Finding contentment in service

Money might not follow the calling, but God never fails to provide

One of the many cool aspects of my life is that I get a chance to meet some really unique, successful, and inspiring people. One of those people happens to be a good friend who’s become an entrepreneurial mogul in several different spaces. During one of our conversations, he gave me some perspective that shifted how I see my journey and my calling.

I shared with him that I’ve found a couple different ways to generate small streams of revenue for myself and my family. They help, but they also require more time and energy than I’d like, especially when that time takes me away from my family.

What I really desired, came in the form of this question, "How do I make money while I sleep?" How do I find something that could bring in income more passively and allow me to live with more financial and physical freedom?

Now, don’t get me wrong. One of the qualities I value most in myself is that I’m a hard worker. I’ve never been afraid to grind and will not trade that in. I also believe God has given me a mind capable of doing more than just the daily hustle, something that can open doors not just for me, but for others, too.

I must have communicated all of that with a certain urgency, maybe even a little desperation, because what my friend said next really stuck with me.

Paraphrased, he said, “JC, I could show you how to become a successful entrepreneur. I can even help you with ideas. But I know one thing about you. Your life is centered around impacting children. And to be honest, it’s hard to make a lot of money in anything that directly involves giving kids the care and compassion you do.”

Sure, I heard what he said, but my spirit heard something different.

“JC, be content in your calling.”

That word — content — led me straight to Philippians 4:11-13. Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances..." And you, I, we, must trust that God will take care of the rest.

I’ll continue to pursue new ideas and ways to provide better for my family and succeed at it. However, I will not be stressed, or anxious because I know "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

God has supplied every need in my life, and I fully trust that He always will. So should you!