:
- Stay while you must
- Prepare quietly to leave
- Do not quit emotionally before you quit physically
Wisdom, Not Just Endurance
Endurance without strategy leads to burnout.
Ask yourself:
- What skills can I build right now?
- Who can I network with discreetly?
- Can I improve my résumé one hour a week?
- What is my exit plan—even if it’s 6–12 months away?
“The prudent see danger and take refuge.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Planning is not faithlessness—it’s wisdom.
Invisible but Firm Boundaries
We may not be able to say “no” outright, but we can:
- Stop oversharing
- Stop seeking approval
- Stop over-explaining
- Work within our job description
Jesus Himself withdrew from hostile people (Luke 5:16).
Distance can be holy.
Let Suffering Refine, Not Define
This season can sharpen our patience, leadership, discernment, and empathy—but only if we refuse to become cruel, cynical, or spiritually numb.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Knowing When It’s Time to Leave
If the environment causes:
- constant anxiety or depression
- spiritual dryness
- damage to your marriage or children
- temptation toward sin (rage, despair, dishonesty)
Then staying is no longer godly endurance—it’s harm.
Take heart—God often provides the next door after we prepare to walk through it.
P.S.
My prayer is this:
May God help us provide without losing ourselves.
If this message resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need encouragement today. And remember our declaration:
“Jesus is our Boss.”
He is the only One we serve.
If you’d like a daily reminder of this truth—or want to bless someone you love—you can find the “Jesus Is My Boss” design on Zazzle and TeePublic.
Stay faithful. The middle matters.