A story about staying faithful when we face trials.

Hey fam, these streets are rough. Argh!

I experienced something that left me baffled and downright perturbed.

I was supposed to travel yesterday and when it was time to check in, the airline raised some issues(which I had believed were not relevant when I purchased my tickets) however, I was unable to complete this process.

Seeing as your girl had gotten the cheapest tickets available aka the non-refundable kind. I had to cut my losses and let it go.

However, I still had the problem of figuring out how to get to my destination. I was already on an almost non-existent budget, and any more unexpected expenses would affect the rest of the trip.

I went to a quiet corner and had a good cry. You know the kind where you can’t find any tissues, and your scarf will have to do? Yep! That was me.

 

While blubbering, I reached out to a few friends. My amazing friends rallied around me, they donated to the ’cause’ and I was able to get a new ticket.

But wait! The story gets better or worse, depending on how you see it. ?

With this new ticket (with a different airline), my confidence was once again bolstered, until the check-in attendant informed me that they had just closed check-in for that flight.

Fam, it was only 7 mins past time!

 

 

At this point, I knew I had to pause.

Two of these in a row; it was no longer a coincidence and seemed to be a message or a pattern.

During my previous crying feat, a friend had prayed for me and told me the word she heard in her spirit was ‘stay’, but we weren’t sure what this meant.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit gives us these one-word answers that seem to cause more confusion or is this just me? ?

Anyhoo, after the second disappointment, I finally agreed to just stay. To stop trying to “make it work” and just rest in the Lord.

And that’s it:

1. I had been sad about the turn of events. From a high of going on a trip to seating for hours on end on the hardbacked airport seats praying for a miracle.
2. I had wondered why my story always came with many twists and turns.
3. I was too ashamed to tell my fam. I didn’t want them worrying or pointing out my foibles.

 

You can probably relate.

I think we humans often want to hide our mistakes and slip-ups. We avoid asking for help because of “what they will say”.

We don’t want people to know we don’t have it all together. That we struggle or make mistakes.

I know I felt this way.

Thank God for His Spirit. HS showed me the state of my heart.

In this moment of vulnerability, I also realised something amazing – my heart felt light. In the hours that followed, I would laugh and cry at God’s way of orchestrating my life.

More so, I realised that praising God through this unexpected trial (yes, it was a trial) gave me perspective and allowed me to make the most of my experience.

I am not trying to trivialise my experience.

For one thing, I am still in it as I write to you and don’t know how it will end, but I do know one thing: My God will work it all out for my good.’

This is the promise I am holding on too and I hope you do too.

Our trials, no matter what shape or form they take, can leave us bitter and ungrateful. If we are not careful to guard our hearts, we will spend more time focusing on the issues and everything that has failed rather than on the God who will never fail.

 

Fam, I know the streets are rough, but we have a God who can make every crooked path straight.

For the past few days ago, the Holy Spirit has led me to read some chapters in the book of Isaiah, I guess he was getting my heart ready for this experience.

 

Here are a few encouraging scriptures for you:

…when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

Isaiah 59:19

We can’t be naïve or unguarded for the devil is always on the prowl seeking whom to devour.

 

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”

Isaiah 60:1

 

The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for the brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and they God thy glory.”

Isaiah 60:19

 

This was one of my favourites. When we focus on God and his word, it gets harder to be moved by our circumstances or challenges. Rather we trust that his promises will be fulfilled in his time.

 

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore, in their land they shall possess double. Everlasting joy shall be theirs.”

Isaiah 61:7

 

I don’t know what you’re going through, but rest assured that nothing you face will take God by surprise. He is in the business of changing lives for good and he is not done with you yet. Amen