There’s a weight to unmet expectations.
I’ll never forget the heaviness I felt following my graduation from college. Many of the expectations and dreams I prayed about were not what I was seeing. I graduated with a degree in worship ministry and I expected to work on staff at a large church or join my school’s faculty to earn a Master’s degree. Instead, I found myself back in my hometown, working as a barista who was making a lot of lattes. That was never on my five-year plan.
I was disappointed and confused. I thought I knew my purpose and this felt very far from it. During this time, God gently showed me that my sense of purpose was misplaced. I thought I had to be serving in a church and leading worship to bring God glory. Thankfully, God met me amid early mornings and memorized orders for daily customers. During this time, God reminded me that it was never the “what” of my actions that brought Him glory. It was about the “why.”
Paul encourages us in this thought in various portions of Scripture. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (NLT). He also writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NLT).
When we read these verses, it becomes clear that no matter what we do, our “why” is to glorify God. This is exactly what I learned from the Holy Spirit the first few years after college graduation.
When we embrace those Scriptures, suddenly it becomes evident that there is no season lacking purpose. The entirety of our lives is what we give to bring God glory. There’s no task He can’t be welcomed into. There’s nothing too mundane that can’t bring Him glory. From washing the dishes to taking out the trash, it’s all for His glory. As believers, we get to let the cry of our heart be the same words that Jesus says in John 12:28: “Father, bring glory to Your name” (NLT).
Maybe you’ve found yourself in a season much like I was. Maybe you’ve entered a new season and are looking for ways to continue to glorify God there. I’ve seen the Lord use seasons that felt barren to bring blessings. I’ve seen Him show more of His unchanging character in times that were uncertain. I’ve seen this happen without a magic formula, but simply because people have said, “Father, bring glory to Your name through this.”
May we continue to be people who put the Lord first and seek to steward every season for His glory!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bring glory to Your name. Let all that I do be worship, whether it’s taking care of my family or being the best employee that I can in my workplace. My heart is to put You first, so I’m asking for You to show me how I’m bringing You glory. Show me the people around me that need to know Your love. Continue to help me to surrender my life to You as an act of worship so that You may be glorified. Amen.
