Knowing God’s will is one of those frequently discussed, and often abused, concepts in the life of a Believer. A quick Google reveals it is a popular topic for faith-based blogging, as well. On so many issues, one need go no further than Scripture itself. Here’s a hint – when Scripture says “thou shalt not,” that means don’t do it…that is not the will of God. Pretty clear cut, right? But then there are those other issues – things not specifically covered in Scripture.
One such issue for me lately is the matter of employment. Though I have job hunted off and on throughout the years, my Facebook memories indicate that I have been in a steady pursuit of employment over the past two years, and yet I remain unemployed.
It would be tempting in the context of our pop culture interpretation of Scripture or our doctrine-by-country music song to conclude that God’s answer to the question of employment for me is just, “no.”
And yet, in contemplation of this conundrum, I find several things perplexing.
Scripture is full of references to the importance of work on multiple levels, even going so far as to pronounce that those who do not work should not eat. Admonishments against idleness are plentiful, and the qualities of diligence and the pursuit of excellence are upheld as desirable character traits. So, I think we can conclude with absolute certainty that God is not anti-employment.
Then, there is the matter of gifts and talents. God has richly blessed me in both of these areas, so I am left to ponder the question: Why bless someone with the abilities needed to make a positive contribution and then deny them that opportunity?
Along those same lines, I have heard things like, “Anyone would be lucky to have you as an employee,” and “I have been extremely impressed with the quality of your work” more times than I can count. Similarly, I was recently given a little taste of employment with a 5 week contract job, with both the department director and my team lead assuring me several times that if I needed a reference, all I needed to do is ask.
For God to know that the desire of my heart is to be employed and to give me a little taste of that desire and for me to find favor with my leadership, and then snatch it away in some sort of, “Yes, I know this is what you want, but you can’t have it” sort of cruel joke describes a petty and arbitrary god. That is not the character of the Almighty God I serve.
Could it be that I have not yet found that one, single, specific job intended just for me? If such a thing exists, my lack of finding is not for lack of looking, but then I question the premise in the first place. I realize that “bloom where you’re planted” is more of a cross stitch kit than a Biblical principle, but Scripture is full of similar concepts. In the case of a job, is it that God has predetermined that there is but one single solitary job where we can be used? Or, has He called us to simply be used by Him in whatever job we land? Personally, I am more in line with the latter than the former. Besides, if it were the former and He ad predestined me to but one employment opportunity, He would make sure I were qualified, that the job posting were brought to my attention, and that my application found favor. So far, nada.
Even if I accept the possibility that the answer is, in fact, “no,” then this raises the question of, “If not a job, then what?” It’s hard to fathom that I am called to crochet…to Facebook? Again, if I were called to something else, wouldn’t God make that clear in terms of opportunity and that Still Small Voice? The God I serve would not call me to something, and then treat the whole thing like a blind-folded child trying to hit a piñata.
“Is it over here, Lord?” as I swing the stick with all my might.
“No, my child. Try again.”
“Can you give me some directions, Lord?”
“No, my child. But keep swinging your stick. You’ll probably hit it eventually.”
Sorry, not the God I serve.
So, all of this raises the ultimate question: what is His will for me?
Answer…….