You know that feeling that you get when everything is at a standstill? No matter how hard you try to get yourself out of a rut, it never seems to work out. Then that tiny ounce of faith you once held is decreased by the minute, resulting in a state of hopelessness, depression, and even stagnancy. Romans 8:28 states that all things work out for the good of those who love God and are called for His purpose. Yet, here you are, stuck in a cage of worry, insecurity, disappointment, and self-pity.
Holding on to the faith in a period of delay is the ultimate ghetto. I mean, when you thought you hit the jackpot, something gets in the way. A sudden stumbling block makes its presence felt, leaving one in a state of sadness and gloom. It’s as if the walls are closing in on you. People are getting married, buying houses, and even becoming parents, and there you are, still in the same position that you’re trying your best to get out of. Then the self-doubt starts creeping in. The jealousy, sadness, bitterness, you name it, resulting in one being blindsided and allowing them to take control over your life. Let us be honest, we permit them to take over because we haven’t completely surrendered them to God. We give them room to take over because we are not in a place of contentment and gratitude. Then we have the audacity to say that life is hard, and it’s that way because we allowed the negative emotions to cloud our good judgment.
If you look at the issue of faith, it’s one hard topic to discuss and speak about. You know, I’ve allowed a lot of these negative emotions not only to blindside me but also to cloud my good judgment, and I live with that regret and guilt. However, instead of dwelling on it, I’ve practiced gratitude, for it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5 that we should be grateful in all circumstances, for it’s God’s will for us. The faith we keep holding on to helps us trust God’s plan and purpose for our lives, and serves as an act of our obedience to His commandments and statutes, resulting in Him doing the work within us through the Holy Spirit.
At the same time, we also play our part with Him. If you look at Hannah, she prayed for a child for so long while suffering persecution from Peninah, and it came to pass, even though her prayer was delayed. Her story teaches us always to soldier on and keep the faith, regardless of bullying and harassment. Sometimes, as Christians, we endure several instances of harassment and painful slanders, and most of the time, it is painful and heartbreaking. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us that it is always important to rest on His promises and to allow His yoke to ease our burdens and battles, because the battles we face are not ours but His.
When we give our battles to God, it signifies that He is working behind the scenes; while He does, let us play our part without shame or guilt. As we wait, we should use this season as an opportunity to read and meditate on His word, permitting the Holy Spirit to be our Leader and Helper.
When we give our battles to God, it signifies that He is working behind the scenes; while He does, let us play our part without shame or guilt. As we wait, we should use this season as an opportunity to read and meditate on His word, permitting the Holy Spirit to be our Leader and Helper. Never be a victim of your own circumstances. Rather, be a victor and conqueror of your destiny. Whatever sufferings or persecution we go through, they are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. Work in seclusion so that the reward you receive is worth the wait.
𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆: Itebogeng Nkoliswa
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆:North West, South Africa
Love thiiisss, thank you!
A moment we all need to have, especially when the year kicks off and the previous year was a hard one. We need to remember that God is God, and we are His. He’s still the God who owns not just the cattle on the hills but the hills they graze on. 💖