“I don’t know what to do when I ‘adult.’ How do I figure out what my passion is?”

This is a such a good question and one that many people struggle with well into adulthood. There is so much pressure to know what you’re going to do or be when you grow up, and we feel like a failure if we don’t.

I have two suggestions. First, ask yourself: “If money or other obligations were not an issue, what would I do?” For some, this may be to play music, make art or spend time outside. Once you have this answer, my next suggestion is adapted from a technique used at Toyota, called the “five whys.”

Here’s an example: If money or other obligations were not an issue, I would play music. What is it about playing music that I most enjoy?

As you work through questions like this, typically by the fifth “why” or “what,” you will be close to finding out what your passion is. Contrary to what most people think, passion is not always WHAT we do, but WHY we do it. This is such an important journey and I would also encourage you to find a trusted friend to help you through this process. When you discover your passion, “the why” will not change, however “the what” you do can, and often does, change. Knowing this hopefully will help alleviate some of the stress and pressure to find a specific job that you are meant to do as an adult.

Captain Michael Laro
Pittsburgh, PA

“God promises that He will always help us to stand up again when we feel crushed.”

“Someone I love is struggling with pornography and I don’t know what to do. Help!”

My husband has struggled with pornography, but for many years, I never knew the extent of his struggle. I didn’t truly understand what “struggling with pornography” meant for him until it cost us everything. How I wished I could have been a safe place for him in those dark days! How I wished his shame hadn’t clouded the love I had for him! Thankfully, everything came to light and love—Christ’s love in me won. My commitment was bigger than his sin and shame. If you’re struggling, pray that God would help you to identify someone who can be a safe place in the midst of your struggle and shame. It’s a struggle no one should go through alone.

Captain Ann Marie Devanney
Ogdensburg, NY

“No one around me believes in Jesus. How do I keep my faith strong?”

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV). Being surrounded by non-believers is a challenge that many Christians experience—we may sometimes feel left behind. However, the Bible has made this promise, “Do not be afraid,” to us 365 times. Do not be afraid in your faith. The Word of God continues to encourage us, and God promises that He will always help us to stand up again when we feel crushed. The Bible is a wonderful gift and the source of our lives!

Captain Yoshito Asazawa
Tokyo, Japan

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.

An officer in The Salvation Army is an ordained minister of Christian faith. They dedicate their lives, skills and service completely to God. Submit your question to an officer at peermag.org/contribute