“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this.” Esther 4:14
As the world is experiencing this pandemic of COVID-19, many of us are finding ourselves in a situation of uncertainty, where we are prone to fall into despair, and even ask God why such calamity? However, I want to assure you that God did not make a mistake for placing us in this specific time and period. I know that He has a purpose and a plan for our lives. As we are in confinement and lockdown, we have time to think, analyze our lives and our purpose or calling on this earth. So let us use this time wisely!.
You were born in times like this for a purpose
You are not a mistake nor were you born by pure hazard. You are wonderfully and beautifully made. God made sure that the right sperm and egg met at a specific time, with specific DNA to form you and for you to be exactly who you are right now. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “ I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb, before you were born I set you apart and I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” These words were addressed to Jeremiah, but they concerned us all and particularly women of African descent who have historically been lagged behind in divine appointing. Women’s lives historically and Biblically have been limited to being under the shelter of a male. As an African woman, we also have the weight of customs on our shoulders. We are mostly under the protection of our parents; they chose what to do and where to go for us, even up to your careers. Then, once you are an adult, you are handed over to a husband through marriage, who is the head of the household, and you are to follow his instructions as the godly woman you are. There is little room to figure out who you really are apart from your surroundings. Then, comes a time when you wonder if all you were created for was just that. It may be that your purpose is to be a stay-at-home mother, raise your children and support your husband. If that is your situation, you are totally satisfied in your role, but if after all you still feel an emptiness, that may be a sign that God has something, in addition, for you to do; ‘for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ Ephesians 2:10.
- Knowing God’s calling for your life
Unveil your talents. This is the simplest way to know your calling. What is that thing that comes easy to you? It may be reading, writing, decorating, designing or studying to name a few. What is it that makes you glow? Can this activity be used to fulfill your purpose and longing while serving others? As you read this blog and start to visualize those things that fulfill you the most, you will need to pray about the next steps forward. However, remember that faith without works is dead! Therefore, start acting on your plan without delay.
Analyze your life journey. Did God purposely put you in position of learning something that can lead to uncover your calling? For instance, it was not until I started working with refugees that I discovered my life calling and it was completely different from what I was doing at that moment. Still, He placed me in that specific environment to show me what He had in mind when He created me.
Do not be afraid of failing. Failing teaches us that we either need to put more effort or that whatever it is we are doing is probably not our calling. If it is not your calling, keep searching. If it is your calling, but you failed at a first, even the second attempt, change the strategy and double the effort, but whatever you do, do not leave room for discouragement. As black women, we put much pressure on ourselves, and the fear of failing cripples us in such a way that we never move forward in our life’s purpose. Failing is a part of the journey. Sometimes failure is even good for you.
A life of prayer will sustain you. You may realize that your calling is bigger than you previously anticipated, let me assure you that you are in the right path. To fulfill that calling you will need a close relationship with God. I can tell you that the one to two minutes, microwave prayer will not sustain you in your journey. You need a great relationship with God. There will come times you will want to abandon your calling, you will even question God as to why He gave you such a dream and burden. However, the only way of getting through those challenging periods is prayer.
It is a privilege to be chosen and to accomplish a mission for the kingdom. As women of faith and black women, we live a period of unprecedented opportunities and platforms to serve God and our communities. God has chosen us for a time like this to rise up and shine, to use our unique talents, and to leave a legacy for the future generation, but it is up to us to do something about it.
By Grace Karambizi
Also from this author
https://www.femmesdesperance.org/en/4608-2/
https://www.femmesdesperance.org/en/quand-dieu-dit-non/
