God and Work

About a week ago I had the opportunity to see some old friends. It was a gathering centered around a tragedy. Nevertheless, as the mood lightened over dinner people began to loosen up and talk. We talked about the old days, changes in our lives, and of course-our careers. To my surprise most of the folks at my table said they "hated" their jobs. I was shocked because I was under the belief that for years I represented a small group that despite our best efforts could not find that career/calling God had equipped us for(Please understand, I do not hate my current job. It has its issues, but I don't hate it.).

Person after person felt out of place at their current place of employment. Many had worked in these positions for multiple years. Like most, these folks have dreams that they desire to see fulfilled. They want to be actors, singers, TV personalities, married, musician, playwrights, mothers,fathers, etc... Some have had glimpse of hope as they have ventured into their desired careers. Unfortunately, they just haven't been able to make "it" happen on a full time basis. One thing is for sure, this is not how they planned their careers.

While reading the book of John I came across a scripture that just jumped off the page. That scripture is found at John 3:27 "God in heaven appoints each persons work." This was a quote from John the Baptist concerning the shift in spiritual influence from himself to Jesus Christ. John recognized that he was not the messiah, but a forerunner for the one to come.

On one hand I find this scripture to offer hope and security. The truth of God appointing each persons work is comforting. It lets me know that God does have a plan and place for each one of his people. You don't have to wander on and on about where your place is. You can know and live it out. Like Toyota, "OH WHAT A FEELING!"

On the other side of this coin is the feeling and fear that God may appoint you to a job you don't necessarily care for. I know such a thought is near apostasy to many because "My God wouldn't do that to me." I know, I know...God only places us in fun, purposeful, enjoyable, talent and gift aligning jobs. If that is the case then why did Jonah run from his call? Why did Christ himself ask that the cup be removed from Him? How did Paul ask that his thorn be removed only to hear that God's grace is sufficient? Even Moses asked that God send someone else. Being appointed can be difficult.

So how do you reconcile the tension between the comfort of a call and the possibility that God's will and our wills don't match up? I suppose the only real answer is to submit to what God wants to do. We can't serve two masters no matter how hard we try. We can try to run, try to hide, but there is no escape. If God would send a fish to make his point clear to one man, what will he do for you? Resistance is futile. As Peter stated, "Lord, where can we go? (paraphrase)"

I'm not one of those folks that believes that God's call is always going to be painful and out of line with our desires. I happen to think that more often than not His call will align with what brings us pleasure and joy. I am saying that there may be times where we find ourselves in situations that we don't want to be in. It is in those times that you need to seek out God and find what his purpose is for you.

The Biblical accounts are almost always positioned right in the midst of tough times-Crisis. There are always choices that need to made, suffering and heartbreak to be endured, hope for better days, and a longing for God to deliver us through His mighty power. Sometimes these things happen. The history of believers that emerged triumphant is robust. At the same time the stories of those that had to endure to the end is also abundant. Finding God in our work is not always easy nor pleasurable.

With an estimated 80% of Americans unhappy with their jobs I wish I could say I have found the answer to our woes. I haven't. What I can say is this. Continue to seek God and His place in your daily work. Develop the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control-Gal. 5:22). Remeber that God is with us even until the end of the age (or shift). Don't give up on your dreams and desires but learn to be content and thankful in the midst of your work.