Category: Decisions

Pathways

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As you are new in your career or about to begin one, I pray that it’s more exciting for you than stressful. Take comfort in knowing that God made you for a purpose. He gave us unique personalities and abilities that help guide our career paths. My hope for you is that your choices are based on this:

  • Of course, what interests you or what you’re passionate about
  • Your natural talent or skills that come easily for you
  • But also by where you are needed most. What breaks your heart? Working to remedy a need in your world could be the most satisfying career path of all.

Just remember that you are a work in progress and you will continue to mature, learn and experience new things for the rest of your life. So, your career path may take more than one turn along the way.

Some of the best career advice I’ve ever received is this: “Do what you love and the money will come.” If we love what we do and believe we are using our God-given talents for His purpose, God will provide for us. He is devoted to your growth for His good purposes. The Bible tells us that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Pray: Lord, I trust you to guide me; to open doors for me in your perfect timing and to show me my next steps according to Your will. Amen.

photo: The grounds at Ashford Castle; Cong, Ireland

Making big decisions

We make hundreds of decisions everyday – most of the time without thinking too much about it. But every now and then those BIG decisions come along and stare us in the face.  The ones that can influence the rest of our lives.  It’s these types of decisions that come with stress, anxiety – even heartbreak – and often major procrastination or avoidance altogether.

Here are three questions to ask yourself when making those BIG ones:

  1. What does the bible say?
    • The bible is life’s best instruction book on thousands of topics and with the internet, can be accessed and researched more conveniently than ever before (hi, Google). What’s better than God’s guidance according to His purpose for your life?
  2. Is it good for me?
    • I know it sounds simple, but asking yourself if a decision is ultimately what’s best for you is very telling. Does it have the potential to hurt you? By your decision, are you taking the easy path or one that’s more work and takes longer, but ultimately better for you in the long run?
  3. Would I want people to know?
    • It’s a red flag if you wouldn’t want anyone to know about your decision because you’d feel ashamed or embarrassed. That’s a sign you’re uncomfortable and it’s probably not the best decision to make.

Talk it out with someone you trust; preferably someone who won’t rush to give advice, but a good listener who will allow you to walk through pros and cons thoughtfully and thoroughly.  It’s amazing how just thinking out loud can shed light on your decision.

Inspired by a sermon by Rick Warren; photo of mountains in Israel near the Dead Sea