Reflection Questions:
Sample Prayer:
“Lord, guide me to the right work and use my gifts for Your glory. Give me favor and influence to impact my workplace for You. Show me how to use my hobbies and talents for Your purposes. Help me find rest and joy in the good gifts You’ve given me.”
Well, hey, friends, this is Bobby McGraw. Thank you for being part of the weekday podcast today. Pastor Chuck and I love doing these, and I want to invite you to join us this Sunday for week number two of what only in fact, on the podcast we're continuing our series called that what Only God can do, where we're looking at areas of our lives where we need God's power, his presence, and his provision. Today we're going to talk about something that I think impacts all of us, both our work and our rest. Whether you're in a job you love, a job that drains you, or trying to figure out what's next, we all wrestle with questions like, am I in the right place? Is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? How do I make a difference where I am? And beyond work, we also ask, how do I find balance? You know, how do I find rest? How do I enjoy the good gifts that God has given me? These are big questions. And I think the good news is that God cares about them both. Like, he created us to work and to rest. And when we let him lead in these areas, he does what only he can do. And so let's start by talking about our work and our calling. What is our purpose, our vocation? Maybe you've prayed something like this, like, lord, guide me to the right work and use my gifts for your glory. It may be something like, give me favor and influence to impact my workplace for you. The truth is we spend, I'm telling you, a huge chunk of our lives working, whether it's in an office space, at home, in ministry, or out in the field. Our work takes up a lot of time. So it makes sense that we want to know, am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing? Ephesians 2, verse 10 gives us this powerful reminder. It says, for we are God's handiwork. We're created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. What that means is that God has a purpose for you, like he created you uniquely with gifts and passions and calling that fits into his greater plan. But if we're honest, sometimes that calling feels really clear, and other times we feel stuck. So the question today is, how do we trust God in this area number one, I would say, Seek him first. Proverbs 3, 5, 6 tells us, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways. Submit to him and he will make your path straight. And so before making big decisions, spend time in prayer. Ask God to guide you where he wants you. Number two. Use the gifts he's already given you. Sometimes we wait for big, clear signs from heaven. When God has already given us talents and he's given us opportunities, what are you naturally good at? What do people say that you excel in? Those might be clues to how God wants to use you. Number three. Work with excellence where you are. Colossians 3:23 says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you're working for the Lord, not human masters. So even if your job isn't your dream job, how you work today actually does matter. God often moves us forward when we're faithful in the small things. Then there's the second part of this, asking God for favor and influence in your workplace. God doesn't just place us in jobs to earn a paycheck. He places us there for a reason. You may be the only Jesus someone sees at work. You may be there to encourage, to lead, or to influence people for the kingdom. You can think about Daniel in the Bible. He was taken into Babylon. He was placed in a culture that didn't follow God, and yet God gave him favor. He remained faithful, and because of that, he influenced kings and leaders and ultimately the world. So if you're in a work environment that feels tough, don't check out. Ask God for favor. Ask. Ask him to open doors, to make a difference, and trust that he's using you right where you are. Now let's flip the coin and let's talk about our passions and rest. Maybe you've said things like, God, show me how to use my hobbies and talents for your purpose. Or maybe help me to find rest and joy in the good gifts you've given me. I love this because sometimes we think our hobbies or our passions don't matter to God. But here's the truth. He made us creative, he made us curious, and he wired us for enjoyment. First Corinthians 10:31 says, so whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. And that means things that you love, things that bring you joy. Those things can actually be used for God's glory. So think about this. If you love music, could you use it to encourage others? If you love sports? Could you build friendships through it? If you love art, could you create something that points people to God? Because God often works through our passions to open doors for relationships and impact. He's not asking you to abandon the things you love. He's inviting you to use them for his kingdom. And then there's rest. God designed you to rest. We live in a culture that celebrates hustle. The message is often grind harder, work longer, and sleep when you're dead. But that's not actually how God wired us. Even in the beginning, in Genesis 2, 2, we see that God himself rested. And throughout Scripture, he commands us to do the same. Just Jesus said in Matthew 11, 28 and 29, he said, come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and will find rest. You will find rest for your souls, true rest. It's not about taking a break. It's about recharging in God's presence. So how do we live that out? Number one, I would say schedule intentional rest. Just like you plan your work, plan your rest. Make time for things that refresh your soul. Number two, unplug and be present. Sometimes we don't rest because we never stop scrolling, responding, or checking notifications. Try creating space to step away from those distractions. Number three, trust that rest is part of God's plan. That when we slow down, we're reminded that we are not God. The world keeps spinning and God keeps working, even when we take a break. So as we wrap up today, I want you to reflect on these two questions. One, are you inviting God into your work and purpose? And then two, are you making space for rest and the passions he's given you? Both work and rest. They're both holy when we invite God into them. Well, if this is helpful content, I want to invite you over to the website eastern sugarhill.com, eastern sugarhill.com and click the tab that says Resources. You'll find more resources that go along with today's podcast and additional ones that I think will strengthen your faith. But before we go, let's pray together. Father, thank you for giving us both work and rest. Would you guide us in our purpose? Would you open doors for influence and God? Would you help us to use our gifts for your glory and God? At the same time? Would you help us to embrace rest, knowing that you designed us for more than just striving God? Would our work and our rest be acts of worship to you. We trust you in every season. It's in your name we pray. Amen. Well, thanks so much for being with us on the Weekday podcast. Join us again on Monday where we dive into the next episode of what on Only God Can Do. Until then, keep trusting, keep working, and don't forget to rest. Go in peace.
