Proper Placement or Poor Judgment?
How to find purpose exactly where you are
After weeks, months, or even years of planning and preparation, you finally start the new position, show up for your first day of class, leave your full-time job to fully pursue your side business, or move into your apartment in a new city.
At first, you’re taken by the welcome lunches, the promise of new knowledge and experiences, the freedom of a different lifestyle, or the romanticization of starting fresh in a new place.
Then, maybe weeks go by, and you begin to wonder if you’ve made a grave mistake.
This new thing isn’t what you thought it would be.
With panic, confusion, and despair, you hurriedly try to find a solution to the unmet expectation.
Should I go back?
Should I give it more time?
Should I try something different?
Truthfully, this is a cycle I have experienced more times than I’d care to admit. I’m certain that I’m supposed to pursue a new path, but then it doesn’t go as expected.
The supervisor I admired left the company.
The open doors for new work opportunities closed.
The organization pivoted in a way that no longer aligned with my talents and interests.
I realized the interview was all smoke and mirrors.
Even when you do all the right planning and preparation to step into a new position, place, or profession, the outcome ultimately isn’t up to us.
Instead of frantically searching for a way out, take a moment to consider why the Lord has you here today. Maybe you won’t be in this place next month or next year, but the truth is that for today, this is where the Lord has you.
Throughout Scripture, the importance of today is emphasized repeatedly.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11, ESV)
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34, NIV)
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, ESV)
While there is a time for planning and preparation, we are clearly called to be present in our current circumstances. Your placement in God’s kingdom isn’t by accident.
What is one way you can rejoice and be glad in where the Lord has you today?
For me, I’m grateful for the community He has given me. Even in the twists and turns of my professional pursuits, I remain grounded by the people who know and love me, no matter how many paths I pursue.
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