To be a genuine disciple, one must begin with humility and end with sacrifice. Those who intend to dedicate their time, knowledge and strength to others, and who are willing to give up their ego, family and even their lives, must live humbly. One must shed arrogance and clothe oneself with humility and prudence. Why? Because in the world we live in today everything is very transparent and full of opportunities. In some places you may be considered unnecessary; in others, you may be taken advantage of. Since opportunities are everywhere, it is essential to walk closely with God. We must also remember God’s command to be innocent as doves and wise as serpents.

The call to consecrated life may appear simple, yet it is far from easy. The lifestyle and clothing are simple, but the spiritual dimension is much more demanding than it seems. Many temptations are encountered along the way. However, life is neither always a thorny path nor always a bed of roses. The silver moon does not always shine, and troubles do not last forever. Flowers are not always fragrant, nor must sadness always be endured. God always provides a way out together with the trial. Just as gold is tested by fire, I came to understand that God tested me through various trials to see whether my calling was genuine. Through this realisation, I was able to overcome difficulties successfully. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). For me, this grace was truly sufficient. In every situation, every difficulty and every struggle, God always gave me lessons and spiritual strength.

With this in mind, I would like to reflect on the marvellous works of God in my life by narrating my vocational journey as an SMF sister. I believe the beginning of my vocation dates back to my kindergarten days. One day, feeling bored with attending kindergarten, I followed a nun who was going to the church to arrange flowers. When I saw her approaching the sanctuary to decorate it, I thought, with a child’s mind, that only a nun was permitted to enter that sacred place. From that moment, I decided that one day I too would have the opportunity to reach that place.

From then on, I began talking to God, developing the habit of never going to bed without praying, and nurturing the desire to become a nun. As I grew older, my determination became stronger, deeper and more solid each day. In worldly matters, I prayed constantly not to lose my way, and I began praying novenas. Seeing some older girls express a desire to become nuns but later follow worldly temptations made me feel sorrowful for God, and it also made me worry about myself. I prayed, “I desire nothing but faithfulness; please allow me to follow You. If it is not possible for me to become a nun, let me at least be a Zetama (a volunteer in evangelisation). If I complete my studies, please just grant me a passing grade,” and so on. I was deeply afraid that I might follow worldly trends and drift away from God, unable to control my own thoughts.

Eventually, my prayers were answered. However, God tested my faithfulness through various opportunities: entering nursing, studying at Sagaing Development University, working as a primary school teacher, and more. I also felt some pressure from my mother. When my elder sister became a nun, my mother said, “I have already had the opportunity to be the mother of a sister; let me now be the mother of a nurse as well.” Despite the heaviness in my heart, I chose to set aside my mother’s wish. Seeing the disappointment on the faces of those who felt sorry for me, a thought arose within me: “If they love me this much, then God must love me even more.”

Later, I truly came to experience and understand God’s love in a deeper way. God saved me from death three times. Each time I felt close to death, I entrusted myself into God’s hands through the prayer of the Our Father. Immersed in prayer and surrender, I was saved. Through this, I personally experienced the truth of God’s promise: “Your faith has saved you.” From then on, I began to trust firmly in every promise of God that touched my heart, and His love grew stronger within me.

Eventually, I joined the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Faith to give life to my commitment. Among the many congregations available, I chose this one because I desired to plant the seeds of faith—however small—together with the labourers of faith in this congregation. Although I thought that I had chosen God and the congregation, I came to realise the depth of God’s plan through this verse: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16).

God looks first at the heart. The more carefully the heart is guarded, the more precious it becomes. Whatever we do, the more we offer it to God and to others, the more meaningful our lives become, and the more joy we discover in self-giving. Reflecting on the life of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus gives me great strength. Her practice of carrying out even the smallest duties with love and intention remains a powerful example and inspiration for me.

Sr. Martha Nnin Nnin, SMF