Like you, I have passionate desires. I want to succeed in the things I put my hand to.

I believe Papa is also passionate and involved in everything I do.

After all, He is the One who gives us the “desires of our heart”.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4 KJV)

The problem arises, however, when worldly ambition taints these Heaven-born plans.

A call to business becomes a vain pursuit for prosperity.

The creative urge to tell your story frankensteins into a frantic yearning for fame.

This I think, is why the Lord places His finger on our tendencies:

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV)

Instead of ambition driving us to clamber our way to the top, we exit the crowd and set out hearts to follow a calm and courageous call. No more comparisons, no more competition. Just the Holy Ghost and yielded hands ready to create.

Instead of minding everyone else’s business, measuring ourselves by someone else’s showreel, we ambitiously and aggressively pursue a life detached from distraction.

In this place, deep work can begin.

Our creative output no longer adds to the noise.

Having withdrawn to the desert to escape the crowds, Jesus returned with complete assurance that his actions were divinely directed.

Faith comes by hearing, not hustling.

We can do the same. Instead of ambition leading, peace and assurance take the reins, leading us forward toward a prosperous future.