Question: How can I build up courage as a believer to take up new opportunities that arise for me at my place of work and not worry that I might not be considered for these roles or opportunities due to my perceived career inexperience and gender as a woman in a company where nearly 90% in leadership position are men?
Answer: Dear sister-in-Christ, I understand what you are feeling because at a stage in my career as an Afro-Caribbean believer in Christ I too had to prayerfully deal with the label of not having enough experience to climb up my career ladder despite being more educationally qualified than some of the people in leadership positions in my organisation at the time. However, building courage as a believer to take up new opportunities at work, especially in the face of challenges like perceived inexperience or gender bias, requires faith in God’s promises, reliance on His strength, and a mindset rooted in biblical truth. Here are some biblical perspectives and encouragement to help you step forward with boldness:
1. Understand That God Qualifies You
- Biblical Perspective: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Your perceived inexperience does not limit God’s ability to work through you.
- Key Verse: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5)
- Encouragement: While it is important to give honour to men and those in human authority, always keep in mind that “man is not your God, and therefore they cannot define you. You are defined by God.” In fact, your creation and existence are connected to God’s divine purpose for your life. Remember that God has uniquely gifted you and placed you in your position for a reason. Trust in His ability to empower you for any task or opportunity He sets before you.
2. Be Courageous Like Esther
- Biblical Example: Esther was a young woman in a male-dominated Persian empire, yet God positioned her to save her people. Despite her fears, she stepped up with courage, saying, “If I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16).
- Key Lesson: Esther’s courage came from her understanding of God’s purpose for her. Like Esther, recognize that God may have positioned you in your workplace “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). He will give you the strength and wisdom needed to make an impact. There is an “Esther” in you. Through prayer to God in Christ Jesus, command the Esther-in-you to rise and shine.
3. Draw Courage from God’s Presence
- Biblical Perspective: You are not alone. God is with you wherever you go, and His presence is your source of courage.
- Key Verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
- Encouragement: Pray and remind yourself daily that God’s presence surrounds you, even in intimidating environments. You can face challenges boldly because the Creator of the universe is always on your side, never forget that. You are a champion because of Him.
4. Break Free from Fear
- Biblical Perspective: Fear can paralyze you and prevent you from stepping into God’s opportunities. Faith in God casts out fear and equips you to take bold steps.
- Key Verse: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Encouragement: When fear arises, combat it with faith-filled declarations from Scripture. Declare God’s power over your life and remind yourself that He has given you the ability to make sound decisions and achieve uncommon heights of greatness in life and destiny.
5. Trust in God’s Plans for You
- Biblical Perspective: God’s plans for your life are good, and He is faithful to guide you when you trust in Him.
- Key Verse: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Encouragement: Step into new opportunities with the confidence that God is orchestrating every step of your journey. Commit your plans to Him, and He will establish them (Proverbs 16:3). Always seek God in prayer, because it is Him that gave you the divine plan. Always trust that His plans, His promises for you, will surely come to pass.
6. Overcome Gender Bias Through Excellence
- Biblical Example: Deborah, a prophetess and judge, excelled in a male-dominated role in Israel (Judges 4-5). Her leadership and wisdom led to victory for her nation.
- Key Lesson: Who told you that you are inferior to a man? They must be joking! Don’t you know that you are like Ruth, whom God has divinely empowered to be better than seven men put together (Ruth 4:15). Like Deborah, you can stand out through diligence, wisdom, and reliance on God’s guidance. Your identity in Christ surpasses societal labels or biases.
7. Seek Wisdom and Guidance
- Biblical Perspective: God promises to give wisdom to those who ask Him.
- Key Verse: “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.” (James 1:5)
- Encouragement: Before pursuing new opportunities, submit your will to Him and let His will become yours. Diligently seek God in prayer for divine wisdom. Ask Him to show you the right steps to take and to guide your decisions.
8. Surround Yourself with Encouragers
- Biblical Perspective: God often places people in our lives to encourage and support us in our journey.
- Key Verse: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
- Encouragement: Avoid nay-sayers and do not listen to discouragers! Please, connect with fellow believers who can pray with you and remind you of God’s promises. Their encouragement can help you overcome doubts and take bold steps.
Life Application:
- Pray: Begin each day with prayer, asking God for courage, wisdom, and favor in your workplace.
- Prepare: Equip yourself by learning and improving your skills. Preparation demonstrates faith in God’s ability to open doors.
- Step Out in Faith: Take practical steps toward new opportunities, trusting God to work through you.
- Focus on Your Identity in Christ: Remind yourself that you are a daughter of the King, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and fully equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).
Final Encouragement:
Your career is not defined by societal expectations or limitations. It is defined by God’s purpose for your life. Take courage, knowing that God has called you to be a light in your workplace and that His power works through you. Like Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Step into new opportunities with boldness, and watch God do extraordinary things through your faith and obedience.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Declaration: I am a champion, a winner. I am becoming what God has called me to be. I will soar high like an eagle, reaching great heights in life and career, propelled by the wind and power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus Name. Amen
About The Author
Mrs Edore Sambo is a Deaconess in the RCCG and also a UK qualified coach (accredited with ILM and EMCC-UK member)
Email: [email protected]
