By Jeff Brink, March 19, 2024

God providentially places us in our work roles, provides connections and relationships, and intentionally grows our spheres of influence so we can make a kingdom impact. To quote Christian author Jed Coppenger, “All of God’s children are in the “family business,” and every day is a “family workday.” You have been placed where you are by your heavenly Father to advance His heavenly purposes.”

Networking and using our professional connections are important conduits to join in God’s work daily and participate richly in His plan.

Through Jesus, God graciously invites us into a relationship with Him, the most important connection we will ever make. God is relational and wants us to be communicating with him regularly. This is simple two-way communication through prayer and His word – we talk, we listen. This relationship helps us to discern what God is leading us to do and which doors are being opened by Him. The Spirit may be nudging you to do certain things – to participate in a mission trip, change careers, serve someone in need, or share the Gospel with someone. Look for God’s direction in these situations, pray about it, then act boldly when you feel called.

A great example of this is found in Acts 16: 6-10 (NIV): “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So, they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

The apostle Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy, we were told in earlier verses) had a specific plan for traveling to the cities and regions they had prioritized for optimal kingdom impact. Although a worthy kingdom-building plan, their passage was blocked by the Holy Spirit, followed by Paul’s plan-altering vision leading them in another direction. Note how they immediately responded to God’s call and changed course, demonstrating trust and obedience, and submission to the Spirit. Even though it was unclear, they trusted in God’s plan.

As we look for opportunities to join in God’s plans, they may appear like road signs in the fog – signs pointing to the direction we should travel, but we cannot see the destination. God intentionally places us in professions, situations, relationships, and opportunities to be part of His kingdom’s advancement. Sometimes, our plans seem to go off the rails, and we can’t imagine what good is coming from the situation (job loss, financial problems, health issues, etc.). Trust that God is redirecting, preparing you for better things, to play a greater role in His plans and to glorify Him. And sometimes, we don’t recognize the necessity of one door closing until God has opened the new one.

Like Paul and his companions, we must listen to God and be prepared to pivot from our plan to follow His. Have faith that God’s plan is much better, and boldly jump in!