For years, I have worked as an English instructor at a Bible college, surrounded by professors who teach theology, biblical languages, and doctrine. They train future pastors and missionaries, preparing them to preach, plant churches, and disciple believers. And then there’s me—teaching grammar, sentence structure, and pronunciation.
For the longest time, I felt like I didn’t belong. I wondered if my work really mattered. Was I truly serving God, or was I just filling a necessary but unimportant role? I watched my colleagues teach deep theological truths while I corrected verb tenses, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow less significant in God’s kingdom work.
But the Lord, in His kindness, challenged my thinking.
One day, as I was reflecting on my role, a verse stood out to me:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24
God used these words to remind me that my work, no matter how ordinary it seemed, was a service to Him. I may not be preaching in the pulpit, but I am equipping future pastors, evangelists, and missionaries to communicate effectively. Many of my students come from villages where English is not their first language, yet one day, they will interact with global Christian leaders, read theological books in English, and share the gospel with people beyond their communities. My role in their journey is essential.
It’s easy to think that only certain types of work matter to God—preaching, mission work, church planting. But the truth is, God values faithfulness in every calling. Whether you are a teacher, a mother, a nurse, or a businesswoman, your work can be an act of worship when done for Him.
Being a single mother in a Christian environment is another challenge I have faced. For a long time, I wondered how my story could ever fit into a ministry setting. Divorce carries a stigma in many Christian circles, and I feared judgment. But God has shown me that my testimony—of His faithfulness through my brokenness—can encourage others.
Many of my students will one day serve in churches where they will counsel people going through marriage struggles, domestic violence, and abandonment. Because of my own journey, I can share with them what it means to walk through suffering with God. I can help equip them to minister to women in difficult situations. This, too, is ministry.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
As women, we often feel that our work—whether in the home, the workplace, or the church—is small in comparison to what others are doing. We wonder if our efforts really make a difference. But God sees and values faithfulness.
Through this journey, I have come to see that my work—teaching English, sharing my story, guiding students—is my service to the King. Just as the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume was told, “She has done what she could” (Mark 14:8), I, too, am doing what I can with what He has given me.
Maybe you feel like your work is unseen. Maybe you struggle to believe that what you do matters in God’s kingdom. But I want to encourage you today: every act done in obedience to Christ is significant. Whether you are raising children, supporting your family, leading a Bible study, or simply being a light in your workplace, God sees you.
So, I have stopped seeing myself as a second-class citizen in ministry. I am not just an English teacher—I am a kingdom worker. And whatever you are doing today, know this: your work matters, and your faithfulness is a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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Press on! Remember we will be judged by Jesus Christ - not our peers.
But let me also say that language is the means by which we communicate theology - per God’s design. It seems imprecise at times, but good grammar is theologically necessary in the process. Thank you for your work.
This was so timely and full of wisdom. I was really blessed by this piece. Thanks for sharing your story which is so similar to mine.🙂 Thank you for the great work you are doing.