“Do what you love and love what you do” We’ve all heard it – and perhaps even fantasized about it. But is it really the secret to happiness when it comes to choosing a career?
Today, most of us are stuck in a bind between two competing forces: the desire to follow our dream and the need to earn a living. Can you find a way to have both, or must you choose between them?
Let’s look closer, with God’s Word in mind
How Do I Know My Passion?
Passion isn’t always something we find from the time we are children – but in some cases, it begins early. I remember when I was five years old, giving homemade “tests” to my younger cousins when we played together, and writing stories before I had any idea about grammar. Fast-forward 25 years, and i get to live out both of those passions as a teacher and writer.
What did you dream to be as a child? Does any of it still reside within you?
God tends to sow seeds of purpose in us at an early age. Whether your passion arrived as a childhood dream or something you stumbled upon along the journey of life, it tends to show you a portion of your calling. As Proverbs 20:5 states:
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out”
Passion is generally the flame that makes the long days manageable and the late nights justifiable. It fuels passion for creativity, joy, and motivation. But still, the question lingers—can passion alone cover the rent?
Can i Work for Money and Have Passion as a Hobbies?
It’s common advice: “Get a job to make money, and enjoy your passion on the side.” After all, bills must be paid, and responsibilities met. But is that really all life is meant to be?
Ecclesiastes 3:13 says:
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
Work is meant to exhaust us, not constantly drain us. God wants us to be blessed in what we do. There may be periods of sacrifice, but you must ask yourself: How much is your peace, joy, and time worth?
Should i “Make It Work” in a Job i Hate?
Let’s be realistic: there is no such thing as a perfect job. Even when you’re walking in your passion, there will be times when you wonder if it’s all worth it. But there’s a distinction between short-term frustration and long-term devastation. If your work environment is toxic, emotionally draining, or physically hazardous, don’t disregard that.
Cast your concerns before God. He takes your well-being seriously. James 1:5 says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
God may not immediately remove you from suffering, but He will guide your steps. Whether it’s to stay and learn something, meet someone, or transition into something else, He will not leave you without way.
This is the most important question of them all. In each career decision, we must first ask: God, what do You want for me in this season? Your Creator understands your heart better than you do, and He knows how to place your passion within His plan.
Jeremiah 33:3 is a reminder of this promise:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Sometimes, He’ll have you make a move that doesn’t make sense. Other times, He’ll have you wait. But listen to this: absolutely nothing is ever wasted in God’s hands. Not your talents, not your tears, not even your waiting.
Is It Possible to Have Both Passion and Provision?
Yes, it is possible. You can walk in your calling and still be provided for.
When I began to teach, I cut my salary from the last job. It was terrifying – but I knew God had called me to do that job. And although I earned less, I lacked for nothing. He provided, as He promised in Luke 12:27–30:
“Consider the wild flowers, how they grow. They neither labor nor spin. But I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. Your Father knows that you lack them.”
At that time, I learned about my heart and God’s provision. And I knew: God’s instruction often leads to peace and purpose.
Final Thoughts: Chase God First
The key is not to seek passion or wealth. It’s to seek God. When you seek Him first, everything else shall be added unto you—maybe not everything simultaneously, but always in due time.
Matthew 6:33 reads:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Ask Him today: “God, where would You have me go? What would You have me do?” Amaze Him with how incredibly He knows your passion, your needs, and your destiny.
You don’t get to choose between passion and provision. You only get to choose obedience – and the rest works itself out.
