QUALIFIED
QUALIFIED
If you have ever had to fill out a job application, then I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to being “qualified” for a job. What exactly does being qualified mean, does it really matter if the person has a passion and drive for the job, and how do you become qualified? All of these questions have been flooding my mind recently whilst applying to job after job.
What does it mean to be qualified? In the most generic terms, this means that you have had experience and training in the job area that you are applying for. But, what about in the God area? When we think about being qualified in human terms we end up going down a road of doubt, despair, and depression. You second guess yourself, make bad choices, and often end up putting yourself down. I, myself, have battled the doubt-the lie: “maybe I shouldn’t apply for this because someone else is probably more qualified; I’ll just apply for an easier position.” We forget that God has placed favor on us when we gave our lives over to Him. In Psalms it says that “His love and favor surrounds us…” and in Corinthians Paul reminds us that His Favor is all that we need. This is TRUTH. If we live in that Favor and act like it, God will bless us abundantly. Not only that, but others will notice this favor.
There are many jobs out there that ask that only those “qualified” need apply. What if what they need, is not necessarily what they are asking for? I say apply anyway. There are places out there that are simply looking for people with a passion for the job. If your heart is in it, perhaps mention that in your cover letter. Any smart employer will not ignore that; they will see that you are willing to learn the ropes, take the challenges necessary, and become what they want in an employee. Not only will you bring a lively force to the company but a passionate heart is a contagious one. Others will take notice of your drive and motivation, and that is what is most needed in the work force today. Never stop fighting for what you love. If you have a passion, then fight for it and don’t give up. You might end up working for some place that you don’t want to for now, but continue after that “dream.”
Alright, so how do we become qualified? If being qualified is the only way to get a job these days, how do we go about doing so? Experience is the first thing that comes to mind. We need experience.
When Jesus asked these 12 random dudes to join Him in His ministry, do you think they were qualified? Had they ever done ministry before? Nope. However, they became qualified as soon as Christ called them into the “job.” His disciples became disciples by discipaling, i.e. LEARNING. Now they were a bunch of screw-ups, a tax collector, a few fishermen, you know guys who were not into the whole God thing. At the time they were doing what they were told they were qualified to do, as told to them by society. But Jesus decided that they were qualified for greater things.
I recently had a prayer session and conversation with my father about this. I felt that I wasn’t qualified or able to do any real job, other than spread the Gospel. He told me that sometimes that means we are NOT READY. I may feel like this because God is preparing me for what He needs me to do with my life. I think that I am only qualified to do ministry, but God might see that as I am not really. I need to have that confidence in Him to know that I can do anything. When I can live by that confidence and trust in Him, THEN I will be ready. But only God can decide when that is.
You became qualified to do anything through Him, when you gave your life over to Christ. You gained that favor and power to excel in everything. When you find out what God has planned for your life; when you discover your calling, follow that path and listen to the instruction that He gives you. It might be one day, one month, or ten years before you are ready to fully step into that “job” that you are qualified for and called into. When He decides that you are ready to jump in, He will set up everything for you to do so.
So, even so my resume may not look like much to the average employer, and I may not seem qualified to do much work, God knows I am qualified to do anything in Him. I have His favor upon my life, and anything that I come across I will excel in because He will be in it with me. That dream job will happen when I am ready, and until then I must continue learning and gaining more experience.
Prayers and Blessings to those in your search!
**If you have not given your life to Jesus and wish to do so, or would like to know about a personal relationship with Christ, please comment this blog with your email address.**
