The Carpenter and the Ladder: A Tale of Two Builders

Once upon a time in a small village nestled between the mountains and the sea, there lived two carpenters—Thomas and Eli.

Thomas was diligent and hopeful. Every morning, he dressed neatly, polished his tools, and went out in search of someone who needed a carpenter. He walked from house to house, asking, “Do you have any work for me?” Most days, the answer was no. A few kind souls offered him odd jobs here and there, but nothing consistent. He kept waiting—waiting for the big opportunity, for someone to recognize his potential and offer him a grand project.

Eli, on the other hand, was… well, let’s say “peculiar.” He didn’t wait. He looked around, saw that the village square didn’t have a bench. So he built one. Then he noticed the elderly woman down the lane struggling with a creaky door, so he fixed it. He carved wooden toys for children, built ladders, repaired roofs, and even made signs for local shops. People didn’t hire him at first—he just did things. Eventually, people began to seek him out. “Hey Eli, can you build me a table?” “My cousin needs a fence.” “Could you teach my son some of your skills?”

Thomas was still waiting. Eli was already working.

And here’s the twist: they both started with the same tools.

We’ve All Been Thomas

Let’s be honest. Many of us have been Thomas.

Polishing our resumes instead of our skills. Waiting for someone to notice us instead of taking initiative. Scrolling through job boards like it’s a full-time job, applying endlessly, refreshing our inboxes as if the internet itself will deliver a miracle.

We tell ourselves, “If someone would just give me a chance…”

But what if the real chance begins the moment you stop waiting to be chosen?

7-Point Guide to Stop Job Hunting and Start Doing Meaningful Work

1. Stop Waiting to Be Chosen. Choose Yourself.

Let’s cut to the chase: You’re not a loaf of bread waiting to be picked from the shelf.

God didn’t design you to be passive. The first chapter of Genesis doesn’t say, “And God placed Adam on LinkedIn and told him to wait for a recruiter.” Nope. God gave man work. Responsibility. Authority.

You don’t need permission to start doing meaningful work. You already have divine authorization.

Humor me for a second—imagine if David waited for Goliath to submit a formal challenge via email. “Dear David, I saw your slingshot experience and would like to invite you to battle.” Ridiculous, right?

David showed up. And so should you.

2. A Job Is Given. Work Is Created.

Jobs are positions someone else grants. Work is a contribution you initiate.

We often confuse the two. Think of a job as a well—you draw from it for sustenance. But work is a river—flowing from within you. It’s the difference between surviving and creating.

Jesus wasn’t “hired” to feed the 5,000. He did the work—taking five loaves and two fish and creating a miracle. The apostles didn’t submit applications. They stepped into calling.

Here’s the kicker: if you focus on doing the work, the job often finds you.

3. You Already Have Something. Start There.

You might think you need more qualifications, more money, or more time. But what if what you have is enough to start?

Remember the widow in 2 Kings 4? All she had was a little jar of oil. But when she acted in faith, that little became more than enough.

What do you have?

• A laptop?
• A phone?
• Curiosity?
• Experience from failure?
• A couple of connections?
• The ability to Google things?

That’s your jar of oil. Use it.

4. Curiosity Is a Powerful Compass. Follow It.

Curiosity is underrated. In school, we’re told to sit still and wait for the teacher. But in life, curiosity is the teacher.

If something intrigues you, follow the thread. Research it. Tinker with it. Ask questions. Try things.

Some of the most successful people on Earth didn’t start with a master plan. They just followed a hunch. Curiosity turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Let’s put it this way: Curiosity is the Holy Spirit’s way of saying, “This way, beloved.”

5. Create Before You’re Ready

Here’s a truth that might hurt: You’ll never feel ready.

Nobody wakes up and says, “Today, I am perfectly qualified to launch my dream.”

Readiness is a myth sold by perfectionism. If Noah waited to be a marine engineer, we’d all be fish food.

Creation isn’t about perfection—it’s about progression. Start messy. Grow as you go.

Make your first video awkwardly. Write your first blog clumsily. Build your first project imperfectly.

But start.

6. Build Instead of Beg

The world doesn’t need more beggars of opportunity. It needs builders of value.

Let your work speak for you. Don’t just say, “Please hire me.” Say, “Here’s what I’ve built. Here’s what I can do.”

Imagine someone sends you a cold message on LinkedIn:

“Hi, I’m looking for opportunities. Let me know if you have any.”

Now imagine this instead:

“Hi, I noticed your company is working on XYZ. I made this prototype that solves part of the problem. Would love to contribute more.”

Who gets the callback?

Exactly.

7. Value Creation Attracts Opportunity

When you focus on serving others, the opportunities often come looking for you.

This is not motivational talk—it’s a law of life. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” (Luke 6:38)

Not “apply,” not “beg,” not “wait”—give.

Solve a real problem. Help someone. Share your process. Be visible and consistent.

Do that long enough, and you won’t just get opportunities—you’ll be overwhelmed by them.

Practical Steps to Stop Job Hunting and Start Creating Your Own Job Opportunities

Ready to take action? Here’s your action list:

1. Work on One Meaningful Project

Instead of spraying your resume into the digital void, build something. Anything.

• A resource for jobseekers in your niche
• A blog series about lessons from unemployment
• A prototype for a business idea
• A redesigned portfolio website

2. Offer Free or Low-Cost Help

Pro bono is not slavery—it’s strategy.

You gain:

• Experience
• Testimonials
• Real-world feedback
• Visibility

Start small. Help a friend. Volunteer your skills in a Facebook group. Prove your value before charging full price.

3. Document Your Journey

Turn your learning process into content.

• Write a post: “What I Learned Trying to Design a Logo with No Experience”
• Share a video: “Behind-the-Scenes of Building My First Website”
• Publish a case study: “How I Helped a Local Store Grow Sales by 30%”

People love learners who are transparent.

4. Speak Up and Show Up

Comment on LinkedIn posts. Ask questions at webinars. DM people (respectfully). Share your thoughts online.

Don’t be invisible. Be engaged.

5. Build a Portfolio, Not Just a Resume

A resume says, “Here’s what I’ve done.”
A portfolio says, “Here’s what I can do.”

Even if it’s mock projects, create something tangible. Employers and clients love proof.

6. Send Value, Not Just Applications

Want to stand out? Instead of a sending a cold email with your CV, try this:

• Research the company’s challenges.
• Create a quick solution or suggestion.
• Send a message like, “I noticed X. Here’s something I tried that might help…”

No one ignores people who solve problems.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. That one comment you got? Win. That unpaid project you finished? Win.

Celebrate. Reflect. Multiply.

Mindset Shifts to Internalize

Let these shifts guide your daily thinking:

Closing Thoughts: The World Needs What You Carry

You’re not just here to make money or get a job. You’re here to make a difference.

The small steps you take today—writing a blog, fixing a neighbor’s website, contributing to a project—are not insignificant. They’re seeds. And like the mustard seed, they can grow into something that shelters and nourishes many.

So stop waiting. Start building. Your ladder doesn’t need to be given to you—it can be crafted, one rung at a time.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10

You don’t need to be rich to be generous. You don’t need to be famous to be impactful. You just need to begin.

So here’s your challenge:

• Choose yourself.
• Use what you have.
• Create value today.

The world is waiting—not for your resume, but for your contribution.

You were never just meant to hunt for jobs.

You were made to create work.

So, stop job hunting and start putting yourself to work.