The September Gift

My dearest people, apologies for my long hiatus between Dec 2012 and August 2013...plus my inability to respond to comments on my blog or leave comments on my fellow bloggers' blogs. Please bear with me.

 

In one of my previous posts, by faith I posted about a "September Gift" (all those posts were scheduled). Please read below (long post alert!!!) the story behind the September Gift. I hope someone is encouraged by this post.

 

I had 2 consecutive pregnancy losses between August and October 2012. In November, I had to travel for training in the US. My husband then insisted that I should do a follow up test to ensure the evacuation procedure (for the 2^ndpregnancy loss) was done properly, and to check if there was something wrong causing the recurrent pregnancy loss. Reluctantly I obeyed. I did a couple of tests and to my greatest shock, the Dr pronounced me to be diabetic and immediately put me on medication. She said that the high sugar level was the cause of the pregnancy losses, and I should tell my doctors in Nigeria not to let me get pregnant again until the sugar level was under control.

When I got back, it was not an issue of pregnancy anymore. It was sugar level matter. I was in the hospital once a week for all sorts of tests and follow up. I did some research and found out that someone who is diabetic and gets pregnant is considered high risk. The person will be taking injections throughout the pregnancy, etc. I discussed all of these with my husband. He then said we should pray about it. After one of his personal quiet times, he told me when I go back for the tests, there will be no trace of high blood sugar level.

When I went for my next appointment, the blood test results came out. The sugar level was on the lowest side that the doctors (Physician and OB/Gyn) became confused. They said they had to stop me from taking the medication, because I was on a low dose yet it had the effect of reducing my sugar level too low. However, they could not stop me abruptly. They said I should take half the medication and come back one month later for checkup.

In January, I missed my period. I did a pregnancy test and it came out negative. I then became worried that possibly the medication for sugar level given to me in Nigeria had done something to my menstrual cycle. It was very early in the year (festive season) so I could not reach any of the doctors who knew my history to complain. I was eager to see my period so that I could probably start ovulation induction, since my blood sugar was considered normal. When I did not see the period and unable to reach my doctors, I just went to see any doctor in Lagos at the clinic where they were monitoring my blood sugar level. They did a blood test and found out I was pregnant. Then I became scared because I had no pregnancy symptom. For the last 2 pregnancies, when I lost them, I had no pregnancy symptoms as well. I began to panic. The doctor I saw did not know my history so he did not know why I was worried. He just told me to take folic acid and come back in 2 weeks. One week later, my obgyn was back so I went to see him. After I complained that I had no pregnancy symptoms, and I was scared that history will repeat itself, he put me on a weekly hormonal injection. On the 2nd week of the injection, I started bleeding.

I rushed back to the clinic and they did a scan. To my dismay, the sac was empty. At 6 weeks, one would expect to see a yolk sac and a fetal pole, but this one was empty. I saw it with my eyes. At the same time, the owner of the clinic walked in because he wanted to use the scan room. He looked at the scan and said, "this is an impending miscarriage. The sac has collapsed and we have blood all over. If by next week you have not finished bleeding, come back for an evacuation!" In my file they wrote "Anembryonic something something..."

I wept. I was devastated. I could not eat after that news. I stopped taking all medications including the folic acid. My husband then said we will go ahead with the evacuation, and then go for a vacation. He made all the arrangements for the vacation.

Because I had done a procedure in October, I was not keen on another one. So I decided to go to the Dr to ask for an alternative i.e. if they had a medication I could take to end the pregnancy since it was very early. When I went to the clinic, he said he would like to do a scan to know if the medicine would work or if we must do a procedure, because it depended on the amount of “tissue”that could be left behind by using medication. Lo and behold, there was a baby with a very strong heartbeat in the scan. I could not believe my eyes and ears. The Dr was in shock. He said this can only be God. That I should say thank God.

Well, my family and I went on the vacation a few weeks later, travelling around US, when I should have been resting. When I expressed some fears, my husband said, "It is not about what I do or do not do. It is God that is watching over the child".

By my week 10, I woke up one morning and I was soaked in water. I knew I did not urinate on myself. I do not sweat normally, so it could not have been sweat in that cold weather. Then my mind went to amniotic sac had ruptured. That was the same day I was to travel from Baltimore to Atlanta. I called my sister and asked for advice. Due to weather conditions, she said I should wait till I arrive at Atlanta before seeing a doctor. That though this is an emergency situation, doctors will not be keen on preserving the life of the child since it was quite early, and so it will end up in a procedure. So I should bear and get to Atlanta that night and go to a clinic.

It was not easy. I felt that if I had known, I should not have travelled. I was far away from medical attention and I felt disappointed that God allowed me to see a baby with heartbeat, only to take the baby at week 10. My hubby prayed but I was in panic mode. Finally I settled down and prayed. I asked God for only one word. He gave me more than a word. He said, “With Me nothing is impossible. Even if the amniotic sac has ruptured, which has not happened, I can fix it. So my daughter, do not worry”. From then on, I became the one consoling my sister and my husband that everything will be alright.

I got to the clinic in Atlanta around 6pm. After all the checks, they could not find a trace of leaking liquid. The scan showed a healthy baby enjoying and not having a care in the world. I was discharged but told to treat for yeast infection.

By week 14, when all worries and fears about losing the baby should have been gone, I started bleeding. I went for a scan and my doctor said he suspects a degenerating fibroid, which he showed me. He scheduled me for a detailed scan with the radiologist. When I went for that scan two days later, not only had the bleeding stopped, the radiologist could not find any trace of a fibroid. As I look back now, it is possible that God had worked another miracle there.

The pregnancy itself afterwards was very smooth. I was so energetic and I looked forward to the birth of my baby.

My baby’s due date was 7^th of September, 2013. 3 nights before that, I was woken from sleep by a contraction. This was the same experience I had with my first baby whom I had a few hours after I was woken up by contractions. I remained awake to monitor the intervals of contractions. It was 30 minutes apart. So I rested and expected that by morning, the intervals would have reduced and I would be much closer to active labor. To my disappointment, by the time I woke up in the morning, there were no contractions. The same thing happened the next night. I had to read online and some people mentioned “painful Braxton-hicks” while some others called it “pre-labor”and that the longer the pre-labor, the shorter the active labor. On Friday night (6^th of September), the same thing happened. This time, I could not even go back to sleep. Yet the intervals of contractions were 20-30 minutes apart. On the 7^th morning, I told my sister I would like to go to the clinic – she actually saw me going through one of the contractions. So she accepted to drop me at the clinic.

As we started our journey, the contractions stopped. I told my sister to please turn back, that it was “false labor” and I did not want her to get to the hospital (45 mins drive away) only to be told that I should go home. She refused and said not all labors are the same. That she will prefer to have me see a doctor. I reluctantly listened to her.

When we got to the clinic, I was checked. The doctor said I was only 2cm dilated, I was not contracting, and my cervix was not ready for birth. However, they said they will monitor me, and also run some tests to see if I had some infections that were causing painful Braxton-hick contractions.

I was on the hospital bed with the monitoring devices (contractions and fetal heart rate) feeling very bored. My sister had left. I was lamenting that I should not have wasted hers and my time that morning. I had just sent her a text that I will talk to the doctors to let me go home soon, and I will come home to prepare lunch, when suddenly a group of medical staff rushed into the room where I was. One of them explained to me that I am being rushed to the theatre for an emergency cesarean section, because my baby’s heartbeat had dropped very low. There was no time for further discussion, I saw myself being wheeled to a theatre. I was prepared for the operation. However when they monitored my baby’s heartbeat, it had normalized, so they said they were going to induce me to have the baby via vaginal birth. I was then wheeled back to my ward.

I was induced and was being monitored. However, I was not dilating as they expected yet baby's heartbeat was fluctuating. The epidural they gave me began to wear off. I then called on the anesthesiologist to come and look into it. When she turned me to my right side for a refill, my baby’s heartbeat dropped so much that I was rushed back to the theatre. They told me they could not wait for the effect of the epidural to set in and so I had to go on full anesthesia.

I woke up, I saw a baby in my arms, who I breastfed for about 2 minutes. I recall sending out message to my husband and sister telling them I had had the baby, and I think I went back to sleep. I woke up again and I was in a recovery room. I asked for my baby but no one could tell me where my baby was. I became scared. It was almost 7 pm. My sister came to check on me. She wanted to see the baby too. The nurses said they could not bring the baby to the recovery room. I kept praying that everything was okay with my baby.

I finally saw my baby by 10pm. She was born around 1:40pm. She weighed 2.6kg. She was the smallest baby I had ever seen. But when I held her in my arms, looking down at her nose so exactly like her father’s, I could only thank God for yet another full term journey He had taken me on. It was a journey of revealing another part of Himself to me. He that promised is faithful.

Today, when I hold her in my arms, I remember that she was called “an impending miscarriage, an anembryonic sac, degenerating fibroid…” but God had the final say. She is Nwachi Grace, and I love her so.

 

Remain blessed.

I Testify Of God - He Has The Heart Of Kings In His Hand

I and this beautiful blogger, who is sharing her testimony today, started interacting when she was believing God for a job. How she finally got a job proved to me that God is more than a miracle-working God. Her testimony gave me faith to trust God during my pregnancy (for I was scared I would have a miscarriage like in the past).

Some time afterwards, she faced a certain challenge in her life, which is why we have this testimony today. I had lost hope that she will ever come out of this challenge. But we kept praying. I prayed simply because the bible says we should pray without ceasing but deep down in my heart, I wondered how God would do it.

As I prepared to post this testimony this morning, I recalled that about a year before her breakthrough, God has revealed that she would have this breakthrough. We were so caught up in the challenge that we completely forgot that God had seen the end, even showed us the end, and was going to remain faithful to His promise. If only we can really trust in Him! Anyway, this blogger was always positive when I spoke to her, and today she is sharing her testimony. For the purpose of this post, she will remain anonymous.

I Testify of God - He Has The Heart of Kings In His Hand

God's greatness in my life has been an eye opener for me. My story is a common one but my Jehovah turned my testimony to an uncommon one.
I met Ogbe when I wasn't looking to go in to a relationship. So when he started talking marriage I was shocked because he came to meet with my aunt with whom I was staying with to inform her.
Then, I had begun to develop feelings for him and it continued to grow and it never for once occurred to me that there was any other way.
Earlier, I had made a vow to God to abstain from sex till I get married and when I met Ogbe and after we started dating, it became increasingly difficult to keep my vow to God. I finally rationalised that since we were getting married, there was no harm in indulging and giving in to his demands for sex. I gave in, then I got pregnant.
I was happy when I found out I was pregnant and rushed to give Ogbe the 'good news'. When I gave him the test results, he just studied it and said nothing. He said nothing for two days until I had to ask him. He simply said to give him time to think about it.Well, I gave him as much time as he needed because,I felt he just had to get himself together for us to start planning our marriage.

I was dead wrong.

He said he couldn't father a child at the moment.That the fact that we discussed marriage didn't mean I should go get pregnant. It was like a film trick to me because nothing prepared me for what I was hearing and I just couldn't handle it. He then said I should get rid of the pregnancy that we would have more babies when we were ready. I refused and he abandoned me to my fate.

I was thinking time will make him change, but he instead became stoic in his resolve.So resolute was he that when he went back to the UK, he stopped taking my calls till as he said, I get back to my senses. I thought hard, but I couldn't see any solution to the dilemma I was in. I wondered at how I allowed myself to be in this situation. Remember that I had not even informed my parents or even my aunty.
I started looking for ways to leave my aunty's house and the opportunity presented itself. I had to move to another town for a job and I jumped at the opportunity; to say the truth I had not started thinking ahead as to whether I would keep the pregnancy but I just felt this inner conviction that I must see this pregnancy through.

Three months went by and still no change from Ogbe and my parents who I went to pay a visit began to notice a change in me.  Then I had to move to my place. I then informed my aunty and then later my mum, who then told my dad. As I tell it, it sounds so simple but it sure wasn't then. That was when  my ordeal started cause the more efforts were made to contact Ogbe, the more it was looking impossible.

I had resigned myself to fate when my aunty called me at about 6am in May 9th, 2011 that Ogbe had come with his people saying he wanted to come and meet my family formally. I was shocked but relieved. Just when everyone had written my issue off God compelled him to come form England for an introduction that I had not even planned with him.
I never planned my introduction. Infact, he wasn't talking to me, would you believe that? But, it happened in May 17th or there about. He went and did it although I was not in attendance.

I thought my problems were over but then, I was wrong. I never saw my would be husband even if for one day all through when I was pregnant. He always gave one excuse or the other.
But as if it had become my way of life, I just kept on believing, hoping and having the faith that I would see light at the end of the tunnel.
Then, reports started coming that he was always ill and during the few times he would call or I call him he was always having bed rest or in pains. Finally, I found out when I was 8months that he had prostrate cancer and had to undergo an operation.

Even though he had wronged me and made me go through a lot, I refused to believe that report and petitioned God to give me testimonies. I didn't want my baby to be fatherless. Never that!
Finally, he underwent the operation and it was successful. 2 weeks later when he came back to Nigeria, I gave birth to a healthy boy and despite indications that I would deliver through CS, I delivered normally.

As if my miracle wasn't enough, Ogbe came, saw my baby and I, and asked for forgiveness. He wanted to do everything for us and kept apologising. Before I knew what was happening, 2 and half months after I gave birth, I was getting married without even lifting my finger.

I tell you when God wants to do something, He doesn't do it in half measures but like I always keep repeating from the scripture as it represents my belief, ''He is able to do exceedingly and above that which we have asked of Him''
When it is over, that is when God begins His work and plan for you, if you can just hold on and believe.

Dear Anonymous Blogger, thank you for responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to share this testimony. God loves it when we keep our promises, and I know you will have many more testimonies to come. I am thankful that you did not abort this great man you have brought to this world. I pray someone is blessed by your testimony. In everything, there is room to give thanks to God. Love you...

Busy At Night

I can recall that while I waited on God for my job [you can read about it here], those months seemed so long and I felt I was passing through a "night" in my life. The uncertainty and the delay was really worrisome. Yet I was comforted. The Word of God says, "...All that night the LORD drove the sea back...[Exodus 14:21, NIV]". This word referred to the night before the great miracle of the parting of the Red Sea. The scripture confirmed that God neither sleeps nor slumbers [Psalm 121:4]. The real work of God for the children of Israel did not happen when they awoke that morning to find they could cross the Red Sea, but it happened “ALL that night.” i.e. throughout the night. Similarly, it was when I received the letter for my job that I realized God had been working behind the scenes, all through my "night", to give me a miracle.

You may be at a point in your life that seems like night or darkness. You may wonder, "what is going on?" or "when will this night be over?" I just want to drop a word for you today to reassure you that there is a great work going on in your life though it seems the night prevails. You may not see the evidence yet, but God is at work. God was just as much at work “all that night” as He was the next day, when the Israelites finally saw the evidence. The next day simply revealed what God had done during the night. Your "day" will come, and you will see evidence of the work God has been doing during your night. You will see His miracle in such a manner that no one else can take the glory. Wait expectantly on Him because the night will surely give way to the day.

 

Remain blessed.

 

Culled from "From The Heart Of A Loving Father - Working All Through The Night".

 

The Sack Letter

October 2011. I was in the general office when my manager called a colleague and I out to a secluded area. She handed us a letter. As I opened mine, it read, “your services are no longer required by the organization…”. My colleague also had a similar letter. I was shocked. I called my husband and told him. He said it must have been a mistake. I told God that if it was His will then it should be done. That I would pursue other interests. But I got a nudge in my spirit that I should speak to my mother.

Then I woke up. It was all a dream. But I was sweating, cold and scared. I knew from experience that my organization could “right-size” at any time. If they did and they did not find me relevant at that time, I could be affected by the “right-sizing”. I woke my husband up and told him, “I just dreamt that I was sacked!” He shook his head and sighed. “Go back to sleep. Stop worrying. You cannot be sacked.”

His words were not encouraging at all. Not for me who knows how to worry. Then I remembered that in the dream I had a nudge to speak to my mother. It was 5am. I called her and expressed my fears. I told her if it was God’s will, I will accept it because there must be other things He wanted me to focus on. But she said, “you know what, let us pray about it. Both of you will receive letters, but it will be promotion letters!” Then we prayed and closed the matter.

November 2011. I got to work like any other work day. Around 2pm my main manager came to my office and called all those that report to him into a room. He said, “something has come up. There’s been some reorganization. You will hear it in the webcast that is about to take place…” My mind quickly went to the dream. That is how I attended the webcast only to hear that effective January 1st 2012, my job function will cease to exist in the organization. Provision for new jobs had been made for others with job functions similar as mine. There I was without a job effective January 1st. The timing of the announcement was not favorable for me because it was close to December. Organizations don’t often recruit then. Then I began to worry. I was also desperate at that time and was looking to do anything so as not to be fired. But all doors seemed to be closed towards me. December entered January. January to February. I heard there was a position they had for me that I would resume effective March. March came and went, no letter.

While waiting, I realized that I needed to pursue my interests. I realized that the job may not always be there but what was unique to me will always remain. My passion to write had not died but I had to awaken it from sleep. I decided to review my novel “Against The Perfect Will”. It was then I made all effort to get it published. Within 2 months, the book was published.

It was as though God wanted me to get that book published because it was only after then did a letter show up. This occurred in April. It came with a promotion but did not meet all the terms that I expected. At this point, I was no longer desperate. If they did not accept my terms, I was ready to pursue writing full time.

Well, to cut the long story short, by end of April I received a letter that came with a promotion, exceeded my expectations, and it was for a job that I am totally passionate about. I am too thankful to God for His faithfulness.

Lessons Learnt:-

1. “Bad” dreams do not always have to happen as dreamt. Prayer can help to change the course of negative things that want to happen.

2. A delay does not mean denial. God is always working behind the scenes in our favor, if we let Him.

3. While waiting on God, there are things He would like us to do. Let us not be too overwhelmed by our situation to ignore what He wants us to do.

I lift up anyone who is experiencing delays in a prayer that is already answered. May the physical manifestation of your answered prayer come very quickly and may all forces delaying your answered prayer let go immediately, in Jesus name, Amen.

Note: The other guy went through similar challenges but got his promotion January 2012. Thank God for prayers.

Mr. Rita said he believes I am very valuable and hence cannot be sacked, that is why he did not worry. SMH. Now that I look back, I realize that there was no need to worry. But then, I am human :-)

Thank you to Jhazmyn, Enkay, Writefreak and Chacha for lifting me up in prayer when I was tired of praying. God bless you.

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.

**********************************

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!

The One Behind The Scenes

The interview lasted less than 10 minutes. It all started well with information about me, my undergraduate project, and why I wanted to be part of the program. When it got to the question “when did you finish your NYSC?” I was quiet. I was not expecting it and I had no proof to back up the lie that almost escaped my lips. “I am still on it,” I muttered in fear.

“You have not finished your military service?” the French man in the panel asked.

“I have only 3 months to go and most of it is during the festive period,” I tried to defend myself.

Their body language told me a lot. Some shook their head. Some kept a stern face. The greatest disappointment came when I looked at my Prof. He looked powerless. No one was on my side.

I was dismissed and soon after I left the interview hall to begin my journey back to Delta State where I was undergoing my NYSC. Though I was greatly disappointed, I tried to look at the brighter side. If I missed this opportunity to be a pioneer student of this Master’s Program, I could join my mates in walking from company to company, dropping my CV and hopefully be called for an aptitude test that would lead to a job. I tried to be a bit optimistic though I worried about the money, time and effort I had put into being accepted for this program.

To avoid further pain, I removed my mind from the program and made the most of my last few days in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South, Delta State. I remained passionate about my anti-female circumcision campaign, organizing quiz competitions between schools and enjoying the company of my wonderful roommates and Otu-Jeremi students. One day as we were strolling to get our meals, my trium (which had my contacts so I often carried it out with me in the event we stumble upon the landline that could call “outside”) beeped. I had just received a text from my sister which read, “You have one week to confirm your acceptance at the Institute otherwise your position will be given to someone on the waitlist”. I looked at the date of the text. It was sent 5 days earlier. That meant I had 2 days left to confirm my acceptance. That to me remains a miracle because there was no GSM service in Otu-Jeremi at that time.

It was years later I learnt that the panel had to sit a couple of times to debate whether or not I would be taken. I also learnt that because they agreed to accept me, it gave room for others who were also rounding up NYSC to be part of the program. This concession only existed in my own time. I cannot count the blessings that have resulted in my life just because I attended that program that time.

Today as I reflect on the goodness of God, I realize that God is always working behind the scenes on our behalf. He is the one who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He is the one who has the heart of kings in His hands, and He turns it wherever He pleases.

He can open doors for you which no man can shut. For your sake He can make man-made rules to be bent. For your sake He can do a new thing. Just because of you, He can inspire one to create new drugs or treatment procedures for your healing. For your sake, He can take you to a place you never imagined could bring you restoration. For your sake He can turn what was once your shame and fear to a blessing. And He who surrounds you with favour as a shield, can make His favour so shine upon you that even others will be blessed and will benefit from His favour upon you.

Beloved, you do not need to defend your situation neither do you have to worry about how God will realize His promise to you. His plans for you are only good and He is working everything together for your good, working behind the scenes on your behalf. He is the one that will fight for you. Be still and trust in Him.

Related Post: Serve In Warri?

The Shortcut

Several years ago...It had been six months since I finished University, awaiting NYSC, so all funds had been cut. After those seemingly long months of waiting on God for a financial breakthrough and it was not forthcoming, I sought to find a solution for myself. One Friday, I called a friend whom I knew was financially okay. I asked for some help. He agreed to give me some money but on the condition that we go out on a date. Sunday evening, I indulged him and he gave me N3000 (equivalent of about $20).

On Monday, I took my N2500 (now short by the transport money), full of excitement that my immediate problems of fixing my hair and my nails will be solved. I had to walk through my department in school, which was near the salon I was going to. To my greatest surprise, I received 2 pieces of information I was not expecting. The secretary in my department said she planned to call me that Monday for she received the information late on Friday.

The first was that a scholarship I had applied for in my second year, which I had lost hope that it will ever come through, had suddenly come through and I would be paid N50,000.

The second was a lecturer needed someone to help a company with a quick study. I accepted it knowing that it would take me only 2 days to do the work. In my mind, I valued the job as a N20,000 job and felt that with enough management, this could last me three more months. On acceptance, I was told that I would be paid N250,000 on completion of the study (of which I had to give a little part of the money with the lecturer that helped me get the job).

As I received those pieces of information, I took a seat, pondered and wept. I said “If only I had waited on God just 2 days, I would have known that He had already answered my prayers”. N3000 (which resulted in me devaluing myself) was nothing compared to what God had in store for me.

I am sharing this story specifically for someone who has been waiting on God for an answer. Now you are at that point where you want to take the “shortcut” – the alternative that seems to solve the immediate problem without considering the future implications. Your Loving Father is telling you to hold on. Do not underestimate what He can do. Do not create your own testimony. You have waited this long, though counting the times that has passed. Believe that God's grace is sufficient to take you further.

When Esau sold his birthright [Genesis 25:29-34], he was thinking of solving the immediate problem - his hunger. He was consumed by his situation that he did not understand what He was giving up.

Beloved, what may be someone else’s miracle may be your shortcut. You know that thing you desire, and hopefully those words of peace that God has spoken to you concerning that which you desire. In my case if only I had waited 2 days, I would have known God had already answered my prayers. He has already answered yours and I do not know how much longer you need to wait to see the physical manifestation of your answered prayer. But do not forget this one thing: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think [2 Peter 3:8-9]. What He has in store for you is worth the wait, for He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you can ask or think.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Related devotional on "From The Heart Of A Loving Father":

Remember Your Rights As A Child Of God.

I Testify Of God - God Is A Healer And He Is Faithful

Beloved EROLyrics Readers, today you will read the second installment of the Testimony Series (I Testify Of God). It is about the healing of a lady who was shot by armed robbers. Disclaimer:- There are parts of the post that went into details of the incident, so if you do not have the liver for it, you can stop reading now. If you get to read it, I hope you are blessed like I am with this testimony of God's awesomeness. If you have something to share, please feel free to drop me a message at esurunma@gmail.com.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Modupe…was born some thirty years ago…Grew up in Ibadan and had all my education there..then I got a job in Lagos after my youth service in 2004 and relocated there.

What is your testimony about?

I think its more like my testimonies, but I have singled this particular incident out because I sincerely hope that someone reading this will be touched by God’s amazing grace and be reminded that He is truly an ever present help in our time of need. I was shot by armed robbers and God miraculously kept me alive. 4 years and still counting…I have never been to the hospital for any complaint since then…He is indeed an Awesome God.

The year was 2006…a Wednesday in the month of June and it started off like any other day…Brings to the fore the fact that you never know the day your life will get transformed, I'm sure Joseph must have felt it was just another day before he got the call from pharaoh..

I finished work around 5pm and decided to visit the movies before going home….picked up a friend of mine from surulere and we drove to Victoria island to see a movie..left V/I around 8.30pm and started back home. Home then was in Satellite town with my uncle.

Drove from V/island back through Costain to drop my friend and started off home from there..

I could recall that on my way, I was listening to music and mentally arranging the rest of my week…aligning schedules with the days left etc. Then I noticed that some cars had turned back and were driving one –way…on recounting the incident later on, several listeners said if I had be a Lagos wise driver I would have got the signal and joined the train at the point.

Anyways, I didn’t, first because I wasn’t a lagos- wise girl and second because I didn’t know any alternative route home. So I continued until I realized that I couldn’t drive forward any longer because there was an ambush and armed robbers were doing their thing.

Here I was in my car watching them ransack the car just in front of me and I cant remember what was going through my mind but I was scared..and when one of the robbers came to my window at first, I refused to roll down my glass and stayed there in fear…then an unexpected thing happened, the robbers shot into the car in front of me and then I figured these weren’t just thieves..these were trigger happy people who intend to rob as well as kill..so I told myself that I needed to leave the spot…and I struggled to maneuver through the little space between my car and the one in front and make a turnaround to escape..then one of the tyres of my car veered off the tarred surface and I was convinced I could no longer make it…I stopped.

I stayed in my car and started to muttering “Jesus, please help me..please help me..”

I was praying …and I was stealing some glances at my window to check the robbers out…next thing I noticed one of them was removing something from his bag and and putting in his gun..In retrospect, I realized that it was the point when he placed a catridge bullet in his gun..

I was still saying Jesus please help me..when I heard the sound..it sounded faraway…..then I turned to look at my window and saw the robbers moving away..then it caught my eye…the flesh on my side was torn apart and I could see my pelvic bone..and blood was gushing..then it hit me..the sound wasn’t faraway..it was the sound of a gun on my car door and the bullet had pierced my skin apart…

I still don’t know where the strength to live came from..I guess its what we call” Grace”

I placed my feet on the pedal and pressed hard and my car moved…and I continued driving…driving until I saw people…and traffic..so I stopped and asked for help..and in the midst of the crowd I could help people saying "Don’t help her..she will die…see all the blood”…one man came to me and asked me to allow him to drive..Time now will be around 10pm…I moved to the other seat and he took over the wheels.

He drove straight to a police station, got the officer to come into the car and write the police report…while he was driving to the hospital…

We got to the hospital..meanwhile I had placed a call to my aunt and uncle to inform them that I had been shot..then I handed the phone to him so he could tell them where we were. The good Samaritan stayed till my uncle and aunt came and then handed over my personal effects and car keys to them.

Did I hear you say "He who watches over Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers…"?

Next day, I called the Chief Medical Adviser in my office and was transferred to another hospital where I had access to specialists.

The surgeon called was an Orthopaedic surgeon, because of the assumption that maybe my bone had been affected, then I went for xrays and the result showed that bone was brushed but not broken…but I still had to be taken to the theatre..

So I went for the surgery around 4pm the next day…Family members and friends had gathered round for the usual support..

Went in with the promise that surgery should be over in 3hrs..I later learnt that I was in for about 7hours..Midday through the surgery, they suspected that my intestines have been damaged and sent for an abdominal surgeon who insisted that I required a laparotomy, this I later discovered is a procedure whereby the surgeons cuts you open without having a clear idea of what may be wrong with you.

Well, they discovered I had multiple perforations in my small and large intestines and a colostomy procedure had to be done. Thats a procedure that requires them to put some part of my intestine on the surface so that I won't have to go to the toilet normally but will be using a bag on the surface instead..

Well, to cut a long story short, I spent three months in the hospital and had three surgeries…went through pain that cannot be described nor defined …but I survived just because of one simple truth.

GOD IS A HEALER AND HE IS FAITHFUL

I needed to write this now to tell someone out there, that God is faithful.  You may have to go through the valley experiences every now and then, because it’s the way of the world we live in..but those experiences just serve to show God in a brighter, more evident light.

He is faithful that promised and He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. These words I know for myself. Do take this word from the mouth of someone who has been in very dark place once, a place where I wasn’t sure of what the next second will bring, a place where often times I long for death because it seemed like a more preferable option to pain..

I spent three months on the hospital bed and I can honestly tell you that it was like passing through fire, but more importantly I can add that God sits as a purifier…and He will never let you have more than you can bear.

Go on…cry atimes…scream if it makes you feel better…Give Him a chair and insist on a dialogue..but never stop trusting Him…Never stop lighting up the flame of your faith. He will deliver you in His perfect time.

Hmmm...tears are rolling down my eyes and I can see the applicability of your encouraging words in my life. Please share with us what you learnt from this experience.

I learnt the following:

1. God is a deliverer..an ever present help in the time of need...

2. God gives an amazing amount of grace when we reach out to Him in trying times...

3. It is good to be a true friend or family to someone, because you will never know the value of friendship or family as much as when you are in your dark place...

4. Pain doesn't kill and sometimes we have to go through some unpleasant stuff in life..but as long as we don't get killed by it, we will be better off and live to tell the testimonies...

5. Friends and Family were awesome and they made a terrible time, bearable...

Modupe, I am sure that your being alive today is not by chance or by mistake. God has a special purpose for you and by His grace, you will fulfill it. May you continue to have testimonies all the days of your life. Thank you for sharing this testimony.

I Testify Of God - God Is Faithful To Answer Prayers

Beloved EROLyrics Readers, today you will read the first installment of the Testimony Series (I Testify Of God) mentioned here. I hope you are blessed like I am with this testimony of God's faithfulness in answer to prayer. I could not leave any part of it out. If you have something to share, please feel free to drop me a message at esurunma@gmail.com.

About Myself (Testimony Sharer chooses to remain anonymous)

I am a blogger. I am a Christian who came to know Jesus during my junior years in secondary school. I am married to the most adorable young man, and have been for a little over two years. I am young and independent minded and I have since discovered that life is nothing if I don't give it my all. There's no better way to serve God than to be the best that I can be in every sphere of my life. I'm comfortable with the person that I am but definitely not complacent. I have learnt that it is possible to enjoy where I am on the way to where I am going. I love to read. Books are on my list of top ten favourite things therefore it is no surprise that I equally love to write as well! I am working on becoming one of Nigeria's greatest authors.

What My Testimony Is About
My testimony is one of triumphant faith and restoration of glory. It is about God's faithfulness in answer to prayer and God's dedication to us when we act in faith, to bring to pass the desire of our hearts. This testimony is in no way conclusive because it is all still a work in progress but I believe in celebrating even little victories. After all, great victories are made up of a series of smaller ones.

Details of My Testimony

By the time I was getting married a little over two years ago, it was with the understanding that I would be moving in with my husband into a house that was built by him. The only problem I had with this arrangement was the fact that his mother was staying in that same house. He assured me that within 3months of our moving in, she would relocate to a city in the south-south part of Nigeria where she would be helping to take care of her own ailing mother.

After about six months, it became clear that this was not going to happen. The house was still under construction even though we lived in a portion that was already complete but we could not completely settle in until the other parts of the house were completed. We were staying in the guest bedroom since the master bedroom was on the side of the house that was yet to be completed.

To cut a long story short, living with my Mother-in-Law (M-I-L) was a study in extreme patience. I learnt that in the beginning she and her son (my husband) had a deal to purchase the land as a joint effort but after that he took over the main work of construction.

The work on the house cost him so much money that it was becoming a burden, but he was bent on finishing it so that we could settle in and begin to build our home. This was not to be because he and his mother constantly quarreled. There was no end to the complaints and the fights. Family members often came to arbitrate their issues.

And just as I feared, I got drawn into their fights. I was accused of controlling my husband and preventing him from caring for their mother. This of course is not true. In one of her raves, she cursed our unborn children. I spent many nights crying myself to sleep. Even though my husband stood up to his mother, she proved to be too domineering. She later resorted to chasing the workmen away whenever they came to work on the house. She said she was not yet dead and we wanted to take over her property (remember that the house does not belong to her solely).

Resentment and bitterness grew in my heart towards her. I became rather withdrawn and there was hardly anything that could make me laugh. I fell sick often. My life seemed to be filled with gloom. My husband at this time worked in another city so I was alone most of the time. He visited home about twice every month, a few days each time. Many times I felt like packing my stuff and returning to my parents but I knew that was not wise.

My mother became worried for me and she often encouraged me. She had suggested that we move out of the house but my husband was not willing to let go of his huge investments. The house is a fairly large one with four bedrooms. Most of the work has been done leaving mostly finishing jobs like tiling the floors etc. So it was easy to understand his reluctance.

I prayed and sought God's face.

Through His word, I saw that I had sinned by allowing bitterness to enter my heart. I repented and asked God to forgive me and I forgave my M-I-L. I determined in my heart to love her no matter what because according to God's word, His love has been shed abroad in my heart. I also prayed that my husband would see the wisdom in leaving the house for his mother and starting afresh.

One evening, after yet another quarrel, my husband decided that enough was enough! I was overjoyed. He finally decided that we were going to leave the house, investments and all. They were not worth his peace of mind.

That was the first answer to prayer.

Now came the real challenge.

The company he worked for then had huge investments in the Niger-Delta region and because of the activities of militants coupled with gross misappropriation of funds the company was running aground. He was being owed salaries and allowances for close to a year. He had spent all his savings on the house and now we were depending on my own income solely which of course was barely enough to live on let alone take on other projects.

At the time the decision was made to move out, Hubby had resigned from his job and essentially spent most of his time at home preparing for a professional exam.

We needed him to get a new job, preferably in the same city where we lived and we needed to get a new place. We were specific about the kind of job, the position and the remuneration. We were also specific about the new place, the kind of building, the location, amenities, neighbours etc.

This decision was made in the month of May of last year and by June we started looking for our dream flat. The entire exercise would have been laughable if it hadn't been an exercise in faith. We met with several agents, went to look at dozens and dozens of flats which we didn't like because they did not fit in with our check list.

One day in September, we were driving through an area that looked nice enough for us and that was how we saw this building which was freshly completed. We knew this because workmen were still milling about the place. We made enquiries only to be told it was not yet for rent. We entered in anyway and took a tour and we were impressed with what we saw and immediately, we knew we wanted to stay there. We left our number with the supervisor of the site asking him to call us up once the building became available.

In October, the following month, my hubby got a phone call from a company to which he had applied earlier in the year and he was asked to come in for a chat. The result of that chat was that he was offered a job!!!

The amazing thing is this - they needed someone who had experience in the use of Project Management software. It happened that while the manager was clearing his desk, he saw my hubby's resume and his eyes fell on the portion that said he could use the software. The manager was amazed that he hadn't seen it before and demanded that my hubby be called in immediately. You would not call the meeting he had with them an interview because they merely had a chat and at the end of it they asked if he could start right away. He did not want to sound desperate so he asked them to give him 2 weeks.

He had been trained in the use of that software early that year around the time when he had made up his mind to resign from his old job. The training would have cost huge sums of money but he got some kind of grant to attend it at no cost. Little did we know that that training was going to pave the way for a bigger, better appointment. He had also had the intention of shifting his career focus from Civil Engineering to Project Management. Most of the other companies he had applied to didn't take him because they thought he had no experience. But this company was not only willing to take him as a young Project Management personnel but they put in place for him a program that would help him get enough training to perform satisfactorily on his job. He was offered a pay that was only slightly less than what we wanted, this would be upgraded upon confirmation six months after resumption. And the best part, the job is in the same city where we live!

Two weeks after we got the job, we got a phone call informing us that the flat was now available for rent. Perfect timing huh? Still we barely had enough money to pay for the rent and agency fees. The good thing though was that since he now had a job, we had access to certain funds that we would otherwise not have had. It is amazing the kind of favour we received as we sought to raise funds for the rent. In 2days, we were able to raise the entire money required. This could not have been anything short of a miracle! People offered to help us out even without our asking.

In November, we paid our rent and by this weekend, we would be moving into our flat. The building is brand new just like we asked for. The rooms are as standard as we desired them to be. The neighbourhood is relatively safe and accessible to our places of work. The roads are in good condition and the drainage is sound. We are close to two main markets so that shopping is a breeze. Our neighbours are young couples just like us and already we have started working together. We wanted nice and co-operative neighbours. We got exactly what we asked for and even more!

After two years, I can finally say I have come home. Our wedding gifts are yet to be opened, 2 years after marriage! They are still piled up in the corner of the store. This is for the simple reason that we had not yet settled down. I am overexcited!

My M-I-L I have left in God's hands. I know that in leaving that house, we have not lost anything rather we have gained everything. The God who supplied resources for that one, will supply resources for this one and the one we intend to build. Amen.

What I Learnt From This Experience

Through this experience, I have learnt that God expects us to love people even though they are unkind to us. My mother-in-law is one of the most difficult people I have ever had to live with. Her children bear witness to this and her husband left her because of this. She is overbearing, domineering and with an acerbic tongue. I am not saying this to put her down, I am merely saying it as it is. I am also not saying that my hubby and I are perfect people. We do have our faults and are quick to apologize when we are wrong.

My M-I-L's attitude towards me was not enough reason to be bitter and resentful. Indeed, I suffered a great deal because of this. But when I allowed the love of God flow through me to her, my world brightened up. All the gloom left. I felt healthier and lighter! I learnt patience because it took a lot for me to never talk back at her.

It is interesting to note that in recent times, my M-I-L and I have an improved relationship. When she talks to me now, I find that she has lost some of that bite in her voice. In spite of all she had done, I still buy her gifts and offer to do some of her laundry. Even though she is reluctant, she often accepts my gifts and allows me to help her with a few things. She probably notices that I no longer resent her.

I also learnt that God truly does honour faith. Faith does not mean standing idly by while we 'hope' that things will change. Faith means thrusting out and doing what we need to do to bring about change and the Lord will help us complete it.

We did not have money for a flat but we knew were going to get a flat and we set out deliberately to look for the flat of our dreams. When we found the flat, the money we needed for it came.

I also learnt that if we seek promotion then we must prepare for it. My hubby needed a career change (apart from the fact that he desperately needed a new job) and he took his time to study and train for the role. The training paid off eventually because when God's favour brought him the job, he was ready with the right skills to fill in the space.

Words To Anyone Going Through A Similar Experience

For anyone going through any of these things I would say have faith in God. Hold on to that faith and act accordingly. Every little act of faith opens the way for more acts of faith until we arrive at the destination which we seek.

Love is always the answer. I see that now and I pray that my heart will be open to receive more of God's love so that I can give more of it away.

Thank you.

Jehovah-Suddenly

Dear Father, I pray for the person reading this post. He/She may have seen Your face as Jehovah-Hope. He/She may be trusting you for something. I pray that You, Jehovah-Suddenly visits him/her. Suddenly, things will happen in favor of this person. Suddenly, You will give him/her reason to testify that his/her joy will be full. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Dear Father,
All my loved ones have unique names I give to them. You are no exception. I started this year calling You Jehovah-Hope (The God that gives hope). Yes You give hope. How else can I explain things like the woman ditched twice a day before her wedding still trusting in You for a husband, or the man who applies for jobs for the umpteenth time despite several rejections, or the lady with countless miscarriages still believing in you though the doctors say it is futile? And you came through for them. I personally have beheld Your miracles as “Jehovah-Hope”. I felt I was going to spend this year calling You Jehovah-Hope, not knowing You have a different facet You wanted to show me.

I just want to say Thank You. In a short space of time, you have sprung so many surprises at me. You have reassured me of Your love despite my doubts and negative confessions. You have opened doors I never knew existed. You have made me stand before kings. You have filled my heart and mouth with testimonies. A post is not enough to describe the contents of the table of blessings you prepared for me out of the blue.

Suddenly, You did a new thing. Now I have seen another part of You I was not used to – the fact that You can do a new thing: customized for me, something that never existed before, even in my mind. Now I call you Jehovah-Suddenly (The God that does a new thing suddenly). You are faithful to Your Word.

Once again I say, Dear Father, I pray for the person reading this post. He/She may have seen Your face as Jehovah-Hope. He/She may be trusting you for something. I pray that You, Jehovah-Suddenly visits him/her. Suddenly, things will happen in favor of this person. Suddenly, You will give him/her reason to testify that his/her joy will be full. In Jesus Name, Amen.