In Gratitude

One Day, In 2002

I sat across him in the large, well-furnished office. In my mind, I went over my points. Times were hard. I needed a job. 1 year after Uni and NYSC had been postponed again. I had done IT with his organization. My grade in school was not bad. I knew he could help out for the time being. We had communicated through emails. Now I had the opportunity to express myself.

"Sweet little Rita," he started, "I have seen your emails. I cannot give you a job with us - it is beyond my power. But I can give you something better. Something to solve all your problems. Let me take care of you. I will buy you a house and put N1m in your account. Then you will take care of me and have a child for me."

I was not disgusted neither did I feel insulted. His offer sounded like the perfect plan for me. A house and N1million? Do you know what that meant to a young graduate who had seen only N100K (scholarship money) as the maximum in her account? I reasoned within myself. I could start a business with the N1m and generate more income for myself. I would live in a house, me and my child, and destroy this married man's marriage. Hopefully he will leave his wife for me. All the clothes, shoes, perfumes and hairstyles I had dreamt of will become a reality.

I did not know God then, so I could not refuse "for the sake of God". It's just that I had this dream, when I was 4 years old, of me and my young handsome husband (changed to young handsome Ibo husband when I was 13), and our 4 children, living in a very big house. My husband was very rich and he loved me very much. Was I going to give up this dream for an old man with N1m?

After the battle, which seemed like forever in the space of 5 minutes, I replied, "Dear Sir, I cannot accept. Maybe I am a fool but I will prefer a job of N5000. If you are not in the position to help me, then I might have to think of doing something else for myself. Thank you very much for everything you've done for me."

One Day, 2009

I looked at the promotion letter. I looked at the salary. I could not believe the digits. But I knew God. I knew He is more than capable. I knew this amazing increase could only come from Him.

Today, 2010

I thank God for His faithfulness. I thank God that even when I did not know Him, He still loved me and directed me. I thank Him for giving me the ability to wait on Him and 7 years later I have a testimony. I thank Him for waiting for me to come to Him. I thank Him for the dream, which comes to pass as each day unfolds. Thank You, My Loving Father. You, who promised, are Faithful.

Inspired by the scripture in today's devotional on "From The Heart of a Loving Father" which speaks of God waiting for us to come to Him.

Dear Jesus, I think I have a slight idea of what happened here: Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” [Matthew 4:8-9]