Reveling in the peace that passes all understanding.
To say that 2014 brought its fair share of challenges is quite the understatement. That should not be surprising for me as a Christian, but I must admit that some of the challenges floored me….for a while.
That I am even here now reminiscing on the year gone by is a major feat, one that I must give God all the glory for, no question! I could not have gotten me through 2014 were it not for His mercy and His grace and His love and His forgiveness.
It was challenging on several fronts – spiritually, emotionally and financially.
I am searching, still searching for that place in my life where I can truly say I have found peace and rest. It is all well and good for “Christians” to say I need Jesus because there is peace and rest in Jesus. Yes I know that. But from my experience, I submit that there will be no real peace and rest until Jesus Christ reclaims His children. That’s Bible based as well. One can have temporary peace and rest, from a particular struggle and for a period of time, but full peace and rest seems to be unattainable in this life. This is where I thank God for the invitation that we all have to rest in His arms from the cares of this world.
I hasten to say that while 2014 was challenging for me personally, it was my best year yet, because I was flung closer to this peace promised by God that passes all understanding. That peace is more treasured than money, family and best friends.
Because of:
1) legal woes – where I was being sued by a contractor for wrongful severance of our contract. I dismissed his company because I felt he was counter productive to my project. I thank God for a favorable resolution to this case after a very expensive 4 year battle;
2) family challenges – all that comes with raising three girls as a single parent: providing the basic necessities of feeding, clothing and sheltering them (that is not cheap! Lol); paying for tuition; ensuring they stayed healthy; nurturing their spiritually and social responsibility; and of course ‘entertaining’ them;
3) financial issues – maintaining a mortgage, car note, living expenses, trying to catch up on debts etc;
4) spiritual challenges – really still trying to understand why, actually no I am not trying to understand because this is prophecy fulfilling, I am trying to stir up enough Holy Ghost Fire inside of me to ‘stay in God’ as I visit various churches trying to bolster my spirituality. I know God saw my need and He sent Joy Gospel Radio FM where I spend two solid hours extra in His presence every weekday morning from 8:30. Hosting The Morning Joy Programme (www.joygospelradiofm.com/JGRFMLive.html or Joy Gospel Radio FM on Tunein) has held me more accountable to God, for after all, I simply cannot be a hypocrite and promote Jesus without letting His light shine through me; and
5) emotional roller coaster issues – I had to leave this for last because of the tremendous impact this has had on me in 2014. I have discovered through what I went through in 2014 that not everyone who says they love you and even portrays some sort of action in that regard, really loves you.
I want to dwell a little on point #5, because this is what I think unnerved me the most in 2014 and then catapulted me to the full realization that many people are fake, many people cannot be trusted, many people are users and abusers, many people cannot handle others who are genuine, many people really have some serious issues that cloud their judgment and ill equip them to deal with the challenges of life.
I learnt some lessons that may help somebody. They sure helped me and I do not think I am unique in this sense. Because of my challenges, I know that I am a better person today.
1) If you have a business, you provide a service, you have products for sale, honesty is always the best policy. Misrepresenting yourself, robbing those who choose to patronize your business, may seem profitable, but as sure as God is real, injustice cannot prevail and your ‘sins’ will find you out.
2) There are rules of engagement in this life. You do this and this happens. A good or bad result. Simple. Be forewarned and be so guided. It may be best to lay down the rules, specific rules, so to speak, at the start of any relationship, business or pleasure, though that does not always work as the rules of engagement may be changed in the twinkling of an eye and some people quickly disregard rules when the going gets tough.
3) Your good intentions often get misconstrued because others allow their suspicious, unforgiving and dishonest natures to stir up jealousy and malice. This muddies your own zeal and problems will abound if both parties let their emotions take over.
4) My most poignant lesson – guard your heart. Strive to be more like Jesus and adopt His way of life. Be kind, peaceful, loving, merciful and forgiving. This is easier than you think. Do not judge. Do not make hasty decisions. Do not allow other people to influence you negatively. Slow down. Do not let the hustle and bustle and superficial attractiveness of this life overtake you. Make sure you are a good citizen, but do not race to acquire educational qualifications and material possessions at the expense of your sanity. Seek wisdom from God and He will direct your path. Be a good friend. People will not treat you with the love and respect you deserve for whatever reason, but don’t worry about it. Keep the faith – in God and God alone. Walk in obedience to His will and His way. Stay right there, stick and stay right there. Don’t you move, no matter what storms buffet you. God has you covered!
I remain a vessel to be used by God for His service.
Shalom.
Angela's Musings 