My hopeful, Joyful Calling in Christ
Why did you choose the job you have?
It's not by accident that you have the job that you do!
Proverbs 16:9 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "A man's heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
We think we plan our lives and jobs but in reality, God directs our steps. This job that you have is God-given.
Proverbs 16:9 KJV The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Sometimes we get frustrated when our boss puts us in a position we do not want, or has us work with someone we don’t like, or you name what your boss has you doing that is not your choice. God has a plan. Don’t allow the devil to lie to you and tell you that is your boss's choice! Your boss’s heart is in God’s hand and God has led your boss in your calling. I am not talking about your boss asking you to do anything immoral or unethical! I am talking about us not liking what our boss wants us to do.
Philippians 1:6 KJV
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
God has a purpose and plan for your life. Where God has placed you is not by chance. God is growing your faith, using you to bless others, teaching you to be obedient, thankful, and to depend on Him!
Just because you do not like where you are called to does not necessarily mean it is not where God has called you.
DIVE DEEPER write verses on a note card and pray Proverbs 3:5-7. Ask yourself if you are trusting in God or your feelings.
Dive DEEPER and read the book of Jonah
** Example: Story of Jonah
Daily pray for God’s will Mathew 6:10
DIVE DEEPER write verses on a note card and pray Mathew 6:9-15. Hang or place your card somewhere you can see it every morning and pray these verses.
Sometimes we believe if God called us to this ( job/calling) we will have no problems and our lives will be “blessed”(material gain, popularity, etc). Can you show me this if /then equation thought in the Bible? Remember biblical blessing means inner peace and joy that comes from God. It is knowing that God will give you what you need to be successful in your calling. (strength, wisdom, tenacity, etc.)
**Example: Story of David and Goliath
Dive DEEPER read Numbers chapters 13 and 14. Ask yourself who did the children of Isreal believe was stronger, God or the giants? Personal application: Who do I believe is stronger in my life? God or the giants? Ask God for help. Find a Bible verse that encourages you to trust God. Write it out on a card. Read the TRUTH every day. Write down how God is growing your faith in Him.
Have you ever felt that my (your) calling is too hard! Have you ever thought that God on purpose puts us in situations (GIANTS) in our lives where we have no choice but to get our help from Him?
Dive DEEPER read I Samuel 17. Ask yourself are your eyes focused on the giant (your problem) or Jesus?
Mathew 5:3 KJV Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
God does not want us to be prideful or arrogant, (I got this by myself!). He wants us to be humble, and lean on Him. Know we are nothing in ourselves but totally dependent on HIM! Paul who arguably was one of the greatest Christians wrote:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 King James Version
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
meanings:
Infirmities- weakness & sickness
Reproaches- shame, disgrace, criticism
Necessities- basic needs
Philippians 4:13 KJV "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Songs to go along with lesson:
I Surrender All by Judson Van DeVenter
Learning to Lean by John Stallings