How do I know what to do with my life?
I think a lot of people ask this question. We want to live a meaningful life. We don't want to waste our time. We want to do something that God wants us to do. But how do we know what that is? These are questions we might associate with people in their 20s, but certainly older people ask these questions as well. Even if you already are on a path, you might wonder if it's the right one.
A friend encouraged me with a story from First Samuel. You might remember that Saul was the first king of Israel. He was handsome and tall, living at home. At one point his father asks him to go looking for a couple of donkeys that had wondered off the family estate. Saul immediately did what his dad asked him to do. He searched high and low for those missing donkeys. When he didn't find them right away, he kept looking. He didn't give up. Eventually while looking, he runs into Samuel, who had received a message from God that Saul should be king. So Samuel anointed Saul, and he began his new role in life as king. We never even get to find out whether he ever finds the donkeys.
This is the story of a person who discovers what he is supposed to do with his life. The story is important to us because of the example it sets. Saul simply does what he is supposed to do. He does what his parents ask of him. When dad asks for help with the animals, Saul eagerly complies. And he sticks with the job; he doesn't give up when it becomes apparent the job will be tougher than originally expected. While he is doing what he is supposed to be doing, God intervenes in Saul's life through Samuel, and Saul finds his purpose.
So, find your path by doing the normal things. You don't have to go off on an exotic adventure to find out what you should do in life. Respect those around you who deserve your respect, whether that be your parents, your teachers, your boss or civic authorities. And, expect God to intervene in your life through another person, likely someone you trust. Don't expect a vision in a dream or a bolt of lightening, or a message in the stars.
God has a plan for your life, and that plan is not a secret.
What a great example for all of us! I hadn't considered this story before, but I'll remember it now. It can be tempting to pull an "Eat, Pray, Love" and embark on some exotic journey to find answers. But they are close to home, and God will lead us to them if we just keep on searching for donkeys in the backyard.
Posted by: Christina | February 09, 2010 at 01:23 PM