Category: Testimonies

The Ultimate Position

It was so exciting initially
Was frequently asked in 5 years where do you want to be?
Not sure, maybe in the position that is above me
Just continue to work hard and see
The myth of the future was intriguing
But the real position I wanted ultimately
Was to collect an income sufficient to live comfortably
And still have the strength and energy
To go where I want and do things leisurely

I wanted someday to not have to get up or to sleep late
Not have to get out in snow or rain
And fight through cars and pedestrians
To be in a certain time at a certain place
What would it be like to work or play at your own pace
But even after working decades
It didn’t seem the ultimate position I could attain
Because of the financial mistakes I had made

So fervently I began to pray
That God would forgive me for my mistakes
And let me enjoy the ultimate position some day
Fast forward, my God is great I can say
For He heard my prayers and made the way
So now I have extra time to give Him thanks and praise
For His mercy endures always

 

Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:1
Background
I was excited to start my career. The mystery of what lied ahead in terms of a higher position or earning x number of dollars intrigued me. But as time when on, the excitement wore off. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there are seasons in life. So there are seasons to work and seasons not to work. So after several decades of working I desired the ultimate position of being a retiree. But I had made several terrible financial choices that were preventing this from being possible. After much fervent prayer, my merciful heavenly Father overlooked my mistakes and made a way for me to get to the ultimate position.

Wait and Listen

So, I thought about starting a new thing
It would have put me in a position of leading
With fine detail I thought about how it I would be implementing
As the date to start it was approaching
And was about to run the idea past a friend
The Holy Spirit said “wait and listen”
When you do A, then you have to do B
And have you even thought about C?
And what if this thing grows
Are you prepared to handle the bigger load?”

And I reflected on these questions and responded no
My “well” thought out plan was lacking materially
I’m thankful the Holy Spirit spoke to me
And I’m thankful I didn’t act stubborn or hastily
For now, I’ll put the plan on hold cause, it’s best for me
It’s not that God is denying what I seek
He just wants my creations to go successfully.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 55:8-9
Background

Years ago when I set my mind to do something I would do it. I may not have necessarily prayed about it first and asked God for His counsel or I may not have run it past anyone. But I learned from experience that if something does not feel right to do, then don’t do it. So this time when I carefully crafted my plan; I waited a few days before implementation or asking anyone’s opinion about it. During the time of wait, God showed me some things I never even though about. Like Isaiah 55 8-9 says His thoughts are not our thoughts—they are so much higher. I thought I was so prepared and I wasn’t prepared at all. Psalm 27:14 tells us to wait on the Lord and He shall strengthen our heart. Now that God has shown me what I need to have before implementation, my plan will be stronger than ever.

Financial Blessings

Just paid all the monthly utility bills
To some, it seems like no big deal
But to me it is
Lord not only now You are providing
But You have blessed me financially down through the years

I remember one day specifically
Layoff notices were handed out to employees
I sat at my desk and prayed that one I wouldn’t receive
I had just taken out loans and needed my job desperately
That day you answered my prayer instantly

Another time comes to memory
When trouble on a job got too much for me
It was imminent I’d be forced to leave
But another offer I had not received
For several days my phone did ring
But I wasn’t able to catch the one calling
When I finally did, came a job offering
So jobless You spared me from being

Then I remember when I was trying to buy something major
I actually went to it and prayed over it
Not only did the loan go through
You blessed me with a higher, more stable income too
Lord, I recognize all good and perfect gifts come from You
Thanks for financial blessings old and new.

Scripture Reference: James 1:17, Deuteronomy 8:18
Background

An income or job can be here today and gone tomorrow. It is such a blessing to be able to pay bills when they come due as without adequate income, life can be very difficult. So I’m careful not to take income for granted. It makes me remember God’s generosity and kindness. Deuteronomy 8:18 says remember that God gives us the power to generate an income or wealth and James 1:17 says every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.