Q: I don’t know a lot about God, but I am open to him helping me. I am not sure what to do with my life. Though I have a double major in college, neither seems perfect for me. Can prayer help?
A: Yes! Turning to God, no matter how big or small your faith is always a step towards progress. Jesus tells us:
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Luke 17:6)
Many people find themselves working in jobs unrelated to their interests, but continue working in that capacity because they don’t know what else to do. I spoke with several individuals struggling with this dilemma. We talked about what inspired them. They all presented their visions as a dream that wouldn’t come true due to a list of obstacles.
Not knowing if any of them had any faith in God, I still suggested the option of turning to him, who is Love and Wisdom itself, to find clarity and affirmed that an all-powerful and present God had a perfect plan for them.
I back up these declarations with the following promise from the Bible.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matt.: 7-8)
Each one had an earnest passion for a particular occupation, but saw the constant obstacles in their way as reasons ‘why’ their career choice couldn’t be achieved. Time, money, competition and the seeming lack of the world’s need for their talent, were among the most-mentioned reasons why these God-given gifts weren’t being utilized.
I asked, “If time and money were unlimited to you, what would you do?”
One wanted to participate in fashion, others in research, cooking and social services. In all these situations, the intent was to help others.
I found that when I asked this question in my coaching practice, the majority of answers also involved serving other people. Whether they knew it or not, each one was following a God-given directive found in Galatians 5:13:
For you, brethren, were indeed called to freedom; only do not let your freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse for selfishness, but through love you should serve one another. (Amplified Bible)
God created you for a specific purpose, and if a motive is based on love, truth, integrity, peace, justice and the infinite characteristics of a good God, then you will achieve these goals. Prayer will help you discover your specific niche in life.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer. 29 11-13)
Having that mustard seed of faith is effective, as stated in 1 John 5:4:
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.