I sat in the furnace, burning
Not knowing, they not caring
Or so I thought until He got
My attention and I saw clearly
Abba’s hands on the controls
Then I relaxed, now knowing
He will not let me burn.

I walked into 2020 ready to experience and reflect God’s glory in its fullness but it didn’t take off as expected. First week, a situation in the office was making me sick. It had landed some colleagues at the clinic and on medication, I didn’t want those. I requested for change which shouldn’t be a big deal but it stalled. I told my Supervisor I was buying an air purifier on Friday but he said he’d bring one from home. Going to the gym for break, I overheard someone mocking and instead of exercising, I just broke down and cried – how can people be so insensitive?

It got worse by the hour. I could barely breathe. Afraid I’ll pass out and be taken to the clinic, I decided to drive myself there. Almost panicked and in tears, I told my supervisor I had to go. Out of there, I felt better but thought of returning filled me with such dread! I didn’t want to get sick and I felt so helpless. I came across a friend’s post that spoke of holding onto God’s surpassing peace, to fear not, knowing we are His children, that He is in control no matter what’s happening, to do what we have to do and be ok irrespective of outcomes. That got me thinking instead of feeling sorry for myself: I look out and stand up for others and here I was freaking out because my health was hurting, nobody was standing up for me and this could get worse. I decided on an action plan and that I’d be okay thereafter, no matter what.

God inspired me with these words: “Tests precede promotion. Gazing upon the waves, you’ll lose focus, panic and fail what you’ve been equipped to overcome. Looking unto Jesus, you learn to joyfully ride the storm to glory.” What we don’t realize is that when we seek greater glory with God, we will be tested. God will prove us so He can trust us with more because to whom much will be given, more will be expected. The tests come to prune and refine, to make us ready for the delivery. If we don’t keep our eyes on Jesus, we are likely to fail and miss out.

In Church on Sunday, the lady sitting next to me asked for my name and I told her. During worship, I noticed her suddenly pull out a note book, check through and turn to me, “I remember you, we met last year!” Wow…. “Can you come to our place for lunch today,” she asked? I couldn’t do lunch so we settled for dinner and I had a blast with them. Guess the message God had for me: what it takes to showcase His glory. Emboldened by all that God had poured into me that weekend, I decided I wasn’t going back to work wimping, I’m winning this. I can take care of this!

I was at work an hour earlier Monday to settle things before my supervisor came in but he beat me to it. He had come in way earlier to set up the air purifier and have it running before I came in. This man who has watched me stand up to and brave the impossible was touched to see me in tears. No, I didn’t break down but I couldn’t hug him enough. Then he personally took care of the vent to make sure I was fine. God takes care of His own when we trust, obey and allow Him.

If you truly want to live God’s best this Year, get ready for challenges. They are not coming to break or kill us, they are coming to make us ready and sturdy for what God is about to release. The enemy takes advantage of trials to sell lies to us: that nobody cares, we are alone in our dilemma, it’ll only get worse, and for as long as we believe him, everything around us will confirm his lies. If rather we choose to keep our focus on God, and like the friend posted (paraphrased): hold onto God’s peace that beats and outweighs the threats; fear not; know we are His and He’s in control; and instead of feeling helpless, we just do what we can and assure ourselves it will be okay no matter what.

Blessings
Glory!