Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalms 42 vs 5).

I prayed for 7and half years, but God was silent. I knew God could do it, but He was just not ready. I cried, I shouted, I worshipped, I spoke in tongues, I fasted and prayed, but nothing changed. The blessing that I so much desired, passed me by to others, effortlessly, and on many occasions. People were no more asking - "ah! Bawo ní bayi?" (any updates) anymore, I guess they were tired or ashamed for me. No, maybe they don't want me to feel terrible again as my answer was always nhnn-nhnn (NO).

Oh! My husband tried. He always affirmed that he knew that God would do it. His conviction was so real and palpable, but in reality, nothing happened. At a stage, I would just nod my head or smile whenever he tried to encourage me. When I couldn't decipher how my miracle would become a reality, with a sad smile I told God, "I am honestly going to be your spectator in this, I can't think any more". So I decided to continue to watch God as I put in all efforts in preparing myself - doing what I could do!

They say “The game of life requires courage”. But what happens when life exhausts one's stamina in situations like this? How would one cope when there seems not to be a way out of the deep black sea?

These typical times of life require inner strength, birthed in God's presence during the good times. These dark seasons will test the substance of your core, your tenacity and resolve. During these stormy and uncertain times, it is easy to close up, give in, give up, blame God, or others.

But what should our responses and disposition be as Christians, when our bed of roses turn spiky and bloody? The most helpful thing is to know that it won't last for long. In as much as it is the ordinance of life, that the night should give way to the dawn, your case too will be resolved by God Himself, if you dare to keep hope alive. He did mine. He gave me the miracle that I have always believed Him for, and I am sure He will do yours too.

It is, however, saddening to note that, humanity is becoming more self focused and there seems to be no time to give an helping hand to the tired and discouraged. Most of us are guilty of this, aren't we? How many people have we checked on, in our neighbourhood? How many people do we have time to call or send messages to? How many people have we offered to help, looking away from our personal problems? We are all busy looking after ourselves and families.

Many of us know homes that are the verge of breaking, what have we done to help?

What have we done to give hope to the hopeless? Do we all remember to pray for those waiting on God for children or life partners? What have we done with the information and insights we have which others can benefit from? When you are privileged to recommend applicants for job opportunities, do you do this gladly or you keep the slots for your children, who presently don't actually need it? What is your position to lives when you obviously don't have anything to gain in the event?

If you have ever been in this lonely, hopeless and despaired state before, it is time to rise up to help those who are currently in such states of life. Our lives should point others to Christ, the Source of hope and the Giver of strength, to face the challenges of life.

This is part of my story today, I am sure you have yours too!

Hope delayed is not necessarily hope denied. Just hang in there, one more time. You have come this far, haven't you? I understand you are tired, you are disappointed and you are fed up. The thick darkness has swallowed the thin line of hope you have managed to hold on to, till now. The Lord knows, he will send you help and reinforcement. Just be still, look up to Him. Help will surely come! It may not be this morning, but please hang on, Help is on your way, in Jesus name.

Keep doing what you can, prepare yourself ahead of your miracle. Most opportunities in life will require your preparedness and you can't afford to have persevered this far, only to miss out because you are not prepared. Invest a lot in preparing yourself for your miracle. God treasures that. David's shepherd life was an example. Don't sit idle, get busy with getting yourself ready. Remember that you are being watched by a cloud of witnesses, you can't afford to lose hope now.

I am opening up an opportunity for you to tell your story too in the comment section. Some people’s survival, strength and willingness to move on may depend on it. Don't be ashamed to tell your story to help others!

Credit: Thanks to my darling wife and friend - Titilayo for sharing today's piece. Pearl, yes, I AM (not was) always convinced that God IS (not was) working on this particular case. I used IS because I am overwhelmingly convinced that He is not yet done. Having said that, I really celebrate your commitment to thorough preparedness. Truly, every dream must wait for destiny, and destiny without appropriate preparation, is just another uneventful day. Your testimonies shall be complete, perfect and permanent, in Jesus name.

Good morning and have a fruitful weekend.

© SELAH SERIES 2020