Pursuing Passion

Passion. It’s like a highly addictive drug for the soul. The more you taste it, the more you crave it. The more you crave it, the more you pursue it. The more you pursue it, the more it takes over your life. It consumes your thoughts and drives your decisions. Whether passion is a good thing or a bad thing all depends upon where a person’s passion lies.

The pursuit of passion often only makes sense to others who share similar passions and related dreams. For example, I am passionate about Jesus. I love to talk to Him, spend time with Him, and to allow Him to lead the course of my life. Most of my fellow believers understand this concept. But to people who don’t know Him, I probably come off looking a little crazy when I do the things I feel Him leading me to do. That’s okay though…people thought Jesus was crazy too, so I’m in good company!

As I write this, I’m about to embark on a change of course for my life in pursuit of my passion. I already know, to some people, this decision will appear to be unwise. But to those who really know me and who are united with me in my Passion, they know this is the only decision I could make at this particular juncture and ever be truly happy inside. I don’t have all the details that most people would need to feel “safe.” But pursuing passion rarely ever feels “safe.” It mostly just feels like the “good kind of nervous.” You know what I mean?!

Despite the nervousness, I have a peace in my soul that surpasses all understanding…seriously, ALL understanding…and I know that I know that I know, while certain challenges will arise as a result of this decision, I’m making the right choice. Quite frankly, challenges were going to arise anyway—whether I pursued my passion or not—so I may as well enjoy the process!

I could work for the next 20+ years, doing something I’m skilled at. I have the education, physical adeptness, and job experience to do what I’m currently doing and excel in the eyes of my bosses. I could get raises and promotions for years to come. I could retire here and most of the world would say I was doing well. But I would always feel the emptiness of unfulfilled desires and as my purpose died within the confines of man’s approval.

Instead, I’m starting a journey of faith that will help lead me toward the fulfillment of my calling. So what is my calling? To be honest, I don’t fully know. But I know it’s something that will bring honor and glory to God. It’s something that will allow me to help others and make an impact that only I can make. Like all callings, it’s a multifaceted, changing, growing organism that is going to require both skills AND passion. It will take a lot of time, and it will require a lot of sacrifices. Chances are, along the way, I will often feel like I’m completely overwhelmed…but that’s a perfect place for me to get really small and for God to get really BIG! My faith will grow; my heart will feel full; and I will never regret chasing down a life lived with whimsy and passion.

Yes, a job change is on the horizon. But I don’t want anyone to think that a job is what creates or sustains my passion. My passion is to follow Jesus and do all He created me to do. This job change is just the beginning of a series of new things that God is doing. It’s the little, tiny sneak-peek my Father is allowing me to have as He smiles–eyes twinkling–over the bigger picture that’s kept just out outside of my view…for now.

I don’t share this to be self-serving. I share this because I almost sold out. I almost remained at my current job because of the false sense of security it offered me. The people are nice and the pay is absolutely on-point! But the price I had to pay…the price of my calling…It was just too high. I share this because I want to encourage anyone out there who is struggling with a difficult choice…pray and let God lead you to a place of peace and passion, and don’t let the enemy punk you out with his lies. Chances are, for most of us, we were probably born for way more that what we’re currently doing.

Your specific situation will likely look much different than mine. It may not have anything to do with a career choice. It could be a move, a marriage, a financial investment…it could be any number of things. But what is similar is that God has a really good plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), and it’s up to us to choose to pursue that plan. It’s up to us to become like little children again, full of faith and undaunting hope, and to chase those dreams we think we’re too old, young, poor, ill-equipped for….fill in your adjective here…and to believe God for the miraculous.

The thing is, it’s not this new job I’m passionate about…I’m passionate about being obedient to God–even when it looks crazy. I’m passionate about one day hearing Him say to me, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I simply refuse to get old and bitter, full of regrets, and lose my ability to dream with my Daddy. I want to pursue my passion with Him right now, because time is moving on and I can’t waste another minute living someone else’s idea of what is good for me and my life.

So, what is God speaking to your heart? Where do you see yourself when you close your eyes and take off the parameters of the restrictions of this world? Do you see it? It’s likely a little crazy and a whole lot scary, but your heart begins to burn with passion when you dream of it…

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the lord and not for men,”- Colossians 3:23 (ESV) 

“So, whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31(ESV)