My approach to my work has changed

From a young age, I knew what I needed to do. In the sense of what is in my future. I need a job in a respectable field that has a modest income and can pay the bills and take care of the family. I picked the field of medicine and stuck with it. But I had the same question that every youth asks themselves now or later what is the purpose of my life? I will become a doctor and help people and that was my answer and that was satisfactory.

But towards the end, that answer wasn't enough for me. I tried to find contentment but I felt empty. As the hurdles increased, I kept asking myself, Why am I doing this? Why do I need to endure this? Is there any point to this? Fear, anger, and frustration started creeping in. I was caught in the middle of giving up and trying. As months passed, the tug became stronger.

Last year, A question popped up in my head. What if you couldn't do this profession anymore or what if you are taken down another path. I said to myself, I would be devastated because this is my purpose, my future, my identity. How can I just give that up? I'll bring disappointment and shame to my family. There are expectations and the fear of failure which begin to wear me out.

All these thoughts in my head and I sat down and decided to address each of these points.

- My purpose

It is then I realized, my purpose and plan are not to bring glory to myself or people around me but to bring glory and honor to God. Fulfilling His plan and purpose is my purpose. Working with all the opportunities with the skill and talents that He has given me so that His work will be made known through me. So I work like I am working for Him. Whatever work I do, I do it with all my heart knowing that I can bring praise to Him.

Colossians 3:23-24 - Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Even when it takes a long time and you don't see anything happen. When you realize that God is who you seek then you can be assured that He has a plan for you. See it as preparation for what God has planned for you. An opportunity to grow closer to Him and be refined.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Seek God and that is your answer.

- My identity

My profession doesn't make me who I am. It is just another addition to my resume of life but it doesn't take away who I am as a person. People don't identify with me based on my profession but who I am as a person.

My identity is in Christ. I am a child of God. This is who I am and this is what I seek to know Him more.

John1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name

Never forget who you are and don't let everybody else dictate who you are. You are made in His image. You are His child. You are not forsaken, lost, or in chains but you are free and you are loved by Him. By His grace, we are saved.

- Fear of failure

In many stages of life, you might fail. Once or twice or many times but you get up and fight. I am not saying that it's simple. It's hard but they are all seasons and will pass. What makes it easier is when you trust in God because you know that even when you are weak, His strength will lift you up. When you cry and are unable to speak, He hears you and sees you. That is why we get up in the morning, even when things are hard because we have hope in Him that we will be restored.

Proverbs 24:16 - The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble.

It is a teaching moment and helps us to learn from our mistakes. Do not be afraid because he has given as a Spirit of power, love, and self-control. He is with you through it all.

- Shame and disappointment to my family

This is something quite common but my family has always been supportive so honestly, this is not even something for me to worry. But I know there are people out there whose parents feel this way. It could be that they want what is best for you and they have a weird way of showing it. Talk to them about how you feel basically communicate because they don't have the ability to read your mind. They are not perfect either, so give them the benefit of the doubt. Pray to God to soften their heart and help them to place their trust in God. Sometimes our parents need guidance too. From your parent's perspective, they don't want to feel like they failed you or did not give you enough, or felt like they have wasted it. You do the best you can and God will do the rest. The family will eventually follow through.

This doesn't mean I no longer feel this way. I do but I know now how to tackle it. As I begin to realize these basic truths. I was able to let go of fear and begin again with renewed passion. There are seasons where I still battle these thoughts but God reminds me to seek Him and Him alone not my will, others' will but God's will.

When you approach any work, do it like you are working for God and honor Him in whatever you do. Your actions, words, and thoughts will resonate Him. You may feel, I am not enough but God is more than enough and He will provide you all that you need to accomplish it. God bless you