2020 brought a lot of things on our plate. There were challenges, losses, and pains but there were also triumphs, gains, and rejoicing. Allow me to share my 2020 story.
I lost my job on July 2019.
I was overwhelmed and I allowed fear to creep in at that moment because I still wanted to stay here in Abu Dhabi. So I prayed for peace, wisdom and direction as this unforeseen situation would change the course of my stay in this city.
From that day forward, I decided to trust my unknown future to my God who is unchanging, all-powerful and all-knowing. I believed that everything which happened in the last few months was part of a bigger, better, greater plan He had for me.
Along the way, I met several challenges financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I know that these challenges were sent by the enemy to test me, my character and my heart. But thanking God for who He is, He did not leave me nor forsake me.
Fast forward to this day, I’m currently employed for the last 5 months and I get to enjoy the new season where I’m in. I had to adapt to the challenges of this new field; however, I find it fulfilling, and the journey allowed me to learn and grow in knowledge.
Also, this season helped me to know myself better, reinforcing what matters most and realigning my focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For a duration of 13 months without work, God allowed me to wait. He has molded my heart and allowed me to discover that there is beauty in waiting.
The whole process has helped me a lot in different aspects and taught me many things. I’d like to share with you three of the most important lessons I’ve learned during my recent season of waiting:
With limited financial resources on hand, I had to make the most out of it because every single Dirham counted at that moment. I had to be wise in making purchases, prioritizing needs over wants.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”- Luke 16:10
Even though I wanted to buy things for my self, I hadto consider first the necessities such as my rent payment and food allowances. I had to prioritize and maximize what I had at that time.
Waiting can be tough, especially if you cannot see immediate or concrete results. 13 months can be long, but what made the wait bearable for me was His presence and the people He brought into my life during that season.
““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!””
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." -Exodus 14:14
In the months that I have been waiting, giving up presented itself whenever I was not focused on God orwhen my heart was wandering off. But I was reminded of these verses from Proverbs:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Indeed, waiting can be really tough when the future seemsuncertain. But as for me, faith played a major role. Without my faith in Him, I won’t be where I am today. Without faith, I won’tappreciate that there’s blessing in waiting.
And during that season, I would say that the primary lesson I learned which I’d like to share with you here tonight is this: although waiting may prove to be difficult, looking at it from a perspective of faith and gratitude is a game-changer. We just have to remember to fix our eyes on Jesus; and wait with expectation, with joyful hope, for the God we serve is faithful.
To The Lord alone be the glory.
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