As a child, I did well in school, so some assumed I should become a doctor. I had no interest in medicine. Zero, zilch, none. God hadn’t wired me for a field in medicine.

We can’t let people heavily influence how we spend the majority of our days. I’ve watched friends pick careers because it’s what their parents wanted for them, but they’re miserable. We need guidance from others, but deep down, you likely know what career isn’t for you—even if you’re still figuring out what is for you.

Committing our work—which takes up most of our days—to the Lord establishes our thoughts and plans on solid ground. The foundation is firm regardless of how we’re treated at work.

He’s unshakeable, so when our environment becomes chaotic, He is our peace. And with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we will know when it’s time to go. Who we are is not based on what we do for a living; it’s so much more than that.

Our occupations shouldn’t be something that drains the life out of us, yet I see so many friends left running on empty because of the work they do. I didn’t even realize how bad it had gotten at my old job until I was able to remove myself from that place. I had almost gotten used to feeling anxious at work all the time, and now I feel a million times lighter and freer.

A verse I come back to time and time again is: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23).

In whatever we do, God wants to be glorified. Our career isn’t the only way to honor God, but He does care about our work. He wants us to glorify Him, not overwork ourselves.

Jesus teaches us 37 parables throughout the Gospels—32 of them are about work. Isn’t that amazing? Jesus cares about the work you and I do, so much so that He spoke about it in 32 parables during His ministry.

Before Jesus started His ministry, He was a carpenter. He had a profession that maybe didn’t seem the most glamorous, but it was exactly where He was supposed to be.

Keep an open mind to the possibilities of where God might lead you. Talk to your people about what you’re looking for, and be a connector for those looking for a job. We all need each other to bridge the gap between societal and personal pressures and the direction where God is leading us.

Maybe you’re in a job you don’t love but don’t necessarily feel called out of yet. Look around and ask yourself,

“How is Christ already here in this job?”

How can you see Him moving in your organization? How can you join Jesus in spreading His light to those you interact with at work? I bet you’d be surprised at what happens when you stop operating on autopilot and look for opportunities to be part of what Jesus is already doing at your workplace.

He’s already there—regardless of whether it’s the best or worst job you’ve ever had. So join Him in furthering His kingdom in every crevice.

Jesus hasn’t called us to an easy life, but to a life worth living—a good life. Let’s be expectant and hopeful for where He is preparing to lead us.

Adapted from Cul-de-sac Crossroads: Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns in Your Twenties with Courageous Clarity by Mary Spencer Veazey. Copyright © 2024 by Mary Spencer Veazey. Published by Hope Books Publishers. Used with permission.

For deeper reflection, listen to Colossians 3 today!