BY MICHELLE GOVENDER
“Chosen” – Past participle of choose, one who is the object of choice or of divine favour, to be selected or picked out, preferred above others.
“Purpose” – noun: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists; a person’s sense of resolve or determination. Verb – have as one’s intention or objective.
The year is 2021 and I’ve graciously been in existence for three decades now, you would think that by now I would have life all figured out. Hmm, on track? -yes; All figured out? -Not quite. The world around us is changing, moving forward and transitioning at a rapid pace and yet the core fundamentals of life itself remains the same – Faith, Hope, Love. In an ever changing world, I can boldly say I have an unchanging God. To be a woman in the 21st century is such an empowering feeling, knowing that we’ve surpassed the constraints of chauvinism, belittlement and prejudiced biased ways that women who’ve gone before us had experienced and fought for the independence we as women have today. I can also say that nothing happens by chance or coincidence. God preordains and orchestrates our lives. Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes tells us exactly how God perfectly times everything. Jeremiah 1:5 “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born”. My Bible tells me unfaltering, infallible, unchanging Truth. Many have tried to discredit the Word of God and have failed, but furthermore the reason I stand by the written Word of God is because on these promises I have lived my life.
Growing up I’ve always had a drive/passion for wanting to excel and achieve. I lived with my grandparents and grew up in a Christian home. They were the driving force behind all my achievements, pushing me to be a go-getter and at the same time, they rooted and grounded me in Jesus. James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him”. I worked consistently in school and prayed for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Today, I am a hospital pharmacist. I never dreamed that this is what I would be doing, I always had an inquiring mind, and wanted to study forensics. Proverbs 19:21 ” Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s Will that prevails”. Evidently God had a different path for my life. I never came from a wealthy family, I went to a public school, applied for financial aid and because of my good matric results, I applied and was awarded a bursary from the Department of Health . During my studies at university, I continued to push myself to achieve good results and was given a scholarship award for my academic performance! Mind you, I didn’t even apply for this- It was truly a blessing from God.
When we make God a priority in our lives, He gives us the desires of our hearts. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. I never stopped praying and thanking God for His hand of guidance over my life. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” It is God Himself who gives us these desires, Philippians 2:13 “For God is working in you giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
God has been with me every step of the way, even with finding employment after graduation. I was initially told that due to the saturation of the pharmacists within the Department of Health I would be released from any bursary work back obligations. I was in the process of completing my community service and had saved up my income together with my husband to buy a home, we were waiting for the bond to be approved. Faced with the news of possible unemployment, and the devastation of not being able to buy our own home, we fasted and prayed. Romans 8:28 “And we know All things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to those called according to His purpose.” Just when we thought we were facing a dead end, I received a phone call from a lady working at Head Office to inform me that I have been placed for permanent employment and was told to assume duty! I could not believe how wonderfully God had moved in our situation. Even when I thought that there was no hope, God made a way, an unexpected but miraculous way! I know that every setback that I’ve been through is a set up for something greater.
Growing up, When I used to read the bible, there was so much that I never understood. Let’s face it, some of us aren’t the best at comprehension. But my youth leader encouraged me to read it. She said I should pray and ask God for an open mind and receptive heart so that I would understand what God wanted for my life. So I began to do this, because obviously there must’ve been something great about it if my youth leader swore by it, and so did every other Christian I’d known. So I read. And I was astounded at the knowledge, the promise, the truth, the revelation and inspiration. I kept the promises that I had read close to my heart. The promise that God is always for me, That He would never leave me. Promises that He is working for my good. Promises of salvation and eternal life. The promise of unconditional love. I knew in my heart that my life was no ordinary life. I was planned and purposed for God. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, for His Glory. Jeremiah 29:11″ For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I knew in my heart that I was chosen for a purpose. There’s such a vast amount of knowledge and power in the Word of God. Each time you read a scripture there is new revelation. I still have an inquiring mind, and I’m currently completing my second degree in bible studies. I’m not sure if I want to pursue ministry, only under the direction of God. But what I do know and I’m certain of is that I want to know more about Jesus. More of His Word. More of who He is. And perhaps this is the reason and purpose my life has led to where I am today by the Grace of God, to share this with you!