Alert: This week, I published the weekly article on Perspectives late. Kindly accept my sincere apologies; as always, I have you, my reader, at heart.
September 17, 2013. 7:16 am. I had an examination for my professional exams in accounting (ICAN ATS 3). On my way to the exam centre, there was a mix of emotions. Anxiety; and eagerness; I wanted to pass the exams at all costs.
The courses were Auditing, Cost Accounting, Management, and Tax. Within two days, the exams were over. I remember posting on Facebook on the evening of the first day: “The Holy Spirit: My Teacher.”
The scriptures say, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” (Psalm 127:1). A few months later, results were out. I was nervous. How would this turn out? I remember checking and then rejoicing when I saw that I passed all the papers! Beyond my efforts, the Lord helped me.
But that was not the end. On November 26, 2013, I checked my email. I was a prize winner! Third Overall Best student! It’s quite emotional to recall the experience. Getting home, I rolled on the floor in gratitude to God as my parents gave thanks. It could only have been God!
Today, seven years later, Google Photos and Facebook reminded me of the day the exams began. It’s a story of grace. One I’ll always be thankful for. Now, there are new challenges. But, this trip down memory lane encourages me. The names of the situations I will face will change, but the name of the Saviour that I rely on remains the same: Jesus!
Taking a look at the scripture 2nd Corinthians 1:10: “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us”
Has delivered – Past
Will deliver – Present.
Will continue to deliver – Future.
Are you faced with a difficult situation? Cast your mind to the times when God showed up in the past. The moments when you were at your wit’s end. The moments when you feared you would lose all that mattered to you. Can you remember? He did it before, and He will do it again. Our God is faithful. If Christ tarries, you will look back at the challenges and have reasons to rejoice.
Can we take a minute to say a few lines of prayer?
Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness at all times. We ask for strength to hold on to You through every season and trust You even when we don’t understand what You are doing. Help us to know that You who made our past fears a source of testimony, will make our current challenges a reason to rejoice.
Thank you for your answered prayers. Thank you for the testimonies that are on their way! For we pray in Jesus’ name! Amen.
P.S: Written for Perspectives by Iremide Akinsola