Monday, September 20, 2010

Speaking of Reserves

Drained of My Reserve

It’s been I while I did blog rounds or responded to comments on my blog – and it might be so for a while. As I carried myself into the house that 11pm, exhausted and drained of my reserve, I slumped on the bed and asked God “why?”. I followed up with murmurings and complaining about how hectic and demanding my job had been. But before I drifted off to sleep, I recalled that only 2 weeks ago I was on bended knees committing my work into His hands. I prayed for opened doors, opportunities, and for moments to bring out the workaholic in me. I realized that He had answered my prayers, yet I was complaining. I pondered on how much this job has been a blessing to me. Then I flashed back to six yrs ago when I prayed for this job and He gave it to me on a platter of gold.
 
Most of the things I have complained about were once categorized as blessings to me. They were once prayer requests. Sometimes we go to God in prayer, and forget that we must be prepared for what we are requesting for.
Now I have quit complaining and I am thanking God for the strength He has given me to face the demanding times, for the wisdom He has given me to overcome challenges, for the creativity He has put in me to add value to the system, and more importantly for answering my prayers.

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How far can we go on reserve?

For those who live at the Lekki/Ajah axis of Lagos and have to shuttle to and from that area everyday will understand the apprehension of the driver when he said, “my fuel is on reserve, can it take us to VI?” I had a knowing deep down that we will get to VI with enough fuel to take him to the filling station the company uses. He asked me why I was so sure, and I shared an experience with him which I am sharing with you today.

My mother and I left the wedding ceremony and started our journey back home which was 25km away. We were halfway on our journey when she noticed the fuel was on reserve. I asked her if it was a problem. She said no. She assured me that since we did not have traffic jams, it would be a smooth ride home and she can always fill up her tank.

About 10km towards home, we approached a traffic jam. This was unusual. I could not understand why it had to happen on the day the fuel was on reserve. There was a very bad, marshy spot that was getting most cars stuck hence the traffic jam. People waited for their turns to find a safe place to pass through. Our car was a Mercedes Benz 200 (1982 model) and before the car should quit, it should give 3 warnings on the “R” sign. We had already seen the first one as we left the wedding. While waiting for our turn, we saw the 2nd warning. We could only be hopeful.

After about 20 minutes, we were able to move. Then we saw the 3rd and final warning on the dashboard. We knew we had to move fast otherwise, we would be stuck in that unknown place. But as we moved, we fell into the bad, marshy spot and there we were struggling to get out until the fuel finally finished. There was no help from anywhere because around us were frustrated, angry people all trying to get to their destinations. Stuck in the mud, I told my mother that there was nothing we could do except pray. In my mind I hope a motorcycle would pass by and we could ask the rider to bring us some fuel. Or some good Samaritan would come and help us push the car or give us fuel. I thought of all the options through which God would come through for us, but none of them worked out.
 
When the road had cleared and as dusk began to draw nigh, my mother attempted to start the car. As she did so, the car started as if there was nothing wrong with it. The car moved out of the bad marshy spot as if it was plain ground. We thought the car would jerk to a corner, but no - the car took us straight home. You cannot imagine the joy and excitement my mother and I shared as the car moved with ease. We could not thank God enough.

When I told the driver that the car could take us, I did not respond because I had a knowledge of how cars work. My response was based on a knowledge of what God can do. When it seems we cannot go on, when it seems we have exhausted all our options, or when it seems we have reached a dead end, that is when we see His manifestation - right on time. He works in such a way that you cannot dispute who is at work. He does it His own way – His ways are perfect. Those miracles and testimonies that God gives us, when we think on them, they are to act as faith boosters, especially in times when we doubt if He is really with us or what He can do.


And prayer works!

18 comments:

Myne said...

The testimony with your mum really touched me. Thank God for always being there for us, even in the time we think we can go no further. Thanks for sharing and lifting my faith this time, I need it.

Jennifer A. said...

This post reminds me of the 'last man running' a race. It doesn't matter whether he feels like all his energy has been used up, he still needs to make it to the finish line. In the same way, whatever energy we have on reserve can take us to the end, because in our weaknesses, God's strength is perfected.

Beautiful post.

doll (retired blogger) said...

i needed this this morning. thank you

Unknown said...

I love this post. God always gives us the strength to carry on. All we need to do is believe.

What you said about being ready for blessings and remembering to be thankful when the blessings come is so true. God's timing is of course not the same as ours - mere mortals. And I've at times, had to remind myself of that.

Evee said...

God always finds a way for us , if only we believe.

Olufunke said...

Awwwwwww, your testimony about your experience with your mum really really is worth hearing, God always shows up! I wish I would always remember that and fret less.

Thanks for sharing this, I am encouraged.

Anoda Phase said...

"When it seems we cannot go on, when it seems we have exhausted all our options, or when it seems we have reached a dead end, that is when we see His manifestation - right on time"...

That blesses me. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Woooooooow! thanks so much for sharing this. in our dark moments we often forget how near God is...i'm going thru that right now, bowed head down and actually asking alot of "why's" but ur story has restrengthened my heart and helped me lift up my eyes to Jesus once again....
thanks alot sis...love u very much

Unknown said...

Woooooooow! thanks so much for sharing this. in our dark moments we often forget how near God is...i'm going thru that right now, bowed head down and actually asking alot of "why's" but ur story has restrengthened my heart and helped me lift up my eyes to Jesus once again....
thanks alot sis...love u very much

James said...

Inspiring.God always defies all logic.

Been awhile,trust you are doing well

Unknown said...

my oh my! You know why I love this blogpost? "When I told the driver that the car could take us, I did not respond because I had a knowledge of how cars work. My response was based on a knowledge of what God can do."

Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. Like a friend of mine usually say, "the God you know is the God you serve". This post confirms it again.

Thanks Rita.

- LDP

Initium said...

That is so cooool!!!! Luv the story!!!!

poeticallytinted said...

So many people out there, including me, are running on reserve... Sometimes, reserve is all you need to get there.

jhazmyn said...

Trusting God, Understanding His place in our lives...that seems to be the recurring theme in all I've been hearing, reading and watching these days....:)

David C Brown said...

But my God shall abundantly supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus, Phil 4 19

Anonymous said...

That is when GOD shows how wonderful HE is when we are at our reserve!
He said the race is not for the strong, fastest or swift but to whom HE give HIS GRACE to...hallelujah!

Kafo said...

prayer requests that get answered and end up on the complaints list

mercy

this is for me today

Patrinas Pencil said...

"....My response was based on a knowledge of what God can do.

When it seems we cannot go on, when it seems we have exhausted all our options, or when it seems we have reached a dead end, that is when we see His manifestation - right on time. He works in such a way that you cannot dispute who is at work. He does it His own way – His ways are perfect. Those miracles and testimonies that God gives us, when we think on them, they are to act as faith boosters, especially in times when we doubt if He is really with us or what He can do."

YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO GET A PERSON'S HOPE AND FAITH FIRED UP! I smiled and laughed with the mud story - Prayer does indeed work! I am so motivated and encouraged by your faith. You Go girl! You are a walking living testament!

hugs, Patrina <")>><
warrior bride in boots