Go to college they said. Dream big they said. Education opens all doors they said. Why are you still living at home they ask. Why aren’t you doing something more they ask.
Is that relatable? We seem to be living in a community where more and more each day the degree you have doesn’t matter, the student loans are weighing you down, and that dream your parents told you to shoot for is floating further and further away. Why is it like this now more than ever? I don’t know.
What I do know is the feeling you get when you aren’t sure where you’re supposed to be or what you’re supposed to be doing. Or even worse, the feeling when you think you know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing with your life but it’s just not happening. Those feelings can be overwhelming, depressing, frustrating, and spirit-crushing.
"the feeling when you think you know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing with your life but it’s just not happening."
This past Sunday at Wellspring Church we finished a series called MissUnderstood. We spent time each week learning about some of the women in the Bible and how God used them in really cool ways. Last week we learned about Esther. Haven’t heard of her? This will be spoiler free:
A young girl gets placed in a position within her community she never thought she would be in. While it seemed to have many perks it also had dangers. During her time there a major crisis for her people arises and she is asked, “What will you do about it?” As she thinks of the dangers she is then presented with the statement, “...Who knows, perhaps you have come to your position for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)” (read the book of Esther for the full story)
I’m a follower of Jesus. I believe that you aren’t placed anywhere accidentally. Perhaps where you are will not be where you end up, but it is where you are right now. What will you do while there? Will we be people who see the obstacles, the struggles, the delayed dreams and allow it to crush us? What’s the other choice? We can take a moment to observe where we are and courageously live lives of joy.
Dream of starting your own business? Maybe God has placed you where you are so that you can learn from other entrepreneurs or business owners around you. Do you wish you were married? Perhaps right now you have more time to build and raise up the other relationships in your life. Do you want a job in full-time ministry? Minister to the people at your current workplace and invite them to join you in the ministry of your local church. For what have you been placed in your life at this moment?
I get it, sometimes the answer to the question can be I DON’T KNOW and filled with frustration, regret, and anticipation but there’s good news. For those that call themselves follows of Jesus, we don’t need to have all the answers. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Did you catch what that verse just said? It said WHATEVER you do. Not when you get that dream job or perfect life you’ve planned for yourself, but whatever you do. You are not just a waitress. You are not just a kid who lives with his parents. You are not just another person with a useless degree. You are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and that is freeing.
"You are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and that is freeing."
The freedom we feel when we allow the pressure of tomorrow to lift off of our shoulders is a freedom I wish upon everyone. Yes, the bills still need to get paid but as we walk more and more in step with Jesus, leaning on him, and serving him in all areas of our life the Spirit of God will be changing our hearts and giving us wisdom. Your desires will align with his, perhaps changing the view of your previous dreams and shifting your life in a new and exciting direction.
Live today knowing that you have a purpose for being there. You are not just a waitress.
Written by Carly Voinski,
Worship & Weekend Experience Lead
