Will God ever force you down a path where you're unhappy?

[Godislove94]

I know should read the Bible and pray more when thinking about these things, but perhaps I'm just very stubborn...

As I prepare to go back to college this spring, I'm very unsure of what major I should declare once I'm done taking general coursework. I was a music major before my conversion, and since I've been saved I feel like God is telling me that He is no longer permitting me to pursue that major. I keep getting the feeling that I am supposed to be a photography major, but the thought of it makes me so incredibly unhappy. He has used this activity to bring two people into my life whom needed ministering to, so I'm wondering if He's calling me to do this full time...maybe He's breaking me of my selfishness and teaching me how to further deny myself, I don't know. I can't see myself making a career out of it, but I don't know that somewhere in my future God already has a photography job picked out for me and I have to trust Him and force myself to pursue it out of obedience even if I am miserable doing it. So what do you think, is God forcing me down this path to break me of selfishness and reach the lost even if I'm not happy, or am I imagining all of it? Am I selfish for pursuing a career as and being happy as a musician even if the talent He gave me isn't directly being used to bring the lost to Christ?

 

[ALEA40]

Hey there! I'm originally from NE Ohio - So. Euclid to be exact

Pray, pray, pray about it. God will show you the way. Is there any way to do both? I know a lot of people who are photographers in addition to other pursuits. Is it really all or nothing?

I've also recently had a calling that I am very reluctant to pursue. The Holy Spirit literally reached out of my chest and connected to a severely disabled young man in a waiting room at my son's therapy center. When the Holy Spirit touched that young man, the young man gave me the biggest smile, looked me in the eyes and shook my hand. The staff was shocked. I was in shock from the experience for weeks. I woke up in the middle of the night three weeks later and realized that it was a calling to work with children/young adults with developmental disabilities. After a lot of research, I realized that meant (most likely) that I would be getting a teaching certificate here in NC - the home of the lowest paid teachers in the country, abysmal teacher resources, decrepit buildings, etc. It was a huge hurdle but all I can think of is that this will be an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. God is responding to the pleas for help through people like me.

On a side note, my son is on the autism spectrum so I have had many years of experience learning about children with various developmental disabilities. Also, since I homeschooled my son for the past 2 years, I had completely separated myself from the public schools and could never had imagined that I actually might be a teacher in one. I think even homeschooling was part of this path God has set for me

Blessings!!! God is great!!!

 

[football5680]

We are not guaranteed happiness on the Earth so you may be led down a path that you do not feel is happy right now but God leads everybody down a path of ultimate happiness which leads to heaven. Just keep praying to see what God wants you to do and everything will work out in the end.

 

[timf]

So what do you think, is God forcing me down this path to break me of selfishness and reach the lost even if I'm not happy,

Some Christians in history have tried torturing themselves because they felt that this would make them more religious. I think this path may lead to an unhealthy self-preoccupation.

If you have a talent for and interest in music, you may want to consider that the Lord might use this in some way.

 

[Peripatetic]

God doesn't typically force us in any one direction over another. We may feel nudges, but it's very important to take a sober look at any feeling that we interpret as a calling from God. Sometimes it's just emotion.

Also, we can't measure whether or not we followed God's will based on how happy we are with the outcomes of our decisions. I've made some very bad choices. Some of those may have been God's will for me to face adversity, and others were probably my own stubborn choices with consequences.

When making any big decision, my advice is to use these inner spiritual prompts as one input. Also listen to the advice of advisors, family, and trusted friends. Consider the pros and cons. How doe the choices affect others? In other words: look at it from as many perspectives as possible before deciding.

 

[Sketcher]

I would recommend taking a photography-for-non-majors class and feeling it out. If you feel drawn to photography at the end of the semester, it may be that God was guiding you. If you feel pushed and bullied toward it and you still don't like it, that's not God's M.O.

All these thoughts seem so restrictive over matters that are not mentioned in Scripture, at the expense of using a known talent for God's purposes. Why do you believe this is from God?

 

[Godislove94]

I would recommend taking a photography-for-non-majors class and feeling it out. If you feel drawn to photography at the end of the semester, it may be that God was guiding you. If you feel pushed and bullied toward it and you still don't like it, that's not God's M.O.

All these thoughts seem so restrictive over matters that are not mentioned in Scripture, at the expense of using a known talent for God's purposes. Why do you believe this is from God?

I'm afraid of going to Hell for any form of disobedience, that if I sin too much God will let go of me on judgment day, or fear that He already has. 1 Samuel 15 is a passage I've been led to so to me it only confirms this.

 

[ALEA40]

I'm afraid of going to Hell for any form of disobedience, that if I sin too much God will let go of me on judgment day, or fear that He already has. 1 Samuel 15 is a passage I've been led to so to me it only confirms this.

It sounds like you are living by works It's a very easy trap to fall into. I highly recommend checking out the book Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. It is a book that completely explained grace to me and was key to bringing me to Christ.

Blessings to you!!!

 

[Arcwood]

Love, I have 2 things to say

God will not force anyone to do anything like "walk down a path that will make them unhappy" until the judgment day. This is free will and everything is up to you.

Satan seeks to mislead you more likely and make you feel as though God has such significant feelings about your earthly profession.

In my own opinion. Photography is not a major worth perusing because you can do all that on your own and master your own style that will give your work a renown of it's own.
Just because you met people doing it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. However, it may mean you will meet more people!

Like I said. God is not forcing anything upon you.

If you need actual counseling. e-mail me. lord_gord@msn.com
unless you do not appreciate my opinions.
But I can actually prove Christianity while others depend on Faith.
Christianity is like how the Muslims proclaim Islam, it is not a question of faith. It is.
I also believe in the Qur'an. But I am Christian..

 

[Sketcher]

I'm afraid of going to Hell for any form of disobedience, that if I sin too much God will let go of me on judgment day, or fear that He already has. 1 Samuel 15 is a passage I've been led to so to me it only confirms this.

Jesus didn't die so you could live a life like that. Jesus died to save you from a life like that.

" Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. " - Colossians 1:21-23a

 

[parsley]

that if I sin too much God will let go of me on judgment day, or fear that He already has.

What is the gospel? Remind yourself daily of the contract God made with you as a believer. You are His child, not His employee that He might fire.

It is good to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, follow Him in obedience... but you have a right to say to God, "It is hard to be obedient to a vague inclination; please send me more concrete information." Because from what you have told us, you're not quite sure what you're being obedient to. Do you see what I mean? If a note showed up in your mail, "Please enroll in the photography department," then you would willingly do it.

So I think you have the right to weigh this while exploring the option with a yielded heart.

Sometimes we find that when God gives us a word and we start researching it, we discover things we had no clue existed. See if your school's department has any unusual courses or collaborations with other departments. Resonation in music and imagery. Marketing for nonprofits. Grantwriting for the arts. Arts administration. Also look through photography sites and see innovations people are talking about.

In God's view, the process is often more important than the goal.

We can be effective wherever we are.

God doesn't typically force us in any one direction over another. We may feel nudges, but it's very important to take a sober look at any feeling that we interpret as a calling from God. Sometimes it's just emotion. ...Use these inner spiritual prompts as one input

In scriptures, most of the people had already chosen careers, and the ways God worked were within whatever they were doing. There are some exceptions, like being anointed as king or assigned as priests... but generally, the choice is yours.

I do understand however that there are times we want to follow God as closely as we can, and we do hear those leadings. Make sure that when you hear something, the whole caboodle isn't assumed. For instance, you might have heard the word "photography" and since you're starving for life direction, assumed it was a long term directive... when maybe it was just to join a photography club.

As you said, it led you to connect with certain people.

Be careful that you are not wrapped up in pleasing God by what you do, because He has been clear that He loves who you are. He already owns the cattle on a thousand hillsides... He does not need money, and He can make things happen in His own. If you were to stumble, He would pick you up and find another way to get things done.

On the practical side, there are not many jobs for photographers or musicians. Both are in the arts, and the term "struggling artist" has a long history. Since the digital age, photographers have found more success through large wedding packages and corporate contracts (the pics on your college catalog), television advertisements. But the world is not clamoring for more of either profession. It will take some fight.

And if you don't have fight to overcome obstacles (instead, fight to give in to what you don't want to do), then it will be hard to pay the bills. So seriously seek out whether you are really being called to this field. It can also be a good lesson in understanding God's methodology.

Maybe He is allowing you to get to that point to see what you really do want in life. Your character and love for Him will come through in whatever you do.

 

[Harry3142]

Godislove94-

A noted professional photographer wrote an article a few years ago for a magazine that specialized in photography. In that article he advised anyone who wanted to shoot photos out of enjoyment not to see photography as a means of livelihood. He went on to say that there were numerous times when he wanted to take photos of a particular feature or action, but the demands of being a professional photographer, including deadlines, restraints on where photos were permitted to be taken, and distances which needed to be traveled in order to complete an assignment, prevented him from doing what he actually enjoyed.

You are obviously an accomplished musician or you wouldn't have been accepted into a college as a music major. You also have the experience of pursuing a career in music as a profession, including its various demands on your time and talent. So I recommend that you continue with your education in music, while enjoying photography purely as a sideline. This will put you on a schedule of demands that you are already familiar with, while giving you an outlet for taking photos purely for the joy of taking those photos.

P.S: If someone is trying to convince you that unless you go into a certain profession or take certain actions you will lose your salvation, get away from him as fast as you can. That's a common tactic of manipulators whose sole desire is to attain complete control of every aspect of other people's lives, rather than its having anything whatsoever to do with orthodox Christianity.

 

[Godislove94]

I would recommend taking a photography-for-non-majors class and feeling it out. If you feel drawn to photography at the end of the semester, it may be that God was guiding you. If you feel pushed and bullied toward it and you still don't like it, that's not God's M.O.

All these thoughts seem so restrictive over matters that are not mentioned in Scripture, at the expense of using a known talent for God's purposes. Why do you believe this is from God?

I had a thought recently about Jesus that may explain it...He willingly chose to leave Heaven so He could do what He did, but out of obedience to the Father and scriptures. I read the crucifixion as told in Matthew and what really stuck out was in Gethsemane where He asked if His Father would take the cup from Him,and then while on the cross He asked God why He had forsaken Him...it almost seems like, while done out of love and obedience, Jesus seemed reluctant to die and give up all He had for us, essentially the greater good. I don't know if I'm reading things correctly, but it has me thinking; if Christ could give up Heaven for my sin, then why can't I give up music for photo so I can make disciples for Him? This combined with self denial is where the feeling of being forced to do it comes from...giving up something that was once Heaven for me and crucifying the dream and desire for the purpose of bringing at least one person to the cross through photo, which will be the activity that leads me to that person.

 

[Sketcher]

I had a thought recently about Jesus that may explain it...He willingly chose to leave Heaven so He could do what He did, but out of obedience to the Father and scriptures. I read the crucifixion as told in Matthew and what really stuck out was in Gethsemane where He asked if His Father would take the cup from Him,and then while on the cross He asked God why He had forsaken Him...it almost seems like, while done out of love and obedience, Jesus seemed reluctant to die and give up all He had for us, essentially the greater good. I don't know if I'm reading things correctly, but it has me thinking; if Christ could give up Heaven for my sin, then why can't I give up music for photo so I can make disciples for Him? This combined with self denial is where the feeling of being forced to do it comes from...giving up something that was once Heaven for me and crucifying the dream and desire for the purpose of bringing at least one person to the cross through photo, which will be the activity that leads me to that person.

Well, Jesus did deny himself, you are correct. And because he did, we are to deny ourselves when God makes it clear that he has a better way for us. This is why I would bear with a person in patience rather than lash out in anger, for instance. But what we really don't know is if God would actually want you to give up your music just because you like it a lot. Music is a talent he gave you, and in Matthew 25:14-30, we read that God wants you to use your talents in a way that honors him. It would be very strange for God to tell you to give that up then, while you still have it. The only circumstance I know of God calling someone who has a talent away from using it is with a former worship leader for our church. A combination of medical ailments in his hands and in his voice that hit him all at the same time removed his ability to play guitar and piano, as well as his ability to sing. He had been faithful to God with them up to that point, and God didn't tell him to put them on the shelf; rather he took them away from him with these circumstances in order to use him elsewhere. And he has been effectively used as a pastor since. So yes, you have a music focus, and God intends to use it. It may or may not be in a professional capacity. Now, you may also have visual potential that you do not know you have yet, and photography can be a way to use that. This is why I recommend taking that introductory photo class to explore that. If God is calling you into photography instead, he'll confirm that by drawing you into it by the end of the semester.

Your second description of this though, does not sound like God. This is another reason to play it safe with one class, and wait on the Lord further.

 

[AWorkInProgress]

I had a thought recently about Jesus that may explain it...He willingly chose to leave Heaven so He could do what He did, but out of obedience to the Father and scriptures. I read the crucifixion as told in Matthew and what really stuck out was in Gethsemane where He asked if His Father would take the cup from Him,and then while on the cross He asked God why He had forsaken Him...it almost seems like, while done out of love and obedience, Jesus seemed reluctant to die and give up all He had for us, essentially the greater good. I don't know if I'm reading things correctly, but it has me thinking; if Christ could give up Heaven for my sin, then why can't I give up music for photo so I can make disciples for Him? This combined with self denial is where the feeling of being forced to do it comes from...giving up something that was once Heaven for me and crucifying the dream and desire for the purpose of bringing at least one person to the cross through photo, which will be the activity that leads me to that person.

Sister,

I read your posts and I don't see you having peace. I believe you are scared to believe God would want to give you the desires of your heart. I don't know what sins that you come out of from music, but God redeems the sinner and makes them new in heart and mind.

The Lord is not going put in a place where it will be at war with everything within you. I believe your here as a cry for help. I believe you are trying to convince yourself in doing something you don't want to do, but what you think what God would want you to do. That is not how God works or does things. Please let me explain.

Jesus for who he is
You just described all the sacrifices that Jesus did to make our salvation possible. Did you know that it was in him to do that? God, the father, placed a powerful passion for his house in the Lord. Passion is the need to fight for and stand up for something/someone that matters greatly to that person. (John 2:13-22 )

17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

And he had a powerful compassion. Compassion is to hurt for victims of problem, and do what it takes to help them. (Matthew 9:35-38)

v36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

Jesus didn't come the earth giving up who he was, but came to the earth to be who he was and still is today. The Father would never send someone to do a task they weren't designed to do, nor make them do it out of obligation. Religion imposes that, but God doesn't. It is foolish to expect something out of someone that doesn't have it.

Why Jesus gave himself up
Jesus WILLINGLY give up his life for us and to be in obedience to the Father. He did so because he KNEW the Father for who he is, knew that the Father loved him. The Father loved him, and because of it, Jesus is able to love us. (John 10:11-18 )

15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.

This is the Jesus I know and love. This is his heart, that he not here to place you where you don't belong. He guides you to where you need to be. Sometimes we can't believe what good and wonderful things God wants to bless us with.

Are you at peace?
Jesus died so you can have a deep, personal, intimate relationship with him. When the Lord guides you into something he believes is best for you, he will help you to have peace in your soul and spirit about it. A peace that transcends all understanding. If you do not have peace about your situation, I recommend that you get in the Lords presence and ask him to give you guidance.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

He expects mistakes
You are God's daughter and he loves you. This will never change, nor will the calling on your life be lifted from you. God expects us to make mistakes along the way, and he will not condemn us for it. It's all part of the process of learning.

Oh man if you only knew how much patience God has had with me. God is more forgiving than we are on ourselves. If it were up to myself, I would have struck myself with lightning multiple times over by now. Thankfully the Lord knows what he is doing with my life and revealed himself in the worst of times and the best of times. If it weren't for his love, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Get to really know him
Just a suggestion, if there are any general classes you can take for the semester. I would take them for now, and just use this semester to really get to know Jesus for who he is.

Jesus wants to spend time with you and become a part of your life. He won't reject you, but actually enjoys the quarks of our personalities. As you get to know him, and learn to hear his voice. You will find peace and most likely be scared and surprised what he has in mind for you to do. He wants to be part of your everyday life, from music, to what outfit to wear.

Lastly I like you to watch this interview with Kim Walker Smith from Jesus Culture. Here is the link. Please watch and meditate on her testimony.

Edit(for 20th time lol) watching more on Kim Walker and I think this is helpful too. She preaches Especially after she talks about the worship routine of today.

 

[dhh712]

I know should read the Bible and pray more when thinking about these things, but perhaps I'm just very stubborn...

As I prepare to go back to college this spring, I'm very unsure of what major I should declare once I'm done taking general coursework. I was a music major before my conversion, and since I've been saved I feel like God is telling me that He is no longer permitting me to pursue that major. I keep getting the feeling that I am supposed to be a photography major, but the thought of it makes me so incredibly unhappy. He has used this activity to bring two people into my life whom needed ministering to, so I'm wondering if He's calling me to do this full time...maybe He's breaking me of my selfishness and teaching me how to further deny myself, I don't know. I can't see myself making a career out of it, but I don't know that somewhere in my future God already has a photography job picked out for me and I have to trust Him and force myself to pursue it out of obedience even if I am miserable doing it. So what do you think, is God forcing me down this path to break me of selfishness and reach the lost even if I'm not happy, or am I imagining all of it? Am I selfish for pursuing a career as and being happy as a musician even if the talent He gave me isn't directly being used to bring the lost to Christ?

Personally, I feel you should follow the career that *you* believe will make you happy. God is not suppose to be a kill-joy and He can use you in any way; He is using everyone in the way which He has fore-ordained it. It may not be something which makes any logical sense to us how it can be useful to the purpose of His glorification, but His ways are not ours; no one of us can comprehend the fine details of His plan.

I would urge you to go down this path which you feel is calling to you--out of your own corruptible heart which very well can be deceiving you. Before you do so, commit yourself to God and ask Him to give you direction. Then *follow* His directions. It may not be clear, but if there is something impeding the path which you want to take and you have committed yourself into His care, it may be His hand directing you.

I would also suggest that you somehow find a way which will allow you to read His letter to us daily and pray on a daily basis to Him, in the morning and in the evening.

I am rushed to go to work now, but this is all I can say for now. For me, I have a similar problem. I don't know if I should move back east; I'm not sure if it is what I want or if it is what is in His will for me. I am praying about it and try to make sure that I am committing myself to His care. I trust that if it is not in His will for me, He will have obstacles in my way so that I will not move there.

 

[thesunisout]

Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, but not out of fear of hell. God isn't going to send you to hell because you failed to take the major that He wanted you in. Some have said in this thread God leaves everything up to you; if you read the scripture you'll see that God had His people make some hard choices and brought them out into a new life that He planned for them. More often than not it wasn't what they had planned to do, and sometimes it was very hard. God wants to be involved in every area of your life, but as a loving Father and not as a harsh disciplinarian. So, half of what you believe is not true, that God is hanging hell over your head if you don't do everything right. The other half, though, may yet be true and God does want you to do photography..as someone else said, test the waters with a class or two and see where the Spirit leads you. Keep praying for His wisdom, and guidance, and ask Him to reveal His Fatherly love for you sister. God bless.

 

[FredHoyle]

I think you will find that the Lord helps those who help themselves, try thinking for yourself, this has two benefits,
the first is you won't blame God if things do not go according to plan and the other is you will take responsibility for your own actions.

 

[thesunisout]

I think you will find that the Lord helps those who help themselves, try thinking for yourself, this has two benefits,
the first is you won't blame God if things do not go according to plan and the other is you will take responsibility for your own actions.

Where do you find that teaching in the bible "God helps those who help themselves"?

 

[RDKirk]

I know should read the Bible and pray more when thinking about these things, but perhaps I'm just very stubborn...

As I prepare to go back to college this spring, I'm very unsure of what major I should declare once I'm done taking general coursework. I was a music major before my conversion, and since I've been saved I feel like God is telling me that He is no longer permitting me to pursue that major. I keep getting the feeling that I am supposed to be a photography major, but the thought of it makes me so incredibly unhappy. He has used this activity to bring two people into my life whom needed ministering to, so I'm wondering if He's calling me to do this full time...maybe He's breaking me of my selfishness and teaching me how to further deny myself, I don't know. I can't see myself making a career out of it, but I don't know that somewhere in my future God already has a photography job picked out for me and I have to trust Him and force myself to pursue it out of obedience even if I am miserable doing it. So what do you think, is God forcing me down this path to break me of selfishness and reach the lost even if I'm not happy, or am I imagining all of it? Am I selfish for pursuing a career as and being happy as a musician even if the talent He gave me isn't directly being used to bring the lost to Christ?

Personal opinion: Being a photographer myself, I'd say...probably not.

Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven images. -- Exodus 20

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! -- Psalm 150

The Lord seems to be much more interested in musicians than photographers.

The Lord wants you in His service for His mission, not just "finding a job." For a musician, finding a way to serve the Lord is practically a no-brainer. For a photographer, it's a bit tougher.

I'm not saying God doesn't want you to be a photographer. In fact, He may want you to be a witness for Him to one particular person in all the world, and it may be as a photographer that you will someday meet that person. It could happen--God is a trip sometimes.

But this is my point:

"Seek first the kingdom of Heaven."

Not so much "what should my job be?" but "How can I serve you, Lord?"