Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Have you stopped to consider how marvelous it is that the God of the universe created you, in Christ, for particular good works that you are to do? Not only did God design you uniquely for a specific purpose, but He placed you in Christ so that those works could be accomplished in His power, not your own. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. What a gracious Father we serve!
Over the next few weeks let’s consider the good works God has called us to, in our vocation, our ministry, to our neighbor, and to our family. Henry Blackaby says that God is at work all around us, and He desires that we get in on His good work. Let’s keep our spiritual eyes open for the opportunities that God places before us, and pray that we would respond in obedience to His call.
Are you excited about getting up every day to go to your place of employment? Do you see each day as an opportunity to use the gifts and talents God has given you? Are you passionate about the results and impact of your work? If you said, ‘yes,’ to these questions, you may have discovered God’s calling for your life in your vocation. In the weeks ahead we will see how that calling intersects with other spheres of your life as well.
Perhaps you answered “no” to these questions, and in fact, you may hate your job! But, have you considered that God has strategically placed you where you work? So, as Don Ankenbrandt, co-author of The 210 Project says, “think strategically about how God can use you there.” He did not make a mistake, but rather has you in your current location, even if for a short season, for His purposes.
Perhaps He has placed you in your current job environment to learn, grow, and prepare for your next assignment. He may simply want you to learn patience, contentment, and complete dependence on Him, before He opens other doors of opportunity. You can be certain that He will not waste the opportunities placed before you, and neither should you. Instead, consider what we know to be true from God’s Word about vocation:
- God gives us work to do that has value and consequence in God’s design for creation. No matter what you do, look for the value that God places on your place of employment and others who work there. As we work diligently, with an attitude of service and love toward others, God his honored.
- Work itself reflects the attributes of God. He is the ultimate Worker. We have opportunity to experience Who He is, when we approach work as an act of worship – working joyfully with faithfulness and gratitude. Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
- Your vocation can be an expression of who you are, but it is not the sum of who you are. Your vocation serves as only one arena where good works are expressed. Consider your place of employment as a discovery ground for your strengths, weaknesses, and passion. Look for opportunities to give from your strengths and to learn from your weakness. What excites you? As “210 Project” co-author, Frank Johnson asks, “What in your life makes you get out of your chair – where you can’t sit still anymore?” That passion may very well lead you to your next assignment, and to discovering God’s ultimate call on your life.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) Be about the good works God has given you to do in your vocation. Whether your assignment is temporary, or a life-long career, you can be assured that God’s plans for you there are greater than you may have ever imagined.
Carmen Pate is a Principal with Alliance Ministries. Learn more about The 210 Project at https://www.210project.com/
