Many students had dreams and aspirations of being something great in the Bible college I attended. We had our own desires set and felt like we were going to change the world.
While I was in Haiti, one of the missionaries said something profound. Most people learn in their twenties and start doing in their thirties, just as Jesus did. I felt a sigh of relief come over me as I was only 21 at the time.
Over time though, I started getting antsy. I wanted to know what God’s calling was for me so that I could get about doing things that mattered. The heart of the Bible college student was still stirring within me. I wanted more and wasn’t satisfied where I was at. Why would He give me such strong passions and visions if none of it was what He intended?
What I didn’t realize is that God was developing the attributes and foundation of my character within me. He was building trust between Him and I. He was working out my calling the entire time in what I felt was my wandering.
I know that so many of us struggle with this. We long to have purpose. We want to live for so much more. It’s actually how we were designed.
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion … over all the earth …” – Genesis 1:26
God designed us to have authority over all animals, plants, and the entire earth.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. “ – Genesis 2:15
We were meant to work with purpose for His kingdom. The stirring in our souls wants so much more in this life. Doing the “9-5” for a lot of people doesn’t seem satisfying enough. Part of that was caused when sin entered the world. Our consequences made our labour toiling. What was easy in the Garden of Eden became difficult outside of it.
But God wants good for His children. He created each one of us as part of His kingdom purposes. Our roles all interconnect to serve His plans. So, how do these two thoughts intersect? How do we find enjoyment and purpose in what we do, even if it might be difficult?
Time with the Lord.
Is it really that simple? Yes, actually it is. If we learn to be with the Lord each day, He will equip us. He will give us the satisfaction we need. He will give us the blueprint He’s mapping out for our lives in a step-by-step guide. He is a “lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). He illuminates the parts we need for the season we’re in.
I have waited 17 years to find out what He’s been doing. I’ve longed to understand what I was created for. If I hadn’t taken the time with the Lord to understand Him and who He’s made me in a spiritual sense, I wouldn’t have understood His plans for me in ministry or vocation.
It all interconnects. Your spiritual life, work life, body, mind, etc. It all fits together. If you aren’t spiritually healthy, you’re not as useful for Jesus’ work. You need to be grounded in Him to understand what He’s calling you to do. If you’re built up in His strength, you’ll have the ability to persevere and serve your purpose well.
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16
I have no doubt that He has a purpose for you. He does for everyone. Even if it feels like nothing is happening, know that God is at work. He may be building your character. He may be strengthening the trust and relationship between you both. He may be intertwining His Holy Spirit’s fruit within your DNA to prepare you for something greater than yourself.
While you come to Him and grow in your relationship with Him, remember to keep an open hand. Sometimes what He’s developing you for is not what you expect.
I had a passion to be a nurse, to work in the military, to be a missionary. All of these things didn’t work out in the way I had planned. However, He has revealed to me why those vocations were on my heart. He has knitted them together in me for something unique. Something that I would have never dreamed of. I’ll reveal more about this another time.
In your “meantime moment”, have peace that He has not forgotten you. Enjoy being in relationship with Jesus. Be honourable and work hard in whatever He has for you in this moment. He will reveal all that is to come in His own timing.
To those He has revealed this too, remember to give Him praise. Live in your strengths and enjoy the journey He’s set before you!
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” – Psalm 145:3
