Alleviating Career Tension by Letting God Decide Your Career Path

If you know me personally, you know I’ve been battling with career tension for half a decade now. No matter how much I try, I feel out of place—as if I don’t belong in the type of work I’m in.There’s nothing inherently evil about my career field. It is a humble career that helps employ thousands of people in the city that I live in. Being good for the community though doesn’t mean it’s the career God wants me to be in.That’s where the tension begins. I’m fully aware that I’m in the wrong career. However, I don’t necessary know what career I’m supposed to be in either.

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Part of me is grateful for this unsolved mystery. Up until five years ago, I would have assumed that I was in the career that God wanted me to be in. However, that was mirage; I was simply blinded by the prestige and security of my employer. Instead of holding tightly to the prestige and security of the Provider, I was holding tightly to the provision. That’s a big no-no, and I’m glad I’m not in that place anymore spiritually.

However, at the same time, I’m in constant career tension.

It’s not a bad kind of tension. It’s an expectant kind of tension—a “please God, tell me what you want me to do” kind of tension. I just want to know what I’m supposed to be doing so I can start doing it. Is that not a worthwhile request?

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. - Proverbs 16:9 ESV

In terms of God’s chronology for my career, clarity is definitely a worthwhile request. If I call to Him, He will show me great and hidden things just as He promised Jeremiah in the Old Testament.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. - Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

That being said, God’s promises aren’t always instantaneous. In fact, most of God’s promises aren’t instantaneous. God’s promises require patience and perseverance. And if we lack those qualities, we better begin praying for a re-fill. God works on his own time.As the classic Dottie People’s song rejoices, “He may not come when you want Him, / But He'll be there right on time. / He's an on-time-God, / Yes He is.”I have to remember that chorus as I patiently wait for God to answer my prayers. I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to do with my life, but I’m content in the waiting. The same goes for you if you’re going through a similar experience.Find contentment in knowing God is still there. Find joy in knowing God never misses a beat. He will answer your prayers in a mighty and glorious way—right on time.