Why are you here?
What is your purpose?
Ever asked these questions? I have. And as a 23 year old with no real career plan in sight, I constantly wonder if I may be missing it. When thinking ahead about being in Japan for a year, I used to frequently question if this is really what I should be doing with my life. How am I supposed to know?
The bible mentions several times that we are created
specifically by God for something. He knows us and what our lives will be like before we are even thought of by our parents (see Psalm 139:13-16). Ephesians says that, “…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).
In the book of Esther, Mordecai tells Esther in the midst of
her doubt and uncertainty, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal
position for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
As I go off to Japan, one thing that had never crossed my
mind—until a blessed friend recently pointed it out to me—was how I am specifically designed and set
up to succeed in my new journey. That I have been created for such a time
as this. Every step I've taken in life has not been in vain; and every tear, every joy, has built me up to position me to walk into this next step.
My friend began to list a number of ways in which I have been pre-equipped for this adventure:
I grew up in Japan, so I grew to love the culture, learn the
language, and understand the people.
I have had to work hard through college, juggling both full time schooling, with working 25+ hours a week.
I have been promoted to a leadership role at Panera Bread, which has helped prepare me to step up to lead our small team going to Japan.
I have spent the last two summers going back to Japan and doing shorter works there, helping me get a feel for what to expect for the next year.
And I have grown up in the care of two amazing parents who have shown me by example what it means to live for Christ.
I have had to work hard through college, juggling both full time schooling, with working 25+ hours a week.
I have been promoted to a leadership role at Panera Bread, which has helped prepare me to step up to lead our small team going to Japan.
I have spent the last two summers going back to Japan and doing shorter works there, helping me get a feel for what to expect for the next year.
And I have grown up in the care of two amazing parents who have shown me by example what it means to live for Christ.
So now I feel totally capable and competent, right?
NO! At first, the fact that God may have set my life up for
a purpose like this is a terrifying
thought to me. For it seems to place such great burden onto myself and what I can do. And I know
myself. I know I cannot perform as I ought. I am never able to live up to all
the expectations of people, let alone God's expectations. I will never be that good.
On my own strength.
But….
It is not I that live but Christ that lives through me
(Galations 2:20). And where I fail, His plans still succeed. Where I stumble, He lifts up.
Where I cower and hide, He remains strong. Where I run, He chases me and brings
me back into His embrace. How beautiful is our God!
Therefore, I step forward. Not because I feel ready. Not
because I am confident in my abilities or talents. But because God has led me
here, and if He wants me to go to Japan, than I will go, leaning on Him the
entire way.
And, who knows? Maybe He has prepared me for such a time as
this. In which case, I definitely do not want to miss out on what He might
accomplish in Tokyo this next year!
