A question we might face in our lifetime is: Should I stay or should I go when it comes to our careers? I once had to answer this myself. Several of my military buddies faced the same dilemma—whether to reenlist or transition to civilian life. I chose to become a civilian for fear of having to go back to Vietnam.
Many individuals have had to make difficult decisions in life about their careers. In fact, following God’s goals for your life may involve leaving a secure and lucrative career. In many Biblical examples about individuals who were faced with a decision about their career, we discover that Moses, a great leader, left the comfort of a palace to answer God’s calling. The great Prophet Elisha left a farm, and the biblical characters James and John recorded that they left their careers as fishermen to follow a career calling from God.
Sometimes following God means staying where you are and maximizing every opportunity he gives you. It is amazing how many people we meet in life who don’t like what they do for a living. Why do they do it? Because we all need to make a living. But what if you feel called to do something different? My suggestion is to seek advice from a trusted friend, pray about it and wait until you have a clear vision from God.
Don’t be caught regretting your decision. Knowing that you never attempted to do what God had called you to do can be painful as you journey through life. You might say, I have many unanswered questions, and there is much I don’t know. As I look back at my decision not to reenlist in the military, I have never regretted the choice I made at the age of 20.
God instructed the Prophet Isaiah to deliver this message of reassurance to his people that he was a God of his word: “Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
God’s words are just as true today as they were during Isaiah’s time. So, it can be reassuring to all of us that when you are faced with the question about whether to stay or go, turn to God for your answer because it can be a life changing experience. I encourage you to pray and seek God’s wisdom for the best decision. Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Dr. Walter Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
