God's recognition

At this stage of my life, one of my biggest priorities is figuring out the plan I have once I graduate. I have a solid idea of what it might be like, but it's not 100% sure. I have this vision in mind, and I am not sure whether or not God has the same vision for me. If you're a college senior graduating in about a month in a half, most of your free time is likely spent by filling out job applications, google searching jobs you can have with your degree, making your LinkedIn look good, and networking to the best of your ability. 

It's a busy time and it's not the most fun thing in the world. It's crazy because the season we are about to enter in our lives is one that is going to last a long time. Once we all graduate we will most likely be working up until we retire. 

One of the opportunities I have been offered when I gradate is to move to China and work for a sports company for up to a year.  Having been to China twice, and loving it, this is an opportunity that is appealing to me.

One of my friends who went on the trip to China the first time I went, just moved to China to do the exact same job. I have been texting back and forth with him a lot because I am interested in this opportunity and he is someone who decided to take it. So I have been trying to gather as much information as possible from him whenever I can. He has been pouring into me and I am so grateful for his willing heart. Every time that he texts me, he asks me what I am thinking about the entire situation and every time I respond with the same answer. "I am still really praying about it." 

Here is our dialogue from our last conversation:

Ronnie: What are your thoughts towards it?

Me: Still praying about it. I need to pray harder and more intentionally through. I am in a weird spot because I am close to being offered a job with a company I had an internship with over the summer. If that happens, it would be hard to say no.

Ronnie: Completely understandable! I challenge you to not pray about it. Pray for guidance, forget China and forget about jobs as society knows it. Just succumb to His will and you will find your way.

Ronnie: You will know which way to go

Me: I needed to hear that brother!

Ronnie: The moment I released my anxieties about a job and making money because that's what society thinks we should do, I was set. I knew exactly where I needed to go. 

I needed that word. It was such a perfect reminder for me and I hope what he said could be encouraging to you as well. 

I came across a verse in 1 Peter today that related so very well to this topic. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6) 

We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But Peter advises us to remember that God's recognition counts more than human praise. God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time-either in this life or the next-he will lift you up. 

Remember that God's recognition means more and counts more than how much money we will ever make, or what job title you may or may not have. Whatever you do, remember that. If you are in a place where you are stressing about what is next, pray for guidance, and succumb to his will. That is what matters most. Do that, and just like my friend Ronnie told me, you will know where to go.