Dear You,

An attempt to just whisk into the main purpose of today’s post without inquiring as to how you are doing, will be a sheer display of rudeness and pretense. How are you doing? How’s your relationship with Jesus going? Did you enjoy the Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fight hype? Like me, did you just get to know about Manny because of the last fight? *Covers face* You cannot blame a sister, I know more about football than wrestling or boxing. I don’t know how people are able to watch those muscular men beat themselves up. I just can’t.

I really want to know how you are doing though.

Today’s post won’t be a lengthy one [I hope]; it’s not going to resonate with everyone either. But for those that the Lord has laid this on my heart to deliver to, be encouraged. You are not alone.

Matthew 5 v 14-16 says

You’re here to be a light, bringing out the God, colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you in a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. [MSG]

The above scripture is one that really speaks to me at every given second and minute, I read it. It reminds us of who we are in a decaying world- LIGHTS & SALTS! But you see, we are not just lights when we celebrate victories, we are to be lights, when we are going through the trials and tests. In fact, I believe we get to see who is really standing as the light of God, when the tests come.

I remember telling you in this post that, Master asked me to quit my job. Well! what I did not tell you was that, He told me to leave it and focus on my Pre-bar exams. But, it did not make sense to me. I needed money to register for the exams and a host of other things. So, I strayed away looking for another job. I almost got one- you know when you know that you know that something is for you, then BAM! God steps in and tells you; ‘Babe, that wasn’t my instruction’. After sulking, I obeyed; not knowing why God wanted it that way.

The reason for my three weeks off blogging was to revise for the three exams, I wrote last week. I have to say that, leaving work and focusing on these exams were the best decisions ever. I cannot imagine, how I could have worked and really prepared for the exams. They are very challenging. Also, God provided all my needs during this time. I feel like the Israelites who God fed with Manna and their sandals never wore out despite the journey. Till today, I am not certain as to why I am plying this route; but I am very certain of who is leading. And if like me, you find every means to show God that you can be doing things that He has not purposed for this season. Please stop it, because you are making the journey longer.

So maybe, like Joseph, you have your dreams set out, with the plans. You have been dreaming about your future, it’s very clear and all; and He is saying,’Don’t do anything yet’. He never even told you about the pit and the prison, I just want you to know that your dream is still very much valid. If God showed you the pit and prison, you will look for small dreams that do not require such ‘valley’ experiences.

As children of God, things do not get to happen as we want. We don’t get to mold God into our lifestyle, it’s the other way around. If you are reading this post today, and you feel frustrated, you don’t seem to understand why God has to have you go through this valley; remember this- It is for your very good. I know you cannot see how it is for your good, it makes no sense. The thing is, your physical eyes cannot see spiritual things. Keep your eyes on God, and Him alone. Don’t think you are stagnant. No! There is growth taking place, beneath the surface. There are miracles, testimonies taking place.

Not every eye can see it. In fact, get ready to be shocked that those that you expect to understand will discourage you, with words like; ‘Why are you wasting your time?’ ‘You know you can do better than this’. If God has not said ‘Move’, do not move to the left or right. And you have to build a defense from the happenings and thoughts of the world, with the Word of God. The world will give you a timeline of how things are supposed to happen, but remember who dictates what goes on in your life- God. You do not move with the same timeline of your neighbor. No! Keep your eyes on God. God is sharpening you, refining you and building you; and to do all these, He has to hide you. Stay hidden, till it’s time to come out.

Maybe, you are asking, ‘For how long do I have to remain in this pit?’ The truth is ‘I do not know’. Timing is God’s business. I know you do not want to take as long as Joseph or Moses, but only God decides that.

While you are in the pit, make up your mind to remain in Christ and never moved by the circumstances around. There’ll be temptation, that you feel justified to get into- it’s all part of the test. Stay faithful, God definitely provides a way out, if you’ve made up your mind not to offend Him. Not falling into the temptation does not automatically bring about the end of the pit. Remember Joseph, he fled from Potipher’s wife and was ushered into the prison.

Also remember, that your worth comes from God and not from any other thing. That your bank account is slim, does not mean you have no crown. Remember whose heir you are. Let this time be one where you stir up the gifts you have inside of you. Let this be a time where your sufficiency and confidence is in God. If for any reason, you forget, remember Peter in Acts 3 v 6 at the Beautiful gate….

I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! [MSG]

You won’t always be in the pit, it’s for a season. Remain steadfast, consistent in good works and let your trust be in God. He’s got you, even though you don’t feel Him near.

I pray that we remain steadfast and faithful in the seasons, we have been called into. Amen!

Stay Strong!

P.S The continuation of the Books of Samuel Series, to come next. I will do three more posts on the series.

PT TIP OF THE DAY

Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Corinthians 7 v 20 NIV

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Princess Okechukwu!