Jesus Gives Us a Clue
How do you know…really know, your calling? One indicator is that you will be energized, not worn out, by the activity. At least that is what Jesus taught his disciples.
It was noon when Jesus and his followers arrived at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Jesus stayed there to rest while the disciples took off looking for food. When they returned, they were astonished to find Jesus visiting with a Samaritan woman. They were probably scratching their heads as the woman, having discovered who Jesus was, took off toward town to share her treasure.
“Master”, they urged him, “eat.”
Seizing this teachable moment, Jesus replied, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”
By now the disciples were truly perplexed. They looked to one another and asked, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”
Overhearing their confusion, Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” John 4:34
Scripture doesn’t tell us, but my guess is that the disciples were totally bewildered by now. “What is this food he is talking about and how can he not be hungry?” they must have wondered.
Of course Jesus was speaking in metaphors …”food” equals “spiritual nourishment” and the principle is an amazing one: in kingdom economics, we are nourished by feeding others. This is one of those principles that needs to be experienced in order to be understood.
How about you? Does your vocation “feed” you or drain you? Do you look forward to Mondays or do you dread them? My wish for each of you is that you find your calling; something you are passionate about and that you just can’t wait to do. If you are not there right now, keep seeking. Jesus has a vocation for you that will continually nourish you.
Never settle for anything less.
Joe, thank you for this message. I have been struggling for a while with my draining vocation. However I am thankful for the job I have.
Oh boy… my current vocation is FOR SURE not my calling. The good news is, I’m already aware of that fact.
I have plans in place to be blogging/writing/speaking/teaching about healthy eating, healthy personal finances, and self-reliance by the end of 2010. It may be a lofty goal, but my passion for it is full… and as you mention in your post – that is the key!
Great post Joe.
Matt,
I love it! You are already pursuing your passion by having a plan. You will be feeding others and will therefore be nourished.
I hope your goals will always be “lofty”.