Passion, Pride & God’s Will
I was talking to a friend the other day about a project that I was leading and how I was questioning whether I needed to continue with it or not. I explained to her that I just wasn’t very passionate about it and maybe this just isn’t something I’m supposed to be doing (aka “God’s will”).
The reality is that this particular project isn’t meeting my expectations. I’m a bit defeated and don’t feel like it’s as successful as it ought to be. In essence I’m pridefully dismissing it because it doesn’t feel worth my time.
It’s got me wondering whether passion is always an indicator of God’s will? I’m pretty sure that there are plenty of things that God has called people to that they weren’t necessarily passionate about. I’m sure they felt defeated and unsuccessful too. Insert nearly any Biblical character you can think of as a prime example.
Why do we do this then?
Why do we equate passion or lack of it with God’s will or plan for our lives?
Why do we so easily throw in the towel when we lose passion?
Why are we quick to walk away from a job or project when we find ourselves a little defeated?
I see this a lot in ministry work (I’m guilty of it myself)… wondering if I’m doing the right thing on those days when everything seems to be going wrong?
God’s will doesn’t mean endless passion or constant success. God’s will is living God’s plan. And His plan isn’t always warm and fuzzy or fun. Sometimes living God’s will is hard work. Sometimes living God’s will means pushing through when you don’t have an ounce of passion but others are counting on you.
Kick your pride to the curb and embrace what He’s given you to do… whether you’re feeling passionate about it right this moment or not!
Totally wrestling with now. Lots of good points to think about…thanks Jenni.
love this Jenni – and how true! I often wonder… how passionate about his mission was the great leader Adoniram Judson when he was hanging upside down in a jail cell for his faith? we are definitely a culture that gives up way too easily… great post!
Great example Jenny. We forget just how much others sacrificed their personal comfort for what God called them to.
Great insight that is helping me more than you realize. I needed this today. Thank you!!!!
Thanks Karen. So glad it was helpful.
One of the best things I’ve read in a long time! So true – so convicting. Thank you.
Thanks Maureen!
Good insight. I know I am suppose to be a part of the nonprofit I am currently employed by, but I don’t wake up every morning just ready to get back in the office.
Hang in there Bethany!
Very, very well said Jenni. I think the modern church has way over emphasized this “follow your passion” idea, equating our passions with God’s will. I think it is a very dangerous way of thinking. It is backwards. Instead we need to be seeking His will and asking Him to help us be passionate about what He wants. Great post, Jenni.
I agree.
I love this post Jenni… and can totally relate to it right now. Thanks for sharing… it was a good kick in MY prideful back side. 🙂
Thanks Marcia. Sorry for the kick in the pants. That’s how I was feeling when I wrote it.
Great stuff. I would imagine most of the Old Testament prophets would fall in the “not feeling it” category most days, but they were doing what God created them to do. This is one of the things I struggle with daily. Thanks for the post.
Really good points. In America (at least) we often see a similar thing in marriages — if we don’t feel “passionate” all the time, we assume it’s time to hang it up.
I think part of it (with ministry, jobs, etc.) is that many of us don’t want to be part of something that isn’t (immediately and obviously) successful. Probably a pride issue? At least, that’s what it seems to be for me.
http://awomanforhim.wordpress.com/
Absolutely Jenni. It is time to embrace what He’s given us to do. In the midst of exhaustion, financial limitations, and time constraints, it can be easy to lose our passion. Experiencing a little or even a large defeat is no reason to quickly walk away from God’s call for us. God’s will doesn’t always contain constant success and endless passion; often it requires the opposite. Through these difficult experiences, we experience His love, support and comfort in amazing ways. Thank you for reminding me that …God’s will means pushing through when you don’t have an ounce of passion but others are counting on you!