She left in the dead of night, as quiet as a leopard, sneaking through the woods, fields, and waterways so no one would find her. With the help of allies, she received food, shelter, and directions. Through the grueling 90-mile journey to freedom, God gave her strength.
“What the wicked dread will overtake them;
what the righteous desire will be granted.” — Proverbs 10:24
“When I found I had crossed that line, I looked at my hands to see if I was the same person. There was such a glory over everything,” Harriet Tubman said. But she wasn’t satisfied with her own freedom. She returned to Maryland to rescue her family and later helped hundreds of enslaved African Americans escape through the Underground Railroad. Even though she knew that capture meant death, God gave her the strength and courage to press on.
“I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to—liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other,” she said.
Loss of Control
Slaveholders feared losing control. They worried Harriet’s brave efforts would inspire outright rebellion. To stop her, they placed a high bounty on her capture. But her faith in God fueled her courage, and she continued rescuing others.
Slaves were forced to do the dirty work their masters refused to do—picking cotton, tending livestock, cleaning homes, and raising children. Their unpaid labor allowed their masters to grow wealthy.
Even after securing her own freedom, Harriet served as a spy, scout, nurse, and cook for the Union Army during the Civil War. Her efforts helped bring about the end of slavery in the United States. Just as Harriet Tubman had a God-given calling, so do each of us.
God’s Plan for You
“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 hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
God has a vision for my life. I may not see the full picture, but I know the great things He has already done—helping me overcome depression, blessing me with a supportive family and good friends, and providing opportunities to impact lives through my job and volunteer work.
As for the future, I can only take one step at a time, trusting that He has good things in store. Life isn’t always easy, but even trials serve a purpose. God hasn’t revealed His whole plan yet, but as long as I seek His will, He will continue to guide me.
Desires Fulfilled
A loving relationship with God is the most important desire of all. Could this be the secret to true fulfillment? I may not always get everything I want, but if my satisfaction is in God alone, I can rest knowing that He is my source of joy.
I have what I need—at least when I’m not traveling in third-world countries. I’ve never gone hungry. I have family and friends who care about me. My job allows me to influence students and help them grow and learn. In my free time, I paint, draw, and write—all of which bring me joy and serve as ways to worship God.
For Harriet Tubman, the greatest desire of her heart was freedom. Through faith and courage, she achieved it—and then she led others to freedom, too.
Could it be that the deepest longing of my heart is something God wants to give me as well? And when He does, I can use it to help others.
What Do You Desire?
What is the greatest desire of your heart? Could God be calling you to lead others to their own “promised land”?
For more on your calling check out Transform from a Seed to a Flower here. For the civil rights movement check out The Change Maker: Martin Luther King Jr. here. For more on the Civil War check out Quick Wits or Wise Words here.
Sources and References:
The Bible. New International Version, Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2010%3A24&version=NIV.
The Bible. New International Version, Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2029%3A11&version=NIV.
“Harriet Tubman: Biography, Abolitionist, Underground Railroad.” Biography, [URL if available].
“Harriet Tubman.” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harriet-Tubman.
“Harriet Tubman: Facts, Underground Railroad & Legacy.” History, A&E Television Networks, https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/harriet-tubman.
“6 Strategies Harriet Tubman and Others Used to Escape Along the Underground Railroad.” History, A&E Television Networks, https://www.history.com/news/underground-railroad-escape-strategies.
“bria_29_2:Layout 1.qxd.” [Provide full publication details if available].
“Harriet Tubman Posthumously Named a General on Veterans Day.” AP News, https://apnews.com/article/harriet-tubman-general-veterans-day.