Chosen to Impact the World
We are women chosen by God to impact this world. This statement can be intimidating. As a young woman I wondered, “Has the Creator of this universe really called me for such a daunting role?” It was challenging to think that I could make a significant mark on others, much less the world. How could a woman from a small island live up to this expectation?
When I was 24 and about to get married, my future husband was serving as lead pastor at a church with a dynamic ministry in the community. My home church also served effectively and was one of the largest churches on the island. The pastor’s wife, Carmen Maria Lopez, played an influential role in my church. Many people came to know the Lord through her ministry. She was a sought-after counselor and mentor to many women in the church, including me. Before my wedding, I approached this woman for advice on how to be an effective pastor’s wife. I was expecting a long conversation with many ideas on how to do church ministry well. However, to my surprise her advice was very simple: “Love Jesus with all your heart, and do everything to exalt His name.”
Her counsel resembled Jesus’ response to the teachers of the law when they asked Him which was the greatest commandment. He told them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and vwith all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:29–31) I have treasured my mentor’s words in my heart and have sought to love God, allowing Him to use me as a vessel of His love for others.
Today I realize it’s not so difficult to impact the world for Christ. The Scriptures show us that the Lord uses ordinary people like us to make a difference in the world. As we read in 1 Peter 4:10–11, each of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If we speak, we should do so as if we are speaking the very words of God. If we serve, we should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
As we love Him with all our being and love others as ourselves, God will equip us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. We may not see our names in history books, but many will remember us as women who loved Jesus and shared His love with them – women who impacted the world.
Thank you for sharing your story of being chosen. Your testimony has reminded me that even if I don’t know exactly what He has planned for me, I should continue to love Him and serve Him, regardless of my understanding because He will reveal Himself in His time. Sure our names will not be published but our actions will live on in those we’ve impacted; that is such a strong inspiration. God bless you.
We impact the world when we worship. I remember a day several years ago when I parked beside a busy street in the back alleys of Casablanca waiting for my husband to finish meeting with his mechanic. I began to pray for the throngs of people passing by when I clearly heard the Lord say, “stop, just worship me”. I was confused, but obeyed and began to focus on Christ and just worship. I then had a picture of a whirlwind starting above my head and expanding into the heavens. It was full of flowers, like incense, and light and it was explain the darkness, I imagined demons fleeing to get out of the path of this twister. I then began weeping when I felt the Lord say “Thank-you, I have never been worshipped here before.” One women, waiting in a car, changed an atmosphere over a lost neighborhood just through worship. I had an impact that day, together, we can impact the world, each in our own corner, but together in worship of one God, One Spirit and One LORD.
Nancy,
God will equip us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. We may not see our names in history books, but many will remember us as women who loved Jesus and shared His love with them. We love you, Jesus!
Nancy…We may not see our names in history books, but many will remember us as women who loved Jesus and shared His love with them.
Gracias Hildita!!!
Working with Hilda every day I can honestly say she lives this out daily! Thank you Hilda for your testimony and service to Jesus…truly inspiring!
Awesome reminder of God,s great Love for each of us to serve JESUS where we live.Thank you
Thank you for the this. It was exactly the reminder I needed to hear in this season of life. God used you to impact me today. 🙂
Wonderful words of inspiration, Hilda. God bless you as you impact your world for Christ.