As young adults most of us have a dream of what we want to do when we grow up. I’m not talking about fantasy things that children imagine, like being a princess or superhero, but a real vision of what our work life might be. However, many never attain their dream. Those visions get lost in the 9 to 5 daily routines of earning a living in unfulfilling jobs that provide little more than a paycheck. Our work life changes through the various seasons of life. For some, it’s caring for a family, home schooling the children, caring for an aging parent or serving as a volunteer in multiple capacities. As Proverbs 29:18 says: Where there is no vision, the people perish. This is true in every area of life. When our work life becomes a dreaded, hated day-to-day attempt to survive, something is very wrong. Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose. We must hold onto our vision and seek God’s guidance. He has a purpose and plan for each and every one!

Scriptures – Ps 135:3; Pr 3:5-6, 29:18; Ec 2:17; Ro 8:28; 2 Cor 13:8; Ep 2:10; Col 3:23

Verse – Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Pr 29:18) So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ec 2:17) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ep 2:10)

Thought
God created you with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. He knew exactly what he was doing and placed great potential within you. When you accept Jesus Christ the good works God planned for you are the result of what Jesus has done in your life. God has placed you here at this moment in history to make a difference. When you are doing what God intended, using your gifts and talents as he designed, you don’t hate your 9 to 5. If you are blessed enough to be working within your dreams and God’s vision for you, celebrate and be thankful. But remember that you haven’t arrived. You should continually ask God, “What more do you want to do in and through me?” Seek God’s guidance. If you are not working in your gifts and feel that you aren’t doing what God created you for, don’t panic, and never give up! God may be preparing you, educating you for your dream and His vision for your life. Remember David was a shepherd. As a young boy he watched over his father’s sheep. Even after he was chosen by God and anointed to be King of Israel, he continued to take care of the sheep. When the present King Saul decided to defend the throne and kill David, David went on the run, hiding in caves, trying to keep out of Saul’s grasp. He must have thought many times, “This is not the path I’m supposed to be on! I’m supposed to be king!” Yet, he held onto his trust in God, and in God’s time his dream became reality. Be the best you can at what you are doing. Have integrity, work hard, honor God in all you do. Trust that God will bring about his plan for your life as you seek Him and strive to do His will.

Questions?
What is your work life now? What are your gifts, talents and skills? Are they being utilized in your work life? Explain. Are you fulfilled in your work life? Explain. How have past jobs been part of God’s plan for your life, even if they were not fulfilling? What are you passionate about? (ie caring for the earth, the sick, the lost, the abused, teaching children, crafts, gardening, writing etc.) What venture would you undertake if you knew God would bless it? How are you using your gifts and talents?

Response
If you are not fulfilled in your 9 to 5, pray for God’s guidance. Look for options in areas that interest you and would allow you to use your gifts. Keep your vision in view and recognize each day as an opportunity to learn and grow in some way. Trust God to bring about His plan in your work life!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for the gifts, abilities, skills and talents you have given me. Help me to use them to do the good works you have planned. Help my vision to be clear and keep me on the path that leads to fulfillment and accomplishes your purpose. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.