Hello friends, Ann here!
I have been on quite the fast-moving journey the last two months, and I might share a little of that today, so here goes:
I have recently gone back into the world of work and study. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am retraining as a coaching psychologist; and I am now also doing some freelance coaching.
It is lovely!
BUT, it is quite a shift from ministry. When you’re in ministry, you can be soaked in God for hours a day, working directly on the things of him. Conversely, when you work in the marketplace, you’re dealing with different subject matter altogether.
When you’re in ministry you have to guard your heart all the time, from all sorts of things. You really do. But in business, it’s the same! There’s a different set of temptations that you have to get used to. Isn’t it funny how life is so tricky. Anyway, it’s got me thinking ….
The key, I think, is to be sure God wants you where you are. If that’s the case, you can move forward well — Whether you’re in ministry, or in the marketplace.
Then, second, you have to hold onto words or principles that God has given you for that situation. Wherever we are, if we listen for his voice, he will give us a handle to hold onto and keep our footing secure.
In my case, God did give me a handle that I could hold onto in this current season. He said to me once, Ann, you are a woman of God, not a professional woman. And that word alone helps me keep my focus.
That word has helped me, over the last few months, not to put too much of my identity into these studies or this work; or, even, too much of my time. I could become a workaholic very easily. I don’t let myself. It’s 12pm here, in fact, as I sit and write this SUM post, and I have not done any work yet today. Instead I’ve spent time with God, and now am writing this. That’s ok: Put the things of God first, and all else will follow. Seek first the kingdom of heaven; everything else will fall into place.
Because of that word, that I am not a professional woman, but a woman of God, I have had to think carefully about why God might want me doing these new pursuits. I am confident he does want me to, but is it, for example, to be a form of service to others? I have to align my heart with his. Already I have had times where that alignment has slipped, and I have to realign myself.
I say to God, ‘You are the treasure that I found in a field all those years ago, and you always will be.’
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.’ (Matthew 13:44, NIV)
And so, my friends, that’s been my little journey of the last couple of months. We always have things we’re navigating. They’re fun to write about. And, I imagine quite a few of you are in business or a career in some way or other. I wonder how you find it to balance that with your identity in Christ?
Perhaps we can chat about this one in the comments? I’d love to hear a little of your stories and experiences.
Much love
Ann
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