Only One Path
A story time for those asking the purpose question.
As a late teen, I discovered a connection between my faith, writing and speaking, and a passion for motivating others. During a time when it seemed like everyone was looking to identify their purpose, I felt accomplished to have discovered mine at such a young age. Feeling like I had it all figured out, I held on to the expectation of becoming a professional writer and speaker for over a decade.
Recently, my perspective evolved regarding the connection between my purpose and profession, and I shared a bit of that revelation in a social media post...
I’ve been in a much-needed redefining season for the past 2 years. Since age 19, I’ve defined myself and my “purpose” with writing and speaking. Eventually, it became difficult to connect my purpose to my current profession.
For years I struggled with standing still and trusting where God placed me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t where I needed to be or doing what I was called to do. Yet I knew I wasn’t supposed to jump ship. I also couldn’t figure out how these two opposite paths (purpose vs profession) would collide. 🤔 Insert the confusion, discouragement, and frustration at my dilemma.
I no longer knew how I was to identify myself.
Then, a few years ago, I realized that there weren’t two separate paths.
There was only one…
Now let's pick up where I left off.
I began my career in the mortgage industry in 2013, initially expecting it to be a temporary rest stop on the way to my purpose. That’s until I found myself five years into the rest stop wondering how I was going to get from here to there.
Cue stare off with God.
My 5-year work anniversary dinged the bell for the wrestling match of all time: Passion vs Profession, and it was looking to be quite the event. I was trying to map out how my corporate job would transform into full-time writing and speaking, but the math just wasn't mathing. (Insert eye roll). It was looking like I needed to get comfortable.
So much for a rest stop right?
I found myself stuck between where I was and where I thought I needed to be. It was as if there were two separate paths and I was on the wrong one. Even though it felt like the only solution was to abandon my profession in pursuit of my passion, I knew this wasn't the answer.
After weeks of wrestling, reflection, and convos with my husband, I realized that there weren’t two separate paths and that I simply needed to trust the journey. Through this realization, the Lord assured me that I didn't have to fear missing out on His plan for my life. I could trust that He had me right where He wanted me to be and would lead me where He wanted me to go. (Psalm 37:23)
The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him. - Psalm 37:23
But is it ever really that simple?
Short answer... nah.
Despite that major revelation, change didn't happen overnight or the next few nights. I enrolled back in college in 2020, still bouncing back and forth between trusting God and leaning on my own understanding. A few semesters later, I felt like the Lord nudged me to study accounting.
Accounting???
This new direction only heightened the drama. I found myself trying to fathom what a future in accounting meant for me.
Is this what I'm supposed to do?
Is this who I'm called to be?
Then I received the breakthrough I desperately needed. The Holy Spirit revealed that the root of my struggles were due to an identity crisis. Because I was defining my identity by my passions and profession, I was confining myself [and God] to a box of my own creation. I had been shaping my life and plans around the identity I was creating for myself, instead of embracing my identity as a child of God.
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:26
A child of God isn't defined by their profession, nor are they restricted to other’s expectations of where their gifts or passions should lead them.
Today, version 31 would tell version 19 that her life’s purpose is to love God and her neighbor. I would encourage her to serve the Lord no matter her present location or vocation. For some razzle dazzle, I’d remind her that what she does is not who she is. And if you hadn’t guessed, I’m saying the exact same thing to the person reading this today!
Instead of framing your life around your gifts, talents, experiences, or career, joyfully serve the Lord no matter where you are or what you’re doing. You don’t need a specific opportunity or calling to walk in His purpose.
His purpose greets you every morning, on every job, in every role, and in every season. Walking in His purpose means laying aside your will so that His will may be done. Even if your circumstances are not what you expected, rest assured that as you delight in the Father you can also delight in His plan.
Reflect
How do you define your purpose and why?
How can you serve the Lord where you are today?
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, I thank You that my identity isn't tied to what I do or what I've accomplished. Open my eyes to see that Your hand is at work in every season of my life. May I find joy in the difficult and purpose in the mundane. Help me to delight in Your presence as I journey on the path you have placed me. In Jesus' name. Amen.