Taking Stock

Taking Stock….

When I started De Vine blog in 2019, I had no expectations or grand visions for it. I just needed an avenue to share what God was teaching me at that point in time. I simply was seeking an outlet to reflect on the lessons the Holy Spirit was teaching me one day at a time. But, lo and behold, the blog grew to become quite a sensation. People from almost all the countries of the world visited the site, and many commented on how they were blessed by the posts. I even had requests for reposts and republication of some of the articles. Overall, I published 40 posts with 12 guest authors to whom I am eternally indebted.

Taking stock of my experiences as a Christian blogger for close to four years, all I can say is that journaling/writing constitutes an intrinsic part of the Christian life. I am aware that not everyone is literate and that not everyone likes writing, but, for those who can, I encourage them to do so as often as they can. There is just something about penning one’s experiences/meditations/reflections that make them more solid, real, and concrete. It has been such a privilege for me to share some of my reflections in the form of a blog post. I am grateful to all who read, commented, shared and were blessed by the posts. While this is not an announcement of the termination of the blog, it is a way of humbly indicating that I can no longer promise regularity in the production of content. This is because I have had to take up other responsibilities between last year and now. When I started the blog, I was a student and I had a lot of time for extracurricular activities but I am now doing a full-time job. As a result, I found myself struggling to keep the blog running alongside my regular job and other familial responsibilities. I tried to employ the service of guest authors but I soon realized that even that is not sustainable as I still have to edit and proofread these contents. While I am going to keep writing and keep inviting guest authors, I, regrettably, can no longer be as consistent as I used to be. It is to this end that I chose “taking stock” as the theme of this month’s post.

I asked beloved friends, many of whom have been featured as guest authors on the blog, to share their thoughts on the idea of “taking stock”. I asked them to take stock of their experiences as Christians in the past year and share what they have learnt. I cannot tell you how much I was blessed, moved, inspired, and strengthened by all the stories my friends shared. I have no doubts that you will be equally blessed and inspired by these stories of trials and triumphs, hope against hope, radical faith, and unwavering commitment to Christ. There couldn’t have been a better theme, considering that we are in the last month of 2022. Hence, I invite you to read and be encouraged by the experiences and testimonies of fellow Christians in 2022.

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The major lesson I learnt this year is the mystery of praising God. The summary is that whenever I praise God, he does miraculous things for me. Trust me, it always works! An additional secret is to praise God in the middle of the night. There is something about the midnight hour that I am still trying to understand but I do know that Paul and Silas prayed and sang at midnight and experienced great deliverance. I’ve learnt to reduce my prayer points and turn them to praise points. Dance like a baby before God–– do it unashamedly like David, loudly like the children of Israel (Josh. 6: 5), and acceptably like Blind Bartimeaus who knew that he needed to ask for mercy before calling Him the Son of David for his praise to be accepted. Praise God and you’ll be amazed at his wonderful acts in your life. Things you never prayed for will begin to come your way, and when you eventually go to sleep, you’ll dream dreams and see clear visions. Selah!

Bodunrin Ottu

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It was on the 1st of November 2021 that my dad got diagnosed with brain cancer. At that point of his intense illness, I was reminded of and strengthened by the words of Jeremiah (32:27) that there is nothing too hard for God to do. I also remember the 1st of January 2022, at our morning prayer session, where Joel 2:23-27 was read. The person who shared the word that morning emphasised the fact that God is going to restore our health, finances, marriages, and everything that was taken from us. This further solidified my trust in God to heal my dad but, four days later, he passed on. I was broken and shattered. I found myself in a force field of sorrow. I went to God in agonizing prayers, but all I heard were the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (in everything give thanks). It sounded and felt counterintuitive to give thanks in the midst of my debilitating grief, but these words of Paul would not leave me. I kept meditating on these words, and before I knew it, the burden that felt too cumbersome and insurmountable started to give way to peace that passes all understanding. With more trials and afflictions building up, and with so much that has been lost, I have not lost my FAITH.

 Mulalo Mapfumo

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It is normal to wait until one has received a positive answer to prayers before giving a testimony. I received a nudge from God that I have a testimony to share, even though I am still waiting for an answer to some of my prayers and I cannot but share this testimony, even now. 

My testimony is that God has helped me to find and experience true happiness and joy continually, even in the midst of situations that naturally cause depression and deep sorrow. Initially, I experienced all kinds of negative feelings: sadness, fear, shame, anger and so on. I just wanted to hide away, alone with my problems. 

I cannot pinpoint exactly when the change occurred. But I discovered that God put in me this ‘I don’t care’ attitude. ‘I don’t care’ that I am still waiting on God, ‘I don’t care’ what people will say or think, ‘I don’t care’ that it seems I am being left out, ‘I don’t care’ that the enemy is trying to put me down, ‘I JUST DON’T CARE!’. I have so many beautiful gifts from God to rejoice about, I have so many blessings surrounding me, I have the presence of God with me, I am blessed indeed!!!. Little by little, my focus began to shift from the things I’m waiting on to the things I have already been blessed with, and now, I dare say, I can give a complete lecture on how one can fully rejoice in the LORD!, even when odds are stacked against one. 

It is not always rosy. There are brief moments of wistful thinking and nostalgia; but there is this perpetual/unflinching joy underneath it all; happiness and fulfilment that God only can give. Being a citizen of the Kingdom of God gives you this perpetual and unflinching joy in every life situation you find yourself. You become a citizen by asking and believing that your sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ through faith, ensuring you continue to steer clear from sin after your salvation, and continuing to deepen your relationship with God through sanctification, baptism of the Holy Spirit and continuous consecration. 

In summary, this is to tell you that: even as the redeemed of God through Jesus Christ, we are promised trials of faith, temptations, persecutions, sufferings and so forth, however, we as followers of God can rest assured that, God being with us in the storm, fire, or whatsoever, we can smile at the storm, we can rejoice in the presence of God and we can have hope and/or the conviction that ‘though He slay me, yet will I trust Him’!. 

I don’t know who needed to hear this, and as a very private individual (those who know me, know this about me), I did not intend to share this, but I know God wanted me to share this testimony, perhaps to encourage someone out there. 

Keep praying about your situation and do only what God tells you to do about it. He will give you an answer of peace. Even as you keep praying, be glad in the LORD and rejoice, rest easy and joyfully in Him, REST.

Charity O. Abass

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2022 was indeed a year for me. In this one year alone, I have had the happiest and saddest moments of my life. I don’t know how best to paint the heart-wrenching events that cascaded my life this year. My finances got to a record low in a long time…I was in serious minus. All investments I embarked on were not working. The heaven seemed to be made with brass, because my prayers seemed not to be going anywhere, in fact, I felt I must have done something wrong to God. My life was so filled with zero testimonies and missed opportunities that I practically hungered for just one thing that would make people say congratulations to me. In this one year, I had so many teary moments–– I am talking about exhausting and unhopeful tears.  Added to all of this, I needed God to intervene in sponsoring my wedding which was slated for the end of the year. And just a few weeks before my wedding, my dad passed away. Just for context: I was very close to my dad, and he (my dad) was very involved in the planning of my wedding.

My life was tearing apart.

But what was surprising to me in all of this was that, unless I told you what I was going through, you would not know. Thank God we don’t look what we have been through. I am grateful for the peace that passes understanding. I am grateful for the joy of the Holy Ghost. This is the first time I could practically say that it is possible to rejoice in adversity. This is in no way because I am strong. It is just God. The Holy Spirit was just so close to comfort.

I am not sure I was faithful in my commitments because, at the start of the year, my goals were “Not to be Slothful in Business”, “Fervent in Spirit”, and “Serving the Lord”. But through it all, I found His mercy, I learnt He truly cares and loves me, I saw him answer my prayers at the end of the day and directed me in His will. I learnt faith in such a new, practical, and refreshing way.

The miracles of supply from above were astonishing! God practically touched men to help and favour us. Even if we had persuaded people to do so, I doubt we would be blessed as much as we were. In fact, unlikely folks reached out to help.

A lot has changed with me, and a lot is still changing. Hopefully, it is a change that gravitates to being more like Him. I hope to be more and do more. May God help me.

Victor Ajibola

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Looking back, I think the most worthwhile question to ask is, “Did I really obey all God’s instructions to me?” At about the beginning of the year, I was sure God wanted me to adjust some things as regards food preference and time usage. In fact, I gave my word to follow through! It is really saddening to realize that, for the most part of the year, I didn’t. Ironically, it is a year where I have come to experience more of his steadfast love despite my unworthiness. At such a time as this, I cannot but cry, “more of you Lord, more grace to do your will”.

Yanju Ogun

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I would speak to taking stock by sharing a testimony.

I started the year with despair. I had undergone two exams from the prior year and had failed both. Results came in December. The third was a request, I wanted to get promoted at my place of work but didn’t know how, as I was not so qualified. So at the beginning of the year when everyone around me was counting their blessings from 2021, the devil was quick to tell me not to bother counting because ah mean, what do I wanna record? I had three outstanding requests with failure staring at my face.

Well, I started 2022 on a really dispiriting tone. It was as though I was already down and needed to fear no fall. It really couldn’t go any worse. However, the first victory came when my name came up for promotion. I not only got the promotion, but I also got a 5-star rating, the highest at my place of work with double bonuses. Next, I went for the Piano test in August and this time, I was more scared than the first attempt. This would be an international disgrace, I thought to myself. Two days later, I learnt that I had passed. How that happened, only God can explain. The result of the third is not yet out but if God has done these two for me, the third ain’t nothing! He can do allllllllll. There are many side blessings from this year alone, but I don’t want to exceed my two paragraphs limit. My 2022 is wayyyyy better than 2021. God is newer to me every day. I’m grateful to Him eternally.

Charles Oni

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I started the year as a serving Corps member, I had 4 months left to conclude my National Youth Service Corps. I was to finish in April, which is also my birth month. I was approaching a special age; I was grateful for all I had. I looked back wishing things were as I planned. Reality dawned on me how time flies and how each moment matters. One important lesson l learnt was God’s speed and timing are the best. I thought things weren’t going according to how I had planned. Little did I know that God was still very intentional about me.

My second lesson was to take my stand for Christ uncompromisingly. I was faced with sexual temptations and immoral advances! Not by power or by might was I able to sail through, it was just grace.

My third lesson is total dependence on God for whatever I wanted. I mean there was a special wish I had to be married in 2022. It didn’t seem possible but God did make it happen. FAST FORWARD to post service, I relied on a connection I built in my service year to get a job. The person kept postponing…. My hopes were crashing, I was almost getting depressed. There was this Juicy July Program where ladies gathered to pray. I gave that month all I had. Then something dropped in my spirit to go to the particular house of God I asked for my admission. I went there, I prayed again, my spirit was calm. God raised a man who came through for me. 

God brought my family members together after 6 years of living separately due to professional demands. It has always been a prayer point that was checked this year

I had my down moments:  when my sister lost an opportunity she really desired, when my best friend didn’t win the grant we thought would happen. I lost a fervent friend who served the Lord. I was really sick this year, God always came through with healing in his arms. God was indeed my all in all. 2022 taught me to keep all of my eggs in one basket with God, not to compromise my stand for God (I tried this) and to always lean on God

Anonymous

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This year is gradually coming to a close and it’s great to take stock by making some reflections.

By carefully watching the trajectory of my life this year, it is striking to me that God is ever involved in our affairs as human beings. We should continually yield to God and not drive the course of our lives entirely by ourselves; we NEED God. And we should always remember that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

Lastly, I thank God for the gift of men — people God has used for me tremendously. I thank this ever gracious and loving Father for all He has done for me, and I pray that as He continually works in me both to will and to do His good pleasure, I will remain obedient and submissive. Amen.

Fehintoluwa Oladosu

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Taking stock of a year like 2022 can never be easy. It was a great year of new beginnings and uncommon testimonies. While drafting my goals for the new year, I felt some things I wrote were too grand and therefore not feasible. Now, everything on the long list is cleared with a month to go. So many testimonies! Favour and grace became a lifestyle this year, and everything I laid my hands on prospered. YHWH’s faithfulness, love and fatherly kindness I experienced daily and vividly.

I am encouraged to pray more, not just because prayer is most important, but also because all my prayers were answered. Imagine if I had prayed more! I also enjoyed the company of the Holy Spirit whenever I open my bible to read, and I received tremendous help to thrive and be a shining light in the isolated town I was posted to work. People said I cannot live here for a year without picking up a vice or two, that even great Pastors and people more spiritual have come and “adjusted”, and that what I can do is try not to sin too much. For me, it was not so, and the only vice I seem to have picked is how much I now love bush meat. I started this year as a child of God, and I still am. Blessed be His name forevermore. Also, 2022 is a year where I had to deal with a lot of responsibilities, regardless of whether or not I was prepared. I had to grow up, and to an extent, with God’s help, I did. It was also for me a year of full emotions: laughter, love, tears- of joy and of bereavement, family and friends reunion; some welcomes and many goodbyes.

Lastly, I bless God for the consistency of De-Vine Blog, the contributors, and the readers, and I pray for more inspiration and time to do the Lord’s work. God bless you.

Femi Dada

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The year 2022, started with a lot of mixed feelings, I had a very sad experience of loss in 2021 and was thinking if I lost any other person, I would not be able to hold up. God being his faithful self sent a message of hope and comfort to me, “…thou crowneth the year with goodness and thy path drops fatness”. With this, I learnt to cast my burdens upon him and talk to him about my anxieties and doubts. God came through for me.

I started the course I had put off for some time, He reassured me of my family’s safety and his long-time promise came to pass against all odds. The Lord has blessed me more than I ever imagined in this year. I have learnt that He loves me greatly and if I can only trust and obey him more, He’ll do much more than I ever imagined. Indeed, not one of his promises fails.

I ask for the grace to trust him more.

Adenike Ajayi

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The year 2022 is one of the years full of highs and lows. Anyone resident in Nigeria can relate with the words; ‘’ SAPA’’, ‘’SHEGE’’ and ‘’JAPA’’. And those that are entrepreneurs or self-employed can relate better. But as believers we find solace in the promises of God: “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, there is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person” (Job 22:29). Having taken stock of the year 2022, I can only testify to the faithfulness of God. Yes, he does answers prayers, it may not be in your own time but in His perfect time and for His Glory. Around October this year, things were really hard for my family. We had bills to meet and salaries to pay; the month was fast rounding up. So, I got a call from one of my clients that his friend would call me for some land documentation. I expected it to be immediate; all my hope was on it. I wanted the provision. But at a time, I got tired of waiting. Have you realized that when you are waiting, three days can look like three months? That was my predicament. And I prayed a sincere prayer; that God would bless me in His own way while adding what I was expecting as an addition. Lo and behold, I got a strange call from the US, it was an old friend and he required my service for a job, and within 24hrs he made a substantial payment to mobilize me for the job. I was like wow! This must be God. And guess what? The job I had thought would be the solution to my problems came in thereafter. God will give you every good and perfect thing you desire in His time. Relax!

Mary Salaudeen

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Taking thought over this year, I realize that the only thing that makes the year great is God. If i should look into myself, my environment or experience, i will not have judge aright. But when I look unto God, beyond challenges, hopelessness, stagnation and cruelty, i find grace and help. There were many equations that never competed until God was involved. This year I escaped accidents, suicide attempts and the accusing tongue of jealousy. I have learnt that where there’s a favour there’s a future. Also, there are two things that bring wealth to a man: Favour and Value. However, I regret not taking some bold daring steps this year. Now, I know no matter how beautiful God’s purpose and plans are, until a man takes a step in faith, those plans remain mere pretty dreams. I have been blessed by the many posts on De Vine blog. They are life shapers. May God continue to bless the conveyor and the hands of the ready writers. Happy new year in addy.

Oyetunji Sunday

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Going down memory lane, I have found that life is no chance but providence. I was born into a Christian family where I learnt the tenets of Christianity. This formed the bedrock on which my life stands today. I knew the power of prayer from my childhood and have proved God’s power to answer prayers. Although, the answers do not always come just the way I would want them, they are always higher than mine and right on time. As a human, I am disposed to wanting to sometimes choose my way, and be independent of my Maker, who wants me to depend solely and wholly on Him at all times. This attitude has landed me into many troubles that resulted in lots of emotional distress, anxiety, depression and even panic attacks. I can tell you categorically, that God answered all my prayers, both the seemingly impossible ones and the ones I sighed under my breath. Then, I began to ask myself where the mental torture came from when God was always there ready to answer my prayers. My experience so far has made me see God as a loving Teacher. No wonder, He is called, the kind Shepherd. One striking thing that God did for me was giving me jobs I didn’t apply for just after my undergraduate study. He has blessed me and shown me that I can leave the wheels of my life for Him to steer because He only can do it best. It’s been a thrilling experience with God and I want to be with this God forever.

Funsho Adeolu

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This year, one of the many things I’ve learned is the act of waiting. When I was praying in January, I was kind of rushing God for a breakthrough but then he gave me a scripture in Isaiah 40:31. I didn’t understand why God wanted me to wait but I did. The assumption about waiting is that you do nothing while you wait but, actually, there are certain things we must do in the wait. We must keep praying, keep reading the Word, and keep still. In Isaiah 41:10 he says fear thou not for I am with thee... and in Exodus 33:14 my presence will go before thee and I will give you rest. Those words gave me an assurance that he’s with me in my waiting, and I thank God for that. In a nutshell, I learned to fully trust in Him and He did not disappoint as He eventually answered my prayers. One thing I thank the most is the joy and peace He gave me, something no man can give. And yes I do face challenges but He still remains faithful.

Vera Makamu