Changing jobs or careers is difficult even at the best of times, but it is even more complicated when we make a career turn that doesn’t fit the plan other people have for us. When we have prayed and asked the Lord for guidance, it can be difficult to explain to other people that we’ve made a career move because of our faith. Some people will be responsive and supportive, and they will encourage us in our efforts to follow the path God means for us to travel. They will also pray for us as we seek the Lord’s direction in a new job or career.
Recently, I expressed my feelings to a family member about how hard it is to take a career path that looks different from what some people expect. No matter how many times I explain it, some people want to fit me back into a traditional career path because it’s the only thing they understand. I can explain that I’ve prayed about this, and I’m doing what God has for me to do. Nonetheless, my words seem to fly off into space, and some people return to pushing me back toward their idea of a career. I have to remind myself to be polite, and then I go pray…a lot.
When people we trust show doubts in our career decisions, we may begin to doubt what God has asked us to do. We start asking Him questions. Are You sure this is what You meant for me to do? Do You remember the bills I have to pay? Isn’t there something more profitable in the private sector, Lord? We can begin to negotiate with God if we aren’t careful so we should remember how important our work for the Lord is.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)
Even if we work in a job that isn’t specifically focused on God, we should still devote our work to Him. Whatever our work, the key is to bring God into the middle of it so that we reflect Him to others and feel Him in our souls all the time.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24, NKJV)
When we catch ourselves questioning God about our career, we need to go to the Lord in prayer and seek guidance in the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit will help us understand if we are being willfully disobedient and trying to do what we want or if we are doing exactly what God means for us to do. In the Old Testament, Job questioned God after several tragedies destroyed Job’s family and wealth. God let him ask all the questions he had. He didn’t stop Job from asking what he wanted to know or even saying what he really felt. However, God did remind Job just who was in charge of the world.
Then Job replied to the Lord: I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:1-2, CSB)
I have identified with Job on more than one occasion, and as I stumble around in my new career field trying to both share the word of God and make ends meet, I have to remind myself why I’m here. I’m here because God asked me to pick up my pen and write for Him, and here I will continue keeping the faith just as God requested.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17, NKJV)
All Things Subject to Change 