Someone once said, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” 

King Solomon said it in another way:

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.  This too, I see, is from the hand of God for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?  To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

What is your passion?  What do you enjoy doing ... working with people or working alone, traveling or staying at home, finding creative solutions or doing repetitive operations, working indoors or out?  God created in us a specific code for each of us to succeed.  Until we discover what that is, we will never live up to the potential God has for us.

The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal (1 Corinthians 12:7).

In construction, there are tools for every task imaginable, each one made for a precise purpose.  Many times I don’t have the tool I need, and I try to improvise with the one I have.  Undoubtedly, it takes me longer to do the job, it doesn’t turn out well, and oftentimes I injure myself in the process. 

If I would have taken the time to find (and the money to purchase) the proper tool for the specific task, it would have made my job so much easier.

God created us in a similar way.  By His grace, we are able to accomplish a variety of tasks; however there are specific jobs for which we are best suited.

By knowing what you value, how you view work, what your skills are and what you enjoy doing, you can better appreciate how God created you and for what purpose.

For some, it may mean working in “ministry,” while for others it may mean working in order to minister.  We may see what we do as the mundane; however we may be overlooking the opportunities for which God brought us to that situation.  In order for us to move on, we need to complete the task and fulfill the purposes for which we were placed there.

Do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do (Ephesians 5:17).

We have a specific design with a specific purpose for a specific amount of time.  We were created to bring glory to God.  It is not so important as to the vocation, rather it is how we are able to utilize what we were given to accomplish that for which we were created.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen (1 Peter 4:11).

May your journey through life lead you to the vocation the Lord designed you for and may you always bring glory to Him.

 
Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel.  An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback?  Send your comments and questions to CYdmg@yahoo.com. 

**This article first published on April 16, 2009.