By Rachel Loe, April 15, 2024

There are so many opportunities in this life when it comes to careers. The progress of the culture has made it so that anyone has the opportunity to do anything! This opens up so many doors for today’s career path. For most of humanity, you did what you were born to do, what your father and mother did. Now, in most of the Western world, you get to “carve out your own place” and “make your mark.” So, what does this mean for the believer? How do we navigate the privilege of endless options? Discernment is something that takes a larger role in our work life now. A common problem that Christians entering the workforce or changing their careers face is “paralysis by analysis.” What do I mean by that? There are so many good options, and it is unclear what the Lord’s will is for us in that area that we freeze. So how do we move forward when we are trying to follow the Lord, but there is not the neon “this way” sign that we would want? 

The first thing to do is take a breath and remember that our Lord is Sovereign. All things have been created in Him and FOR Him (Colossians 1:16). We cannot “mess up” God’s plan for our lives. “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:27 ESV) We do not serve a God who is surprised by our choices or the path that our lives take. Take comfort in this as you evaluate the path that your career takes. Even when we feel overwhelmed by the unknown and the back and forth between our decisions and how they will impact our lives, He is not overwhelmed or even unsure.

Secondly, remember that He loves His people and blesses their labor. Psalm 128:1-2 ESV says, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” Does this mean our choices will always turn out how we want? No. It means that the Lord will use our faithful work to bless us by using us in His kingdom work and allowing us to glorify Him. So, walk forward in your job/career choice, knowing that as long as you work for the Lord and not for man, then the fruit of your labor will be blessed. 

Lastly, know that God designed you with gifts that are unique to you. We are all part of the body of Christ and in an ambassadorship of the kingdom of heaven. Get wise counsel from older brothers and sisters in your decision-making process. Seek out those in the body with similar talents and allow them to weigh in on your options. NETWORK. You never know what or who the Lord will use in your life to produce flourishing and opportunities to worship Him with your work and talents. Step boldly into your choice, knowing that you are in His hand, and He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28 paraphrased).