How to Build the Habit of Trusting God with Our Work

What if the greatest obstacle in your work isn’t your skill or effort, but your ability to trust God with the outcome? So often, we strive to succeed, pouring our hearts into our work, yet struggle with fear of failure, comparison, and the need for control.

But what if there’s a better way? A way that not only honors God in your work, but also brings peace, purpose, and perseverance to all kinds of work—whether it’s your job, ministry, home life, or creative calling.

In this post, we’re diving into five powerful habits that can transform how you approach your work by trusting God with your work more deeply. These habits—overcoming fear of failure, refusing to compare yourself with others, celebrating others’ success, trusting in God’s timing, and staying the course—are not just strategies but life-changing perspectives rooted in faith.

This is the third in a series on self -worth and work. In our previous episodes, we explored the importance of grounding our identity in Christ working from our worth, not for our worth. Next, we had a conversation on the habit of committing our work to God. If you missed any of these episodes, be sure to catch them as we’ve covered a lot of ground on this topic.

🎁 Download your free copy of 15 Habits of Hope for Work featuring the best tips from the full series so you can keep growing with grace, not grind. https://gingerharrington.myflodesk.com/habits-of-work

 

 

Habit of Hope: Trust God with your work.

Galatians 6:9 challenges us to persevere when it seems like things aren’t working out, trusting God to bring fruit and growth from our work in His timing:

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.“

God has used this passage to cheer me on when I get discouraged in my work. There are days when I need that reminder to keep going, to persevere in doing good, even when the results aren’t immediate.

It’s also a reminder that in God’s perfect timing, we will see the fruit of our work if we don’t give up. The truth is, if you give up, you won’t discover what God wants to do through your work.

1. Overcome the Fear of Failure in Your Work

Fear of failure is a common challenge that often shows up in our efforts, whether at work, in ministry, or in our personal lives. It’s particularly tough for those of us who struggle with perfectionism and the desire to get everything right.

I know there’s been so many times where I’ve struggled with self -doubt, feeling inadequate or unqualified, especially when I step into a new level or take on a big task.

“God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Recognizing when fear is influencing your actions is the first step. It’s easy to let fear creep into your motivation, leading to stress and self-doubt. Instead, focus on what God has given you—His power, love, and a sound mind.

When you feel fear rising, take it to God in prayer and ask Him to replace that fear with His peace.

Fear can impact our work in so many ways, whether it makes us afraid to try something new, to move to another level or add a new skill, or even pivot in our work and do something different that we haven’t done before.

Have you let fear of failure hold you back in your work or ministry? What steps can you take to release those fears to God?

2.Refuse to Compare Your Path with Others’ God-Given Work

Comparison is a trap that leads to envy, low self-esteem, and a scarcity mindset. In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to see someone else’s success and feel like we’re falling short.

We see some one’s highlight reel, a moment of success, but not the entire process. We don’t see all the work, learning, mistakes, and challenges of their journey.

John Acuff said something that comes to mind when I start comparing myself to others: “Never compare your beginning with someone else’s middle.”

This quote has been a game-changer for many who struggle with comparison—including me.  In reality, comparison distorts our perception of ourselves and others.

Instead of focusing on what others are doing, concentrate on your own journey and the unique path God has for you. Remember, your work is valuable because it’s yours, not because it measures up to someone else’s.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that God did not create us to operate in fear, and that includes our work. Even if we are called to the same work, we’re both going to approach it differently.  We each have different experiences, strengths, personality and perspectives. So the work is going to be different. We need both. We need the AND not the OR, when it comes to the work we contribute.

Are there areas of life where you find yourself comparing to others? How can you shift your focus back to your unique journey?

3. Celebrate the Success of Others Without Losing Focus on Your Calling

“Celebrate others’ success—it doesn’t diminish your own.

We can’t stop comparison thoughts from coming to mind, but we can choose how we respond. Celebrating others’ success can be challenging, especially if you feel like their success highlights your own perceived failures. However, choosing to rejoice in others’ achievements shifts your focus from self to others.

This habit not only builds community but also fosters a sense of unity—and it’s a lot more fun. Don’t we want others to celebrate with us when we have a win or when we have a success or our work is going well?

When you pray for others and genuinely celebrate their victories, you reinforce the truth that there’s enough of God’s goodness to go around. Your success isn’t diminished by someone else’s—it’s a part of the larger story God is writing for His kingdom.

• Pray for Others: Start by praying for others’ success and asking God to bless their work. This shifts your focus from comparison to genuine support.
• Choose Celebration Over Competition. Stay humble and see others’ victories as part of God’s work. Make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate the successes of your friends, colleagues, or peers.

How do you feel when someone else succeeds? What can you do to genuinely celebrate their victory?

4. Trust in God’s Timing in Your Work and Calling

Patience is often tested when progress in our work or spiritual growth seems slow. It’s easy to become frustrated or discouraged when things don’t happen on our timeline.

Remember Galatians 6:9, which encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “Due time” or Kairos time has to do with God’s timing, not ours.

There is a season, a right time for things to come to maturity, and that includes our work. Consider the life cycle of a seed—they don’t grow overnight. It takes time, and no matter who much we want the harness, we can’t bypass the process.

God’s timing is perfect. He’s never late, even when we’re in a hurry.

I’ve come to understand that trusting God’s timing means believing that He is working behind the scenes, even when  I can’t see immediate results.

It’s about understanding that the process is just as important as the outcome.

Where in your life do you struggle to trust God’s timing? What might God be teaching you in the waiting?

5. Stay the Course When You Feel Discouraged in Your Work

Finally, perseverance is key, especially when you don’t see immediate results. It’s tempting to give up when things get tough, but true success often comes just after the moment you’re tempted to quit.

“Don’t give up. Success comes to those who stay the course.”

Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This perspective is crucial for anyone striving to achieve something meaningful.

We can’t succeed if we give up, right? When we are discouraged or tempted to give up, our emotions are vulnerable. Maybe we’ve experienced failure. At times, we’ve experienced other people surpassing us or getting opportunities that we didn’t get. Maybe we’ve actually messed up.

If we don’t stay the course, we can’t move forward.  God wants to work in and through each one of us, and that includes work that we do and the calling that He’s given to us.

• Break Down Big Tasks: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, break your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and make consistent progress.
• View Setbacks as an Opportunity: How we think about setbacks makes a difference. Remember each one is can be an opportunity to  learn, grow, and trust God more deeply.
• Keep Going: Commit to staying the course, even when it’s hard. Trust that God is using your efforts to develop your character and deepen your faith.

If you’ve been tempted to give up, is God calling you refocus and stay the course?

Conclusion

Trusting God with your work is not a one-time decision; it’s a daily habit that requires intentionality and faith. By overcoming fear, refusing to compare yourself with others, celebrating their successes, trusting God’s timing, and staying the course, you can experience a deeper sense of purpose and peace in your work.

As you go about your work this week, choose one of these habits to focus on. Start small, and ask God to help you grow in trust and dependence on Him. Leave a comment and let us know which step could help you today.

If this post resonated with you, listen to our full podcast episode where we dive deeper into these habits and offer more practical tips for integrating faith into your daily work. Don’t forget to share this with a friend who might need encouragement in their work journey!

Want Help Trusting God with Your Work?

Download the guide for this series: 15 Habits of Hope for Your Work. You’ll get 15 simple, Scripture-rooted habits to help you live from your worth, not for it.

For more on this topic, check out Chapter 12: “Moments to Work” in Holy in the Moment—a book that invites you to experience God’s grace and presence in the small, everyday choices of life.

In the Moments to Work chapter, you’ll discover how God is present in your effort, not just the outcome. Learn how to live intentionally, respond to His nudges in your workday, and trust Him with every moment.

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