“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” -Psalm 37:4
Growing up, my Dad would always tell me: “Do what you are passionate about.” Clearly, he still emulates this philosophy with his zeal as a physical therapist. He can talk for hours about the benefits of the profession and the countless people he has helped rehabilitate over the years. Retirement is not an option for him. He works harder than anyone I know in this wonderful field of medicine.
As I got older, finding my passion was nearly impossible. My brothers clearly loved medicine like my Dad. I knew my middle brother would become a doctor (which he is) and my eldest would follow the footsteps of my father as a therapist. I, on the other hand, didn’t have a clear calling in life.
When I was in college, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was meditating for hours on the fundamental questions concerning life, such as: “What is the purpose and meaning of existence?” “What does it mean to be a human?” “Why do we act and think the way we do?”
I decided to pursue psychology because I was fascinated with the mental aspects of human nature. I remember taking abnormal psychology and being mesmerized by all the dysfunctions that humans were diagnosed with, such as bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, etc.
For the first time, there was an “awe moment” where I thought this could be my passion. I wanted to be the healer of the “soul” rather than the healer of the “body.” As I learned more about the realm of psychology in college—the more I wanted to be a clinical psychologist. Upon graduation, I was ready to apply to the doctorate of psychology program in order to help people with mental disorders.
During this time, I also became a born-again believer. A friend and college student from Nigeria taught me Scripture—His passion for the Lord was gripping. We would pray fervently for our campus and share the good news that God saves sinners. As my love for the Lord grew, I started to drift away from the idea of being a psychologist to my focus as a Christian pastor.
I really didn’t know where to begin. Upon graduation, I stayed at home for a year and even contemplated going into physical therapy. However, I got a brochure from a seminary school and started to do some research online. Immediately, I was fascinated by the idea of getting my Master of Divinity degree to teach the Bible—I applied online and got accepted.
The next day, I told my Mom. She kind of knew deep down inside that my passion was in learning the Bible, sharing Jesus with others, and being a biblical counselor. Both my parents were happy for me and said, “Go for it.” Amazingly, I got accepted just in time to start my training the following week.
I rushed down to Louisville, Kentucky—stayed in the dormitory on campus, and began my pursuit of attaining a theological education at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Looking back now, it was a culture shock. I hadn’t grown up in the Baptist tradition. I was raised Roman Catholic. However, I felt warmly embraced and accepted.
Honestly, it was an incredible journey. I loved every moment of it. I met my beautiful wife there. I developed strong relationships with like-minded believers. My heart and love for the Lord continued to increase. During this time, I could tell that others were further along in the Christian journey than myself. I was a recent convert—probably would have been told by a local elder not to pursue this degree just yet.
Nevertheless, God called me to become a minister of the gospel. I did very well in school—graduating with honors. Upon graduation, I began ministering at a small local church just outside of Louisville. A few years later, I received an email and phone call from a good pastor friend in Indiana. He offered me a job as an Associate Pastor. I gladly accepted the offer.
For the next three years, I gave my heart and passion towards ministering the gospel in my hometown. Quite frankly, it was the happiest time of my life. I was a pastor full time, doing what I loved–evangelizing to the lost, counseling the broken-hearted, and preaching the good news that God saves sinners. When you realize that it doesn’t matter how much money you make in whatever profession or career you pursue, whether ministry, medicine, or law, you know you have arrived at a passion you can pursue for the glory of God.
What’s your story? I know God has a plan for your life. He expressly says to take delight in Him, and He will give you the desires of your heart. You may be wondering—but what exactly is my passion? How do I find it? First, ask yourself this: “What do I spend most of my time thinking about?”
As believers, the first and foremost command is to love God. We should all be spending our greatest time in fellowship with Him. But outside of praising Jesus, what is it that you desire? Do you love medicine? Are you perusing medical journals online? Or do you find these topics boring and unmotivating? Are you wanting to start your own business? Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?
Begin asking yourselves questions. Introspect your heart. Pray for God to reveal your wishes and desires. He wants you to pursue your passion for His glory. He has each gifted us with certain personality traits. Some of us are artistic and geared towards the creative arts. Find a spot to grow there! Others are more interested in law and order. Maybe pursue a career in jurisprudence! Whatever you decide, do it all for the glory of God. I wish you the very best. Blessings!
Article written by Chad A. Damitz
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