Real TalkSample

DAY 2: Pinpointing Your Passions

I was a math major and had planned on doing something with my major right after college. However, after my first semester of senior year, I didn’t know if I wanted to pursue using that or if I wanted to do full-time ministry. I had the privilege to lead a Bible study and the longer I served, the more I fell in love with building community and shepherding relationships with the girls in my group.

After realizing the newfound love I had for discipleship and a lost passion for the work I was doing in my major, I spent a lot of time praying that the Lord would guide me to where He wanted me post-grad, seeking wise counsel through that whole process. The Lord revitalizing a passion in my heart was so life-giving.

As I was praying for the Lord to give me direction and to show me where He wanted me to go next, that Spring we studied the book of James, which coincidentally was the book of the Bible I read in 7th grade when I gave my life to Christ. All of the pieces started to come together, and I experienced clarity on my next steps. Knowing that while I still had my math degree and always will, I knew that for right now at this moment, the Lord was growing a desire for me to go into full-time ministry.

When we are faced with two supposedly great options, self-reflection is not wise but necessary. A pros and cons list used to be my go-to when I needed a quick fix. However, over time, I realized that this quick fix was like trying to fix a broken glass with scotch tape: not sustainable and would lead to disappointment in the end. The Lord calls us to more than making quick-fix decisions out of fear, expectations, and old habits.

Take a minute to grab a journal and pen, but first take a deep breath. Breathe in Emmanuel, the Name of God that is so true, and breathe out God with us, resting in the Truth that the Lord is with us in our passions, desires, and decisions. Instead of a pros and cons list make a Life Energy List to help you reflect and be aware of what is life-giving and what is life-draining. Think about these things:

• What is or has been life-giving? What has been draining? What has brought you joy?
• Did this activity push you closer to the Lord, or further away?

Pray: Lord, I admit that I would like to know the plan before I sign on and say yes. I confess how easy it is for me to want answers, rather than sitting in the waiting with You. As I spend some time today in Your Presence, Help me to remember and acknowledge the things that fill me up and the things that drain me. Help me have a better understanding of how You have made me and help me determine what is good for me so that I can glorify You. I pray that You would give me a vision for the future as I sit with the question marks longing for them to be periods. Thank You for being with me in the unknowns, for never leaving me alone. In Your Name I pray, Amen.