Hello, Class of 2020. You are now a few steps from having “marched” at your online graduation. Congratulations! Surely you posted your #OOTDgoals with your toga on and waited for your loved ones to congratulate you. You probably even said, “Sa wakas! May napa-graduate na sina Mama at Papa.” 

But we’re in the middle of a pandemic, lockdown, and economic meltdown. Around the globe, we hear people losing jobs, about companies reducing their workforce, or even worse, companies are shutting down. Uncertainties are all around us. 

Before, you were pumped up with the idea of being used by God in the place where He is calling you to be in. You had great plans for the future, then all of a sudden, what’s ahead of you became blurry. You were left with questions.

“What’s next after graduation?” 

“How can I make up for the lost time this year?”

“Can I, a fresh graduate, still change the world in this pandemic?” 

If you’re reading this and you’re struggling with the idea of being a world changer in this new normal, let me say this at the onset: 

You are meant for greater things! 

To graduate isn’t the goal nor the end of your story. 

It is just the beginning of a faith-filled journey that you wouldn’t want to miss. It might be full of roadblocks, detours, valleys, and mountaintops, but in every season and transition, you can be assured that God is faithful to do the things He has promised. 

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:2

He who has started great things when you were still a student is faithful to do even greater things as you enter a new chapter in your life.

 Reminders for a World Changer

While there may be a lot of changes happening around, here are three reminders that I’d like to leave you: 

 1. The pandemic doesn’t have the final say in our lives, God does. 

We might think our family background, the school that we went into, our accomplishments, and even our current situation will have the final say about our destiny. They don’t.

God is the Author of your life. He knows when to flip the pages, to start and end a chapter, and to add something to your life. His plans for you are good, pleasing, and perfect. He knows exactly what to do.

Remember, He calls you victorious. You are more than a conqueror. Nothing has changed with the way He looks at you.

2. You are called for such a time as this.

With all that’s happening around us, we are in dire need of world changers. 

All the sectors of our society desire leaders who will work with such zeal and passion. You are given the advantage to be trained in the campus so you could be a blessing where God would send you. 

Isn’t it a beautiful picture if a young person like you can exemplify Leadership, Integrity, Faith and Excellence in your future workplace? 

 They are waiting for you. 

Our nation is looking for leaders like you. 

The time is now. 

 Your age, your present condition, or even this pandemic won’t stop you from becoming the world changer God has destined you to be.

 3. God is the ultimate Source.

Whenever you feel doubtful of the call to be a world changer, especially at this time, remember who called you. God, the ultimate Source, knows your every need.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein . . . 

Psalm 24:1

He is still seated on His throne, sovereign and in control. He can open doors that no one can shut—not even a pandemic or a recession. 

So even if the world could only offer limited possibilities for anyone, remember that you have the God who gives opportunities for you to stand out and make His Name known.

Ask, Do, and Believe

 In your new season, here are things that would be helpful for you:

Ask. Listen to God. Inquire of His plans and purpose for your life. This is the best time to journey with God and grow closer to Him.

Do. As you ask and listen, He will speak. And as He speaks, do exactly what God has told you to do. No ifs or buts—let this season be filled with trust, worship, and surrender.

Believe. Sometimes His promises will seem impossible, but continue to believe. Wait and see that God is able to do more than what you can ever imagine. 

To be a world changer is both a promise and a responsibility. 

If you rely on your own strength, you will get weak and eventually fail. But this is the promise that God has for you and me: His grace is sufficient in every twist and turn that you will encounter. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Through all the trials and testing that will come, you can trust His hand and His heart to lead you. Even if there is a pandemic, know that He is still God and He is still good. 

You are a world changer. 

Now is not the right time to hide and back down. 

It’s time to let your light shine. 

It’s time to let His Name be made known. 

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14–16