2013 in Perspective

The year is 2013. Some say it is the year God will perform His word. Some say it is the year of worship. Others still say it is the jubilee year; the year of expansion and increase. No one wants to be left out; needless to say! Is it prophecy? I am not in any way suggesting I do not believe in prophesies! Nope.

Take 2012 for example. Powerful words were spoken as we began the year. You can ascertain whether all those things came to pass. Are all of us meant to experience the same things? It’s true we almost want the same things; if not financial breakthrough, relationship stability, if not promotion, physical well being and so on. But on the other hand, I believe that each of our paths is unique.

As for me, despite what I have heard concerning 2013, I have determined still to hear for myself what the LORD purposes for me. For the years I have walked with Him, I have understood that the cup meant for you to drink from, shall not be taken away. Few of us are looking towards a season of suffering; and consequently we fail to ask for the grace to help in times of need. Let us look at Paul’s desire.

The Closed Door

I stared hopefully at the closed door. I still cannot exactly say for how long, but a long time had passed since the door was slammed. I struggled with the probability that this was happening in my dreams; but no, it was real. So real was it all this time that I could tangibly recall every moment I felt unable to go through that door.

I knelt to say a prayer arousing the hope in my heart that the door might just not be closed. In my attempt to reassure my faith, I would wrestle with the choice of opening the closed door and the choice of remaining contented that the opportunity had passed of going through that door. Was it really closed? I would ask.  Really? But there was no one to answer back! The puzzle was all left for me to solve. I am a genius; so I told myself! My ego and self will was so strong inside me that I could optimistically prove any one wrong; that the closed door was open. How paradoxical of me.

I could not imagine accepting any hint that acknowledged the door is closed, not if it was coming from me, leave alone another person. There was no thinking of the nature that if the closed door was actually closed it could be opened. My mind was not permitted to stray to this limit. My faith prohibited this. The closed door is open; I convinced myself. When the time to go through it comes, I will only push it!

Suddenly a strange feeling

God; a pavilion from the heat and the storms

Everyday unfolds new challenges. A challenge is an understatement of the trials and temptations we often face in our journey from earth to glory. Jesus Christ declared that on this earth we are going to face many sorrows & trials (other bible versions: trouble, tribulation, distress, frustration).

If you are human, like me, certainly you have experienced sorrow, trouble or frustration. All this come through many forms. Some have lost their loved ones (this is not easy, but it does not depict other experiences as lesser), others have had to endure pain in their bodies due to disease, losing jobs, failed relationships including divorce, raising children only to be ruined by worldly deception, being victims of crime including rape, crushed dreams, discrimination, lack of any kind (finance, spouse), oppression and many other unmentioned here.

It is at this moment that our ability is exposed as frail and our own means of help appears crippled. Even our lifetime preparedness (savings, education, healthy living) for such occurrences barely match the strength and magnitude of this storms when they suddenly come.