At a career crossroad

Career decisions are daunting. I didn’t use to understand how daunting it might be until now, as I am standing at a career crossroad myself. On one hand, I look forward to the next season of life that God is bringing me into- the working life. On the other hand, I feel fearful and perplexed by the multiple path choices I have before me. I’m afraid that I might one day see my choices eventually change my life for the worse, instead for the better. I am also afraid that I may mistakenly make a decision that isn’t part of God’s will, particularly when I am tempted to simply follow the crowd

If only God would give me a supernatural direct tip-off on the best career path for me. I’ll be happy to just sit around and wait until He gives me a sign as to where He wants me to go. After all, He knows what’s best for me. Or perhaps, He could send someone to tell me what the ideal thing to do is; this’ll be nice too. But, in as much I hope He’ll do just that, I know He won’t because part of our duty as a Christian is to learn how to be godly and wise decision-makers. Plus, I have a feeling that if God hadn’t given us the freedom to make decisions, we will be complaining for not having the liberty to do whatever we want.

I guess decision-making is one of the ways that God uses to bring us close to Him. For in the process of thinking through a problem, we learn to depend on Him for counsel and guidance. Accordingly, we learn to work in partnership with Him. Thus, perhaps the key to resolving this issue lies in the word ‘partnership’. For while God promises to instruct me and teach me in the way that I should go, I still need to make sure I do my bit in making wise and godly decisions. And through it all, may my heart be truly open and submissive to do His will; not mine.

Learning to recognize the Father's voice

I couldn’t recognize the number flashing on my cell phone. It was an unfamiliar number, unregistered in my address book. But, the voice on the other end wasn’t unfamiliar at all. At the first sound of “Hello” voiced, I knew instantaneously who it was. It was dad! He had called in simply to remind me of our dinner appointment that night.

It isn’t surprising that I managed to detect my Dad as the caller so almost immediately, is it? After all, he’s my dad! How can I not know his voice? Perhaps you too can relate to a similar experience, where you could immediately recognize the voice of the person calling you without needing any other clues. Maybe it’s a close friend, family member, or partner.

I wish I could say that I can recognize our heavenly Father’s voice as instantaneously too. I wish I can honestly say that my relationship with Him is as close as the one I have with my dad. For how well I recognize His voice is an indication of how well I know Him and close I am in my relationship with Him. But I know can’t say that. I still often lack the discipline or desire to talk to Him & read His Word, even though I know I should. I let the busyness of daily going-ins and –outs take precedence before Him. As a result, I sometimes find myself in confusion when trying to discern between God’s voice, my inner voice and other people’s voice.

And so, I pray that the Father will continue to grow me deeper in love with Him each day. I want to be able to recognize His voice; His leading and guidance in my every day life, as simply & clearly as possible, as He would allow. Nothing beats the delight and joy of following His commands and ways in life.

"We can't always know the mind of God, but we can always know the heart of God." ~Beth Moore