Discerning God’s Calling in Your Career

Aug 7 / SendYouth Team
"Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave,
there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."
— Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT)

For many young Africans today, career choices often start with one question: “How much does it pay?” And honestly? With unemployment rates so high and opportunities so scarce, it’s a fair question. We all need to survive.

But if you’re a follower of Jesus, there’s more at stake than just paying the bills. What if your job isn’t only about earning money… but about fulfilling God’s purpose for your life?

This blog post is a heartfelt reminder: your work can be more than a hustle—it can be holy. It’s a call to move beyond chasing profit and step into living with purpose, rejecting the half-truths of the prosperity gospel and embracing God’s bigger vision for your life. 

The Prosperity Gospel’s Trap

It’s everywhere on your feed, in some pulpits, even in your dreams.

Shiny cars. Designer brands. First-class flights.

These things are often presented as proof that God is blessing someone’s life. Prosperity preachers tell us that if you have enough faith, you’ll automatically have enough money.

But the Bible paints a different picture.
Jesus, the Son of God, had no place to lay His head. Paul, one of the greatest apostles, worked with his hands and endured hardship (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).

God does bless His children, yes. But wealth isn’t the measure of faith. Obedience is.

"Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time." — Proverbs 13:11 (NLT)

Choosing a career for money alone can leave you feeling empty. But when you walk in God’s will, even the most “ordinary” job becomes a divine assignment.

What is a Calling, Really?

A calling is not just for pastors, prophets, or missionaries. It’s for every believer. It’s the work God has gifted you to do, the needs He’s placed on your heart, and the opportunities He’s opened before you.

Your calling could be baking, building, teaching, nursing, fixing, writing, or coding. What matters is why you do it and how you serve people through it.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” That means showing up with excellence—whether or not anyone is watching—because your work is a form of worship.

Kingdom Entrepreneurs: Real Stories of Calling

1. Augustine Ebiem – From Developer to Mentor

Augustine worked in tech but transformed his career into a form of ministry. He now mentors youth in coding and discipleship across Nigeria. His story showcases how technology careers can become platforms for spiritual investment.
(Wikipedia, Self-taught developer success stories)

2. Coffee with Purpose: Elizabeth Nalugemwa
In Uganda, Elizabeth founded Kyaffe Coffee, a business empowering over 1,500 women coffee farmers with fair trade, skills training, and leadership development. Her calling is rooted in community transformation, not profit alone.
(Wikipedia)

Discerning God’s Calling in Your Career

1. Ask Better Questions

Don’t just ask what makes money. Ask:
  • o What gifts has God given me?
  • o What hurts others that break my heart?
  • o Where do I sense God’s peace?

2. Seek Godly Counsel
“Plans fail without counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)

3. Start Small and Serve Well
You don’t need a grand plan—take the next faithful step and do it with excellence.

4. Root Yourself in Scripture and Prayer
Discernment flows from consistent communion with God.

Work That Outlives You

One day, your work will stop. But the impact of calling endures. Choose purpose over passing success. Become a servant of Christ, not a slave to success.


“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus...” — Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

Final Thoughts

Your career isn't just about income—it’s about impact. Ready to step into God’s calling—whether in business, arts, trade, or church? Start now: serve with excellence, love well, and trust God with your story.


At SendYouth International, we walk alongside young Africans as they discover their calling. If you’re ready to deepen your purpose, explore our discipleship resources, training, and community. Let’s build Kingdom impact together.

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