Did you know that surveys suggest that roughly 65 percent of Americans really dislike their jobs and that at least 15 percent hate them? I know, hate is a strong word. Considering that you typically work eight hours a day, five days a week, this can be a problem! To help us change the way we view our careers, we’re going to begin a series of devotions dealing with how God works in and through us to cultivate a joy that brings new meaning to our work-life.  

When you think about your favorite job, what comes to mind? Were you ever employed in a place that, although you may have worked hard, you felt satisfied and completely alive? If so, hold that in one hand. Then ask yourself this: “Did you ever have a job that you hated?” By hated, I mean a place where you dreaded the time you spent there, but felt trapped and stuck because you had bills to pay. Hold that memory in the other hand and think about the big difference it made in your overall well-being when you enjoyed your work as opposed to feeling stuck. Thankfully, I have good news for you today: Whether you hate it, love it, or just tolerate it, you don’t have to change your job to become passionate about what you do!

Friend, while our culture tells you to assume a mindset that waits for something to be over, Jesus says that you can embrace every day as you live as His ambassador. This is where avodah comes in. Avodah is a Hebrew word that can be translated as work, worship, and service. When used in the Old Testament, it implies a duality of purpose. In all work, there is an element of worship and service. We will explore this concept in greater detail in the days ahead. But for now, be encouraged in knowing that your work is your worship and since God is in it, He can and will bring meaning and purpose to it. With Him, you have more than a job; you have a calling, and what He has called you to, He will faithfully and powerfully see you through!