143 – Dorothea – “I’m struggling to discern God’s will if it’s ok for me to be a medical doctor?”
“I’m currently in school to be a medical assistant or medical doctor one day, and I’m struggling to discern God’s will about this now since it is secular work. I don’t know any more if it’s ok for me to be a medical doctor as part of His plan for my life. Can you please help me with this? What are your insights?”
Submitting to the Divine Scalpel: God's Will for Your Career
Are you wrestling with the question of whether your chosen career aligns with God's calling? Do you feel torn between pursuing your professional aspirations and dedicating your life to spiritual pursuits? Many of us face this dilemma, seeking to honor God while also needing to provide for ourselves and family.
The Apostle Paul offers guidance. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he writes "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…" This passage encourages us to find purpose and dignity in our work, even in secular professions. Our diligence and integrity can be a powerful testimony to those around us.
Furthermore, Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23 to "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This verse emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual attitude towards even our secular work. Whether we are ministers, doctors, teachers, artists, or laborers, we are called to provide for ourselves, and to work in such a way that it creates a spiritual impact on those we work around, for the kingdom of God and Christ Jesus.
But what job or career do you take? A true Christian will first surrender their own desires and ambitions, inviting the Lord to direct their paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Oftentimes, like when Paul said that a widow gets to choose whoever she wants to marry, the Lord may not have a preference as to what path we take for secular work, assuming it doesn’t violate His ways, or your conscience. God is such a skilled surgeon that He can use any of our chosen professions to shape and refine us. He may even ask us to sacrifice our ideal career or business to Him.
Regardless, as we submit to His divine plan, we can find true purpose and fulfillment in our spiritual lives, irrespective of our careers, knowing that we are part of something, the kingdom of God, which is much greater than ourselves. Pray for guidance, seek His wisdom, and trust that He will lead you into work that aligns with His perfect will for your life.
