In the hustle and bustle of the entrepreneurial world, much like that depicted on Dragons’ Den, there lies a compelling narrative: pursue your dreams at all costs and find fulfillment in achieving them. This narrative echoes through our lives, from childhood lessons to motivational speeches, urging us to chase our passions for the ultimate reward of happiness and success. Yet, this journey is seldom as straightforward or as fulfilling as promised.
The Quest for Our Calling
The church and society often speak of finding one’s calling as if it were a treasure waiting to be discovered, promising joy and fulfillment when aligned with our talents and passions. However, this quest can lead us down a path of transient excitement, followed by disillusionment when challenges arise. This cycle of enthusiasm and disappointment may cause some to question their “calling,” leading to a perpetual search for something more gratifying, for what we perceive as our ultimate purpose.
The Highs and Lows of Pursuit
My own journey mirrored this pattern. Job after job, I started with zeal, only to leave when the going got tough, mistakenly believing that these challenges indicated I was off course from my true calling. This experience is not unique; it’s a cycle many of us find ourselves in, believing that our work should be a constant source of joy and fulfillment, and anything less means we have not found our true calling.
Reevaluating Success
Our societal fixation on work as a source of identity and fulfillment can lead us to idolize our careers, mistaking success for happiness. Yet, the Bible teaches us that work, while important, is not the ultimate measure of our worth or happiness. Our jobs are tools through which we can serve God and fulfill His purpose, not the end-all-be-all of our existence.
The Reality of God’s Plan
The truth is, discerning our calling is not akin to shopping for the perfect fit; there is no “one size fits all.” By seeking a perfect match, we might overlook the places God intends us to be, mistaking our discomfort or challenges for misalignment with His will. It’s in these moments of difficulty that God shapes us, building character and resilience for His kingdom’s work.
The Paradox of Perseverance
Consider the fitness analogy: beginning a workout regime is often met with enthusiasm, quickly dampened by the pain and challenge of the process. Yet, it’s through perseverance that strength and endurance are built. Similarly, our work and passions require perseverance through challenges, not immediate success or gratification, to bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
Redefining Success Through God’s Eyes
It’s crucial to measure our lives and success not by worldly standards but by our faithfulness to God’s calling. The journey may not lead to national recognition or revolutionary impact but in serving God faithfully where He has placed us. Our work is not our identity; it’s a vessel for serving God and reflecting His love in our daily lives.
Embracing God in the Process
In this journey, prayer and scripture become our anchors, reminding us that our ultimate pursuit is not our passion but the One who bestowed it upon us. When we focus on God and His will for our lives, our perspective shifts from achieving personal success to fulfilling His purpose through us, regardless of where we are or what we do.
This unexpected journey of following your passion, with its twists and turns, challenges, and disappointments, is not a deviation from God’s plan but an integral part of it. It’s in this journey that we learn to trust God more deeply, embrace His surprises, and find true fulfillment not in our achievements, but in our relationship with Him.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
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