June 11, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
Reflect on the Word //
I sat at my computer, staring with surprise at the message I just received.
“We have an opening at our organization. Are you interested in applying?”
I was not looking for work. But the timing could not have been more perfect. Unemployment and financial stress plagued our family, but I assumed my husband would find work again any day now. Instead, God called me to serve our family in a brand new way.
I interviewed for and got the job, and I re-entered the workforce after twenty-one years of being a stay-at-home mom. It was quite an adjustment and quite a learning curve. I came home exhausted everyday, and I stressed over when I would have time to go to the grocery store and clean my house.
For months, I felt unqualified and overwhelmed by impostor syndrome. While I did not understand this part of His plan for me, I “remain[ed] faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart” (Acts 11:23).
It took me over a year to feel comfortable and confident in my work. And there are still days when I long to be a stay-at-home mom. But I am certain that the Lord’s invitation to try something new was about so much more than finances. He desired me to come into my own, to contribute my God-given skills and talents to meaningful work outside of the comfort zone of home. I have grown to trust Him more every day with the truth that I am set apart “for the work to which [God has] called [me]” (Acts 13:2).
Today’s First Reading reminds me not to be surprised by the places God takes me. Nor should you be, my dear sister. Because when we are open to His will, and when we live our lives “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24), God will lead us down paths that may be unexpected but are so clearly part of His plan. We may not be able to articulate why, but we certainly know in our hearts that we have been set apart for His work in this world.
Relate to the Lord // Ask for the grace to respond to His call in your work today.
Sarah Damm is the blog manager and a writer for Blessed Is She. She also is a frequent contributor to other faith-based platforms. Residing in Minnesota with her husband and six children, Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for 21 years, until she returned to the workforce in 2023. Sarah enjoys attending her kids' volleyball, football, basketball, or baseball games (depending on the season). She loves her faith, coffee, walks with her husband, and good books. Read Sarah's posts here. You can find out more about her here.
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