Guidance Counselor

 

My guidance counselor was my second-best friend while I was in school. I visited her frequently and sometimes forgot that I wasn’t her only student. When I began exploring my career path, I felt confused and uncertain about what I wanted to pursue; I had no clear plans.

 

We didn’t exactly see eye to eye during my initial meetings with her. Based on my interests, she suggested other professions, but I didn’t trust her expertise. I thought, "How can she know me better than I know myself?" I entertained several fantasy jobs that sounded appealing because they promised a nice salary. I ignored her advice and decided to figure things out on my own. However, after struggling through a semester or two of challenging chemistry and physics courses, I found myself back in her office, ready to talk again.

 

The more we met, the more I realized she was right. Based on the data she had collected about me, the profession she recommended truly suited my personality and interests. Eventually, I accepted her guidance and discovered a career that brought me great fulfillment. 

Finding a career path is important, but discovering the purpose that God has destined for us is far greater. This also requires consistently meeting with our ultimate guidance counselor, the Holy Spirit. One of my favorite figures in the Bible to learn from is Ruth.

Ruth faced significant uncertainty when she lost her husband. She traveled with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem without any clear plans.

 

Ruth began with the only action she knew she could take—she went to glean in the fields. “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain,” she said, and she did this day after day (Ruth 2:2). This resembles our experience when we consistently engage with God’s word; we explore the scriptures to find nourishment for our souls, allowing Him to speak and plant His word in our hearts. 

Soon, Boaz, the field owner, noticed Ruth (Ruth 2:5). Likewise, God will notice us when we devote time to be with Him.

 

Naomi then instructed Ruth to go and lie down at Boaz's feet, telling her that “He will tell you what to do.” (Ruth 3:4) To lie down means to submit your will to His authority. Rather than following your own desires and instincts, submitting to the authority of God’s word will lead you to the calling and purpose He has for you.

 

When we lack a plan or purpose, we can focus on what we know we can do: pray and abide in the Word. By making this a daily practice and following his guidance, we can find personalized directions and discover God's purpose for our lives.