Whenever I plan a trip to a new destination, I love the process of plotting out the route and determining the shortest distance between where I am and where I want to go. Tools like Google Maps make this especially easy.
But unfortunately, the route is rarely a straight line!
Whether driving to a nearby city or traveling across the country, there are always obstacles that cause the route to change. Sometimes these changes lead my wife and I to unexpected surprises on the way to our destination.
Mapping out your career works the same way. It’s tempting to plot the shortest line between two spots and start running in that direction. Life rarely works that way and it quickly becomes apparent that there won’t be a straight line to get you from Point A to Point B.
Simply arriving at the destination is not the real goal anyway. God has a greater purpose for your journey.
God’s Greater Plan
During the course of my career, God has used some twists and turns to lead me places I never would have reached otherwise.
I began my freshman year of college at Georgia Tech pursuing a degree in computer science. During my first semester, I realized that computer science was not for me when I struggled to keep up with my classes. The further I dug in, the more I knew that programming did not match my talents or passions. I survived my freshman year but really questioned whether I should change my major, my school, or both!
When the summer arrived, I had an opportunity to work as an intern at a youth ministry in North Carolina. I thought it would be a great chance to take a break from school and seek clear guidance from God for my next step. Little did I know what God had in store!
By the end of the summer, I knew that I was supposed to pursue full-time ministry. I transferred to a local college so I could continue to work with the youth ministry throughout the rest of my college experience. I changed my major from computer science to English. I gained incredibly valuable experience during those years. Studying English was great preparation for the communication I did in ministry and the years of seminary I eventually completed. I also ended up meeting my wife during those years. It’s hard to imagine how different life would have been if God hadn’t led me on this “alternate route.”
A Prayer for Guidance
Throughout the years, I have consistently prayed the words of Psalm 90:17:
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
God has consistently answered this prayer by opening new doors of opportunity as I faithfully pursue the work He has given me. Whenever challenges arise, these verses are a great reminder that God is in control and He will work through what may seem like roadblocks to guide and direct our paths.
Are you working in your own strength or depending on God to establish your work? Are you seeking His favor in your work today?
