Facing the Giants
2 Chronicles 28: 10 , “Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be Strong, and do it.”
The Call Into The Missionary Ministry
To begin with, two giants confronted me as I considered obeying God’s call to serve as a missionary. Reaching out to poor and vulnurable girls with the gospel and love of Jesus, through the Navigators, Nigeria. I quivered with fear looking for how to dodge the giants without fighting them.
The Giants That Confronted Me
One, the first giant was the fear of what people would say when they hear me narrate my story of being called as a missionary. After studying with an ambition to become a lecturer. One of my biggest fears was, how to answer questions like, “how could you toe this line after all your struggles to acquire education and work in a highly paid venture?” Why don’t you get a real job and stop wasting your time? What exactly would you be doing that you can’t do alongside a job?”
Against all odds, I faced this giant by telling people my story. As I did, I discovered that my fears were mere camouflage to discourage me from stepping out. Over 90% of the people I spoke to told me it was a wonderful decision to honour God. And encouraged me to trust him for provision.
Two, fundraising was another mighty giant that made me pray fervently; for the Lord to allow the cup to pass over me. To make matters worse it was the first training I had to undergo when I signed up to serve fulltime. Surprisingly, as I did an in-depth study of the Bible on the spirituality of fundraising; the Lord helped me to understand that “fundraising is proclaiming what I believe in, in such a way that I offer people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.”
Evidently, it’s not begging! The more I studied the Bible, the more my confidence grew. However, when it was time for me to start calling and inviting people, I died and resurrected 10 times (laughs).
The Confrontations And The Victories
I picked up the first stone and threw at the giant. Well, unlike David and his Goliath, this giant didn’t die with the first sling. That notwithstanding, I’ve gathered many more stones and even rocks to see that this giant is completely dead. I’m determined, focused and won’t give up until I hear the sound of victory, Hallelujah!
God is indeed faithful in keeping me strong and has surrounded me with great people like “YOU” who believe in me and are willing to partner with me in this calling. Their support has tremendously helped me in becoming a giant slayer.
On a final note, please pray these prayers for me with these scriptures.
Isaiah 50: 7, 42:6-7, Psalm 2:8
- That the Lord will make me fruitful in his vineyard
- That I will be determined to do His will without shame
- That the Lord will lead me to partners who would give to advance the gospel.
I immensely appreciate the Navigators, Nigeria for believing in me, God bless you greatly.
Also Read: Ministering among ladies
Blessing Okpara is a Full-time Missionary ministering amongst students in University and Secondary School Campuses. She also meets with young ladies and neighborhood children and together they learn more about Jesus Christ and His mission.
