How to Make a Living and a Life

Last Updated on July 8, 2026 by Stacy Averette

“What do you do for a living?” It’s a common question for a new acquaintance. What you’re really asking is “What’s your job? What do you do to make money? How do you spend your days?”

The answer to that question has changed throughout the seasons of my life:

• “I’m a student and a cook/cashier/waitress.”
• “I’m a grad student and a nanny.”
• “I’m a minister to children, students, and families at my church.”
• “I’m a writer.”
• “I’m a homemaker and business manager.”

But the truest answer to the question “What do you do for a living?” has always been the same, regardless of my job or income: I trust God. I work at it daily like it’s my full-time job, because it’s the best way to make a living and a life.

God is my provider. He is the One who enables me to do all the things I need to do to make a living and, more importantly, make a life.

You see, I’m prone to a scarcity mentality. My mind and its default mode, deadset on keeping me “safe,” loves to ask:

• What if there’s not enough?
• What if I’m not able?
• What if I’m not enough?

And my good and faithful Heavenly Father creates opportunities that challenge my scarcity thinking, inviting me to trust Him —to trust that He is more than enough and that He is able.

My younger days of having less—less education, experience, and money—were days of great faith for me; even though on paper, the math wasn’t mathin’. The numbers didn’t add up on my finances or my abilities.

And there was always someone ready to remind me with the question, “Aren’t you worried?”

I’d heard it enough to be ready with an answer to their worry mongering: “Not really, or I’m trying not to,” all while thinking to myself (rehearsing truth and practicing my faith), “I’m doing what I feel led by God to do, even if it doesn’t make sense to me or anyone else. I’m trusting Him with my life.”

“Surrendering my life to Christ” was a decision I made early and took literally. Sadly, some professing Christians scoffed at my naivete, assuming I’d learn the hard lesson eventually.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

As years passed, I started earning more — more degrees, more job opportunities, and more money. “Aren’t you worried?” turned into “Congratulations on your success!” But my good and faithful God continued to invite me to trust Him, to grow increasingly dependent on Him, and remember that He is my Shepherd and Provider, whether I had a little or a lot.

And I am grateful.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

So “What do I do for a living?” I trust God, and I strongly encourage you to do the same. Whatever your job or career might be, there will always be the option, the temptation, to fret and worry about all the “What Ifs?” or to lean on your own understanding and achievements.

I pray that you will work at trusting God daily like it’s your full-time job, because it’s the best way to make a living and a life.

A final thought:

It is needless to ask or discuss whether we can cope with the challenges of life in this season or the next. That’s not the right way of looking at your life. The right way is this: Is God able?

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19