EquipHer Vol. 12: "From Success to Significance"Sample

Day 3: Calling Over Ambition

While ambition often focuses on personal goals and worldly recognition, our calling—God's purpose for our lives—transcends material success. Ambition might drive us to seek achievement, status, or approval from the world, but God’s purpose for us leads to a path of eternal significance.

The difference between these two becomes evident when we consider our goals and the “why” behind them. Ambition centers on achieving personal milestones for our own gain. In contrast, our calling is rooted in obedience to His plan, where every achievement and accomplishment becomes a step closer to fulfilling a larger, more dynamic purpose. Living within God’s purpose means not only doing works for others but also stepping into the fullness of what He has prepared for us. As Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” These "good works" aren’t merely acts of service but include every step we take toward our goals when aligned with God’s divine plan.

When our ambitions align with God’s purpose, every success and milestone gains a significance greater than we could possibly imagine - an eternal significance. The essence of a well-balanced life isn’t giving up on personal fulfillment but aligning our work and dreams with a meaning that goes beyond immediate gratification. What God calls us to is a life lived with purpose, where our "arrival" is determined by His guidance and by fulfilling His will, not by meeting worldly standards. As Matthew 6:33 teaches, when we seek God’s kingdom first, everything else—including blessings tied to our work and dreams—is added to us.

Reflective Questions

1. How can you distinguish between the desire for personal success and God’s purpose for your professional life?
2. How do you respond to moments when your career or goals challenge you to choose between personal success and walking in God’s purpose?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the purpose You have prepared for me. Teach me to pursue my dreams and ambitions with a heart aligned to Your calling, and to see every achievement as an opportunity to honor You. Let my work and desires always be directed toward Your eternal plan, so I may live fully within Your purpose in every area of my life. Amen.