God and work

[Jesus4ever]

Hi, dear brethren.

I´d like to share something and, once more, know your opinion.

This post is about work. So:

- God wants us to work.

Plus:

- God gave us gift(s).


Now to the issue: I´m a teacher. For the last 17 years I´ve been teaching in public schools..

Part one of my problem: I´m tired of my profession!

The last 7 years have been particularly hard to handle. I feel very unhappy with my job; I do not believe in the educational system of my country; kids (and mostly their parents) are getting even harder to handle with; every year I must have a new school, many times far from my family (I´m a substitute teacher, by one year contract, at best); teachers are many times despised by the majority of the population, but worse, by some parts of the Government; etc.


Part two of my problem: I´m very confused with all this matter. Why? Because, not only I think I have some of the gifts needed to be a teacher, as I can´t understand IF is it God´s will for me to continue being a teacher!

I do want to work! However, I keep thinking (and wishing) to have a different profession/job! But, taking in account all of the written above, my main question is this:

- If God wants me to continue being a teacher, shouldn´t I feel happy, with motivation and believe in the work He would want/wants me to do?



What´s your view about this, brothers and sisters?


Blessings!

 

[garee]

I would suggest all hard work leads to a profit. Teaching children in this day and age as a Christian multiplies the work. And now is the time God does except our works. I would offer he does not forget what you have performed.

Fifth grade teachers deserve combat pay.(lol)

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:9

Teaching in public schools is not for everyone. It is getting harder and harder to honor God in that way.

It’s like the teachers that do have a faith background are being driven into closets and whatever kind of teaching that should be in the closets has become the new gospel.

How in the world the children will ever learn the difference between the using the imagination of ones heart to be used as a form of amusement and actually thinking not amusing themselves to death .

From my experiences it sets them up to look for a position, not an actual work that could lead to a profit .Whether that profit is a renewed spirit or a new car . He who works not eats not. That eating is in two ways, doing the will of another in respect to those who do have the mind of Christ... or those who eat to spend it on their own pleasures. Not His good pleasure that works in us.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phi 2:13

Seeing it depends personally with the believer and God as the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. And if that peace is being challenged possibly he could be leading you to a new line of work .
Like grass here today gone tomorrow.

We can offer our prayers.

 

[Jesus4ever]

I would suggest all hard work leads to a profit. Teaching children in this day and age as a Christian multiplies the work. And now is the time God does except our works. I would offer he does not forget what you have performed.

Fifth grade teachers deserve combat pay.(lol)

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:9

Teaching in public schools is not for everyone. It is getting harder and harder to honor God in that way.

It’s like the teachers that do have a faith background are being driven into closets and whatever kind of teaching that should be in the closets has become the new gospel.

How in the world the children will ever learn the difference between the using the imagination of ones heart to be used as a form of amusement and actually thinking not amusing themselves to death .

From my experiences it sets them up to look for a position, not an actual work that could lead to a profit .Whether that profit is a renewed spirit or a new car . He who works not eats not. That eating is in two ways, doing the will of another in respect to those who do have the mind of Christ... or those who eat to spend it on their own pleasures. Not His good pleasure that works in us.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phi 2:13

Seeing it depends personally with the believer and God as the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. And if that peace is being challenged possibly he could be leading you to a new line of work .
Like grass here today gone tomorrow.

We can offer our prayers.

Thank you, brother.

So, what you´re saying is that if it´s God´s will for us to have some type of job, we should ignore our unhappiness of doing such work nevertheless?

Or can we consider that such unhappiness could be a sign of God having something better for us rather than that work/job?

 

[Jesus4ever]

Thank you, brother.

So, what you´re saying is that if it´s God´s will for us to have some type of job, we should ignore our unhappiness of doing such work nevertheless?

Or can we consider that such unhappiness could be a sign of God having something better for us rather than that work/job?

Any other opinions, brothers and sisters?


May God bless you!

 

[UnderGrace]

If your desire to teach and be with the students does not supersede all the other challenges then you will continue to be unsure and unhappy.

This is what you need to figure out.....this is my thought.

Any other opinions, brothers and sisters?


May God bless you!

 

[Jesus4ever]

If your desire to teach and be with the students does not supersede all the other challenges then you will continue to be unsure and unhappy.

This is what you need to figure out.....this is my thought.

That´s precisely what I´ve been feeling in last 7 years, sister.

And since I can´t figure out what´s God´s will for me, that´s why I ask these two questions:

1 - Since I have some of the gifts necessary to be a teacher, must I assume it´s God´s will for me to keep doing my job and, therefore, ignore my unhappiness?

Or

2 - Should I take in account that unhappiness as a sign from Him and assume that He has something better for me rather than my job?

 

[UnderGrace]

If it is God's will you are seeking then you need to take to Him in prayer.

I personally do not believe that being unhappy in a job is in indication of God's will to leave, nor do I believe that having skills as a teacher means you need to stay a teacher.

It may be best to examine what are your other options and make a sound decision based on all the various factors that come into play. God gave us a mind to reason for a reason.

You can PM me if you would like, I teach teachers so I know the profession well.

That´s precisely what I´ve been feeling in last 7 years, sister.

And since I can´t figure out what´s God´s will for me, that´s why I ask these two questions:

1 - Since I have some of the gifts necessary to be a teacher, must I assume it´s God´s will for me to keep doing my job and, therefore, ignore my unhappiness?

Or

2 - Should I take in account that unhappiness as a sign from Him and assume that He has something better for me rather than my job?

 

[mcubed]

G-d may want you to change professions I do not know He does; you're asking the wrong people, you should be asking G-d. With that said He did not call us to be happy but to give us joy in Him.


I realize you said you do need to work. Is teaching the only work you can get? And do you teach only because you need to work? If you are not called of G-d to teach, well G-d will provide you with a different occupation, if it is what He called you to do you will be strengthened by Him even in the "human" down times and make it to the other side.

 

[PJW]

That´s precisely what I´ve been feeling in last 7 years, sister.
And since I can´t figure out what´s God´s will for me, that´s why I ask these two questions:
1 - Since I have some of the gifts necessary to be a teacher, must I assume it´s God´s will for me to keep doing my job and, therefore, ignore my unhappiness?
Or
2 - Should I take in account that unhappiness as a sign from Him and assume that He has something better for me rather than my job?

If you are smart enough to teach, why aren't you smart enough to train for a job better suited to you?
Personally, I could never work in an environment that won't allow teachings from the bible.

 

[Nehemiah6]

What´s your view about this, brothers and sisters?

God will not select your occupation for you, but He may open doors for you. It looks like you are suffering from burnout in your present profession, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking for something different, where you can still use your gifts and abilities. Also, a more important issue is what spiritual gifts have been given to you and whether you are using them and ministering to others. So start looking for other opportunities and applying for other jobs which may be more satisfying. However, keep in mind that every job has its plusses and its minuses, and there is no perfect job.

 

[Jesus4ever]

If it is God's will you are seeking then you need to take to Him in prayer.

I personally do not believe that being unhappy in a job is in indication of God's will to leave, nor do I believe that having skills as a teacher means you need to stay a teacher.

It may be best to examine what are your other options and make a sound decision based on all the various factors that come into play. God gave us a mind to reason for a reason.

You can PM me if you would like, I teach teachers so I know the profession well.

Thank you, sister!

 

[Jesus4ever]

G-d may want you to change professions I do not know He does; you're asking the wrong people, you should be asking G-d. With that said He did not call us to be happy but to give us joy in Him.

I have prayed about this subject several times. Somehow, I´m not clarified so far. I believe He hears me but I don´t have a clear answer. I must assume that the problem is mine and not His.

I realize you said you do need to work. Is teaching the only work you can get? And do you teach only because you need to work? If you are not called of G-d to teach, well G-d will provide you with a different occupation, if it is what He called you to do you will be strengthened by Him even in the "human" down times and make it to the other side.

I want to work! I think it´s very important to do it and above all, it´s the Lord´s wish for us to do that. However, I won´t deny that, since I have not pleasure doing my work, I end up doing it because of the need of working. However, the main reason is my wish to work and not the need.

 

[Jesus4ever]

If you are smart enough to teach, why aren't you smart enough to train for a job better suited to you?
Personally, I could never work in an environment that won't allow teachings from the bible.

Honestly? Because a part of me feels safe doing my job because, somehow, I fear the change for another job. So yes, a part of me desperately wants to have another job, but, at the same time, I fear that change...

 

[Jesus4ever]

God will not select your occupation for you, but He may open doors for you. It looks like you are suffering from burnout in your present profession, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking for something different, where you can still use your gifts and abilities. Also, a more important issue is what spiritual gifts have been given to you and whether you are using them and ministering to others. So start looking for other opportunities and applying for other jobs which may be more satisfying. However, keep in mind that every job has its plusses and its minuses, and there is no perfect job.

I agree, brother. No job is perfect.

Thank you!

 

[posthuman]

Is it teaching that you're growing discontent with or the instability of substitute teaching?

i assume you've looked for a permanent position? Would that change your outlook, do you think?

It's invaluable to enjoy your profession. if you really do enjoy teaching, maybe you should broaden your search for a permanent place, like vocational or secondary schools..?

 

[Joidevivre]

Once when I prayed for a definite direction about work, I kept hearing nothing. One day soon after, I had a strong thought that God wanted me to choose - and that He would bless the work of my hands no matter what work I decided upon. So, I went where my heart was leading. And I was blessed in that choice.

I just learned that when you do not hear a definite direction, it really is your choice. A lot of life is. And if God had a definite answer for you, He would for sure make sure you heard it. After all, He is in the bush burning business. You would know.

Even Adam and Eve were free to choose which trees (except one) that they were to eat of each day. We are given free choice in many matters of life. Scripture only tells us what we are not to do and what to avoid in making our choices.

 

[Jesus4ever]

Is it teaching that you're growing discontent with or the instability of substitute teaching?

i assume you've looked for a permanent position? Would that change your outlook, do you think?

It's invaluable to enjoy your profession. if you really do enjoy teaching, maybe you should broaden your search for a permanent place, like vocational or secondary schools..?

I do like teaching, and, to be honest, I do believe I´m a dedicated professional. Problem is all the problems inherent to my profession. Professional instability is one of the problems and, to be honest, it´s not the one it bothers me the most. Had the system be at least reasonably good, I´d be happier.

It´s very hard to have a permanent position but, like I said, even being in that position, I´d still remain unhappy.

 

[Jesus4ever]

Once when I prayed for a definite direction about work, I kept hearing nothing. One day soon after, I had a strong thought that God wanted me to choose - and that He would bless the work of my hands no matter what work I decided upon. So, I went where my heart was leading. And I was blessed in that choice.

I just learned that when you do not hear a definite direction, it really is your choice. A lot of life is. And if God had a definite answer for you, He would for sure make sure you heard it. After all, He is in the bush burning business. You would know.

Even Adam and Eve were free to choose which trees (except one) that they were to eat of each day. We are given free choice in many matters of life. Scripture only tells us what we are not to do and what to avoid in making our choices.

That´s wonderful to know, sister!

The only thing I´m sure of: I do want to stop being a teacher!

Not because I devalue the profession (I do believe it´s among the ones the most important ones) or because I don´t like teaching, but because of the conditions of the educative system.


What do I fear: The change.

It may feel strange, but although I´m tired of my profession, it´s the best assurance I have professionally speaking. Changing is entering in the unknown territory. It may be better or not. It may have a similar salary or not (which is most likely here).


What I´m not sure: God´s will for me in this situation.

Like I said, I seem to have no answer. And again, I should assume that I may be not worthy of his help or maybe I´m simply not being capable of understanding/hearing/acknowledging the answer I really want.
Sometimes I feel He may have given me the answer already (which is to stay), but I´m not accepting it because of my unhappiness...!
I´m confused.

 

[UnderGrace]

I do want to say God does not give unclear directions when He has something specific for us.

We need to be mature in life and make decisions for ourselves too, you will be constantly searching if you do not come to see this.

That´s wonderful to know, sister!

The only thing I´m sure of: I do want to stop being a teacher!

Not because I devalue the profession (I do believe it´s among the ones the most important ones) or because I don´t like teaching, but because of the conditions of the educative system.


What do I fear: The change.

It may feel strange, but although I´m tired of my profession, it´s the best assurance I have professionally speaking. Changing is entering in the unknown territory. It may be better or not. It may have a similar salary or not (which is most likely here).


What I´m not sure: God´s will for me in this situation.

Like I said, I seem to have no answer. And again, I should assume that I may be not worthy of his help or maybe I´m simply not being capable of understanding/hearing/acknowledging the answer I really want.
Sometimes I feel He may have given me the answer already (which is to stay), but I´m not accepting it because of my unhappiness...!
I´m confused.

 

[Jesus4ever]

I do want to say God does not give unclear directions when He has something specific for us.

We need to be mature in life and make decisions for ourselves too, you will be constantly searching if you do not come to see this.

I´m noting stating God is giving me unclear directions. I see three options:
1) - Maybe He´s already answered me and, somehow, I´m not being able to understand Him;
2) - He hasn´t answered me, which leads me to think that maybe the decision is up to me;
3) - Maybe He´s doing things in His time and hasn´t answered me yet.


Still I agree with you: we are to make decision of ourselves.