Finding your life’s work
A few months ago I was reading a book “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. I came across this section on finding your life’s work:
Finding your life’s work involves taking risks. First you need to firmly establish your identity, separating yourself from those you are attached to and following your desires. You must take ownership of how you feel, how you think, and what you want. You must assess your talents and limitations. And then you must begin to step out as God leads you.
For God wants you to discover and use your gifts to his glory. He asks only that include him in the process: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” (Ps. 37:4-5).
God also, however, calls you to be accountable for what you do: “Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment” (Eccl. 11:9)
As you develop your talents, look at your work as a partnership between you and God. He has given you gifts, and he wants you to develop them. Commit your way to the Lord, and you will find your work identity. Ask him to help.Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend – Boundaries pp. 206- 207
It spoke to my heart and encouraged me a lot. I think I’m doing or learning to do some of these things. But it’s scary to take risks. This boundary stuff requires so much risk and responsibility! Something inside me is screaming, “No! Just sit back and let things happen.” but I know that isn’t good for me. I must be pro-active about finding it.
What is encouraging to me is that it is a process that God is involved in with me. He wants me to make this wonderful discovery of how He wants to best use my talents and gifts to His glory.
I am learning to include God in this process. It’s easy to drift into thinking that this whole job search thing is totally on my shoulders and I have no help, but in fact, God is holding my hand and leading me the whole way. I am learning to pray about even the little things in the job search, to invite God to work in them.
