Monday, November 6, 2023

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? 

After attending church camp one year, I thought I might want to be a missionary. God actually did provide me that opportunity eventually, but it was a convoluted route, and I never would have imagined all the other jobs I had along the way! 

As a young single mom, I needed money. So, although I never pictured myself working in food service, I waited tables and tended bar. When the government offered money for an education and a job in law enforcement, I became a police officer, despite the fact that it certainly wasn’t anything I had considered. 

While working for the police department, I found my way back to God and became a Christian. I began to see how, through my life experiences, God had equipped me for the ministry he had for me. When the opportunities came for me to help form CedarCreek and later become a staff pastor, I took them! Looking back, I can see God had been working in my life the whole time. He had, and still has, good plans for me.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God has also taught me that, as an extrovert, I can usually find common ground with most people. I show up, and people know they can count on me. I am passionate about helping people know and love Jesus. I try to embrace this idea:

Luke 16:10
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

Loving and serving people brought me joy and fulfillment as a staff pastor and still does today in retirement. Although I suspect many people struggle with purpose like Jerry, the main character from our featured movie, Jerry and Marge Go Large, I believe that God has me where I am for such a time as this (Esther 4:14 NIV). 

As we saw in the movie, it’s in helping others that we find purpose, meaning, joy, and endless opportunities to use all that God has gifted us with.

Questions: 
What did you want to do when you were a child? Are you doing that today? Does your current employment offer you meaning and purpose?

Next Steps: 
Even if your job is not the one you dreamed of as a child (or ever), a change in perspective can make it meaningful. Believe that God has placed you where you are for a reason, and ask him to reveal it to you. Trust in his plan and strive to be a light for Jesus in that place.

If you were not able to join us in person, you might consider watching Jerry and Marge Go Large on your own.*

*CedarCreek does not agree with every part of the movies we have selected. We have used them for the purposes of illustration. Please use your own discretion when you consider viewing these movies in their entirety and use caution if you are viewing as a family as some material may be inappropriate for children.

Flash Fiction is back!! If you want another fun story that captures the theme of this week’s movie, you can find a Flash Fiction story below this post, on the homepage of our app, or have it sent to you directly by texting FICTION to 419-419-0707.

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for the diverse and challenging circumstances of my life. They have taught me to trust in your plan, even and especially when I cannot see what it is. You are so creative and work things out in ways I never would have thought! I love that about you. Thank you for the gift of faith that allows me to wait on you in confidence, knowing that your way is best for me. Thank you for the opportunities you give me to serve the people in my life. Help me to be faithful with those opportunities. I worship you, Jesus ! In your beautiful name, I pray, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.