You’re not alone.
I know, lots of people feel this way. What’s the big deal?
Here’s the big deal. Did you know that the Apostle Paul – arguably the most effective New Testament figure – likely had these same thoughts?
Check this out.
In Acts Chapter 22, Paul tells how he first responded when God told him he was going to be sent away to the Gentiles.
God: "Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me."
Paul: "These people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him."
Paul was probably thinking to himself: Wait a minute, I’m uniquely cut out to work in Jerusalem, remember? After all, I have been an insider. I know the ropes. I understand the culture. I have even walked in the shoes of those who persecute Christians. I can make a difference right here! I’m the guy to do it.
God's response? "Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles."
Did God forget about Paul's resume?
After all, why would God send a highly-qualified insider out of his home territory to a place where he has nothing in common with the culture, geography, or religion of the people?
It’s like sending someone who has worked his way up Wall Street to run a soda pop stand in Ohio.
It's like sending a Republican to Berkley.
It’s like sending a surfer dude to the desert.
It’s like sending Pastor Eric from the Ivy League to North Dakota (and then to Ohio!)
You get the point.
Maybe you've even told God, “Hey, you must have made a mistake here. I'm meant to do something much more important. What about my resume?”
I've even wondered, does God just like to mess with us? Does he like to pull a fish out of water?
Or, like Paul, could it be that he has something bigger – maybe something even BETTER – for our futures?
[This post was inspired by Pastor Eric’s 8/28/11 sermon at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. You can download it here.]
18 comments:
Just when, Susan, did you acquire mind-reading skills?
You wrote for me today! Thanks.
*grin*. Okay, I'll stop trying to tell God how to do His job. Seriously. That bit about Paul sure is an eye opener. He really does know best.
Good post. I just wrote a post - will be up on my blog on Tuesday morning - with a very similar theme. God must be working on both of us in the same way.
Wow, Susan, this is awesome. I'll be including this one in the Thursday Round-Up for sure!
If I had ending up doing what I thought I would be best doing my life would have been very different and a lots less exciting. God has better plans it is just learning how to give up our plans that is the hard part!
This is a great, thought-provoking post (thanks, pastor Eric!). I think there are times in life where we end up someplace different than what we wanted/expected from our lives, and it is a divine detour, but other times we can miss out on doing what we were meant to do because of our own decisions. I don't believe that God wants to continually put us in situations where we are ill-fitted or unhappy. On the other hand, it is usually those situations that stretch and grow us to go on to greater service in the future.
Ouch, how often I need reminding that GOD really does know what He's doing...
On the one hand, I understand the concept behind this post. On the other hand, posts like this make me crazy, probably because I feel like I'm at a crossroads in my own life. What's the point of having preferences, likes, dislikes, specific gifts and talents, if God is going to make you do the *opposite* of what you want/feel happy doing? When I read things like this, instead of clarity, I end up with more confusion....
We think we are disqualified -- but god has plans for us!
Ditto the above! I needed to read this today.
This is great! Made me smile and made me think (perfect combo).
Thanks for your comments.
And Robyn I hear (and feel!) your confusion. Thanks for your honesty. I have come to a place where I believe that in the long run I will be most fulfilled following God (even when I don't understand it) but it can be a hard road to get there.
THis is a clever post, but beyond the smartness is truth. God continually reminds us that he really knows us, believes in us and would hire us on the spot!
I just love this! I'm so glad I found this on HCB. This is SO WELL TIMED for me because I just experienced a criticism in my workplace. I keep asking God to help me have the faith to know that He sees me and calls me to work where I work. If I have to leave, He knows where He's taking me!!
It's often difficult to relinquish control to God, to trust that He knows why your life is moving in the direction it is, whether it's where you want it to go or not. Thank you for this post - a good reminder to "let go and let God".
This is my first visit here. Notice I said first. I am sure that I will return! Great post. Very convicting. I had never seen the life and work of Paul analyzed quite this way. Brilliant and timely.
Blessings,
Kathy
As one who has reviewed literally thousands of resumes over my many years in the Personnel business, I have to comment.
I believe He might suggest you try writing your resume to coincide with your life as His witness, not that you profess holiness, but that you live your life as He would have you live it.
Great insights, Susan, and thanks for the encouragement. It's good to know that the Lord can use a few words of mine to speak to someone, then speak through the someone ever better and clearer than I had imagined. Keep up the good work
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