Pieces of the Puzzle

Guest post by Destiny James, an intern with the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs.

Last week I met with Diane at  NACWE and was amazed to see God’s strategy coming together right before my eyes. We were in a place, on one accord, and our pieces of the puzzle fit. My soul rejoiced because many times I had allowed myself or others to force me into a spot where God didn’t want me.

As the meeting went on, our voices echoed with joy as our spirits danced to the awakening of our shared vision. Her ability to love freed me to tell her about the vision God had given me. The more we talked the more my soul rejoiced. As we laughed and dug deeper into different projects, I couldn’t grasp any particular thought but only excitement. I knew this was only the beginning.

As a college student pursuing entrepreneurship this opportunity with NACWE is an answered prayer. I use to think, “God I am the most undisciplined and unmanageable person I know.” I felt I had gone beyond the point of insanity. I’d tried so hard to succeed in everything I did, mostly my education, but I always accomplished the same result. I would study as much as I could just to get into the nursing program, but my grades weren’t good enough. I sought God for an answer and understanding; I sought God for the pathway to success.  That time was the darkest area of my life, with it came many tears—a deep, valley experience.

In my valley I faced my opponent one too many times, but never seemed to recognize it. As I continued to seek God, he revealed my opponent. To my surprise it was me. I was standing in the way of what God had called me to do. I was seeking God through people and things but most importantly I was seeking God for self. I had run the race in vain, wanting to make my mother proud. I forgot all about my dad, God. It turns out that he wasn’t proud of the life I was living; I forgot he had given purpose to my life.

Last summer I changed my major to Business Management and it set me a year behind, however I now walk with purpose. I am no longer the master of my fate, God is. My soul rejoices with every opportunity that he lies before me. The scripture “God’s grace is sufficient” is an understatement of his unfathomable love for me. As I continue to seek God to live out his purpose, I rejoice in my valley experiences, self is no match for the Holy Spirit.

God placed these words on my heart last week. “Destiny I called you to be a management major, that you may learn how to manage self, in order to serve others.” I’d like to think of myself as Gideon, when the angel of the Lord replied “go with the strength you have… (Judges 6:14).”

My strength is weak. I’m still the most undisciplined and unmanageable person I know. But my strength comes from the Lord and everyday self submits to spirit with knowing that I will be the most disciplined and manageable person God called to me be. I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur, but God says serve the people of God.  So I will.

Diane, I believe is one of our many Naomi’s in our life and I am Ruth. I am in awe, but not surprised by the work that God is doing in Diane through NACWE. Since there is a will, there is always a way, so be inspired in everything. Be encouraged and never forget why you do what you are doing.