Passion

Passion is sometimes it is like looking for a unicorn. You know, the pink ones with the long sparky mane, not the run-of-the-mill white one, they’re too familiar. For some people, passion is make-believe. Some people see it in others, but they can’t find it in themselves. But, once you do find it, it redefines you. It changes the way you approach everything; it becomes the air that you breathe. It’s a high that won’t stop.

How do we know we will ever find our passion? I’ll warn you that I don’t have answers. However, I have a little knowledge and a little direction, and possibly some experience that might help you find your passion.

But it is your quest.

Sima Ballinger defined passion as “passion comes from the inner desires of our heart. Passion comes from our belief and value system, which, in turn, creates a purpose for our very existence.”

There are three specific attributes she applies to passion.

Passion comes from the inner desire of our hearts.

Psalms 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Proverbs 20:5, “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

Passion comes from our beliefs and value system.

Ephesians 1:11 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Passion creates a purpose for our very existence.

Exodus 9: 16, “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Here is the journey God took me on:

TRUST GOD

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. If it is weak, the relationship falls apart. If it is strong, the relationship weathers many a storm. It is gut-check time. Do you trust that God truly loves you and wants a great life for you? Does that trust extend to your wallet and your time?

Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart decides his way: but the LORD directs his steps.”

We have talked a lot about how God made you as a unique person having a destination. You have to be willing to modify your steps even after you have determined your way. There is no hiding the fact that you have to move, but will you allow God to steer once in motion?

It all starts with trust; do you trust Him?

USE WHAT HE GIVES YOU

We don’t reinvent ourselves; we repurpose ourselves. Our passion is built around the attributes that God created for us in the womb. We do not have to create this new personification. We are new in Christ, but we are the same person God originally made us; we are just trying to jettison the excess baggage. We are trying to shake off all the stuff that a fallen world has heaped upon us.

Finding our passion is not adding on but shaking off. We need to shake off old attitudes, old habits, old preconceptions of our self-worth or talents. We need to forget what the world defines as success and focus on what God has already defined for us. What is that small voice telling us about true joy? What is that hunger we feel? What is that longing?

It is to get back to what God had planned for us. It is to use the past to build the future.

Colossians 1:16, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

STAY IN PRAYER

James 1: 5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

BE INTENTIONAL

You can’t steer a stationary ship. You want something; you have to move. I remember a hiking t-shirt that I saw that said, “The hardest step in a hike is the first one out the front door” I thought Amen to that. If we spent all our time thinking about how arduous the journey might be, we would never leave home. When we don’t know where we should go, we tend not to go anywhere.

If you don’t have a plan, then set a date when you will have a plan. That plan may only be to find out more information. But do something. Once you think you have an idea, pursue it until God stops you or redirects you. God will course correct you when needed. He may think you need some additional experience before you are ready. If you don’t keep moving, you will never get the experience.

Ephesians 5:15-17, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Stay in communication with God at all times. You’re moving; you need guidance. Guidance comes from communications. Read, meditate, pray, seek Christian council, keep all channels open.

Proverbs 10:4, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

James 4:17, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”