Your Experiences Prepare You for Life Later On - Musings from Harriet Tubman's Life

Photo by Dan Meyers from Unsplash

“God had a great work for her to do in the world, and the discipline and hardship through which she passed in her early years were only preparing her for her after life of adventure and trial; and through these to come out as the savior and deliverer of her people, when she came to years of womanhood.” - From Harriet, The Moses of Her People

I read this book, this biography, of Harriet Tubman by Sarah H. Bradford several years ago as a part of my English course and I highly recommend y'all to read it as well! It is beautifully written, inspiring, and is on my list to read again soon.

The passage up above especially inspired me because it is a reminder that hardship and discipline have a purpose: preparing me for life later on. All of the difficult and even painful experiences in Harriet Tubman’s life were not for nothing, they had a purpose, a very important and life-saving purpose.  

The words “God had a great work for her to do in the world” serves as a comforting reminder that God has a plan and a purpose for my life as well. God is intimately a part of my life, He knows everything that has happened and everything that will happen. Like Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” God has plans to give me hope and a future! What encouraging words! 

When life looks bleak and hard, sometimes I wonder what God’s plan is. Why is He letting this happen? But like someone once said, “I trust this next chapter, because I know the Author.”

God has a purpose. He has a plan. I surrender to His plan because I know that "In all things, God works all things together for good to those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) For me, just as in Harriet’s life, “the discipline and hardship through which she passed in her early years were only preparing her for her after life of adventure and trial.” 

I think so often, like many others, I plow through life making decisions and shaping my paths without considering if that is actually what God is calling me to do.

Remembering that God is beside me throughout the struggles and hardships of life and surrendering to His will and plan for my life bears so much peace. Peace that the world does not give.

I encourage you to read Harriet, The Moses of Her People at some point this year and also to dwell on the words Jesus speaks in John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

💖 Leah Beth