I was inspired to write this by a recent conversation with my friend who was looking for a job. But, let me start by giving our daddy God praise. I am employed by the biggest online travel agency in the world! Everything is so surreal for me; without God, this would not have been possible.
For the past few years, I have repeatedly asked these two questions: “What is God’s will for my career?” and “If I choose the wrong role, will He still bless me?” I felt uncomfortable and to a point depressed when I was told to build my career path to specialise in something that will provide opportunities to earn more. I felt as if I could not be successful unless I was a subject matter expert.
People definitely meant good for me, however, something in me tells me this is not the path God wants me to take. Facing such pressure, I despise myself for not having the ‘normal’ ambition.
I questioned God about the right career for me. I took project management courses so I could have a career change and climb the career ladder everyone talked to me about. But what happened? I struggled for more than a year in my previous role which ended up in redundancy. Again I cried out to God about what my next step should be. This career was clearly not my passion.
While spending time with God, I came to a decision that life is way too short for me to specialise in just one area. I want to try out as many different roles I can and discover skills and talents I never knew I had. Digging deeper, my passion is to interact with people and assist with their needs. It puts a smile on my face if I have been able to offer my help.
You might ask, what does this have to do with God being involved in my job hunting process?
Texts
1 Corinthians chapter 1, verse 3 (NKJV) says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” From personal experience, I believe we should find out where our passion lies; God is the only one who can open doors for us to pursue that passion. He will provide a position in which we are able to do well and shine.
Philippians chapter 2, verse 13 (NLT) puts it this way, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Throughout our lives, we will probably be in a few positions or workplaces we think do not fit our passion, skills, beliefs or even culture. We will question if God has put us in the right place, but there is definitely a reason you are placed in there — to be the salt and light.
What people think is the norm may not necessarily the right path for me. Looking back, I see the positions I have held did involve my passion to interact with people. I met countless people of various personalities and assisted them with their ever-changing needs. My most recent role requires me to talk on the phone for most of the day and assist clients with their issues and inquiries. What a perfect role.
The important factor
I think it is really important is to know we are loved by God and we are surrounded by His favour. He is our Lord and we shall not want. And we should not want what the world wants, but what He places in us. We have to be comfortable in who we are and accept what He has gifted us. Without this, we will always struggle to be successful like someone else and constantly question His will.
Priscilla Shirer once said in a conference that God’s will is to do the next thing. What is the next thing, or rather the next role God wants me to be in? The position for which I feel the peace that surpasses all understanding and there is no reason for me to reject.
Finally, this is my personal opinion, if I have never held the position, I will definitely go for it. When I place myself in a position that I am unfamiliar with and have to rely on Him, I often discover hidden talents; I always look back in awe of His grace and wisdom.
I really encourage us to be brave and pursue the gifts and the talents God has given us. Find a role that will bring out those talents. We are all unique and are not destined to walk the same paths as one another. But, we are all here to cheer one another to walk in the destiny God has designed for us, to reach our fullest potential.
Amy Ching from Auckland is married with a baby. Amy enjoys fellowship with people and seeing their lives changed because of Jesus. Her passion is to influence others and speak into their lives. She loves watching dramas, drinking bubble tea, especially matcha flavoured ones, and spending time with kids. If you want to know more about her, check out her instagram account @chingamy, where she posts about life, her revelations, and hopes to inspire.
Amy Ching’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/amy-ching.html