Growth is Painful

One wonderful morning in February, after having a beautiful time in devotion and talking to the Lord, I had an interesting thought. I said to the Holy Spirit: “wow, Holy Spirit, I wonder how it would be like if you had a university. What would the courses be like? What would the classes be? How would the students look and what would be the school culture?”

To crown it all, I said “Holy Spirit, please teach me something.” True to God, everytime I’ve said that prayer, there’s been a major event in my life that has caused a huge shift or change.

Most recently, on one of my “Holy Spirit please teach me something days,” I asked the Lord to build my capacity and increase my productivity. I told Him I wanted to perform at 3X my current output level, and that I wanted my hours to count for more.

I can’t begin to tell the curveballs that have come my way as a result of that prayer.

I had the most dramatic and strenuous summer, and just when I thought all was over, I have hanging over my head, a huge decision that could potentially determine a lot for me. And at the same time, there are amazing opportunities coming my way, Even with the blog! I have the motivation to write again! 

After not hitting my target at work last quarter, I have an entire life plan to get both my work life and my life life back on track. And it hasn’t been the easiest thing. I’ve drawn up large excel spreadsheets to input everything from the time I get into the office/ to my desk, to tracking how I feel over the course of the day. Although it’s only been four days into this quarter, I’m freaking all the way out.

From the outside, here’s how it looks- wow, Alheri (or Miss Nigeria, as my teammates call me) is on fire. She’s ready to kill all her targets at work this quarter. She’s making calls to clients, planning for their next few months, and even planning her trips and pitches for the face-to-face meetings.

But on the inside, I am freaking out. I don’t know where or how I’ll get the sheer determination to make that plan come through. I don’t know how I will execute, and I don’t even know what the journey will look like to getting there. I don’t know how I’ll get into work before 9am hopefully everyday, and actually keep the noise out, and my head down to focus and do my work.

But here’s one thing I know- God loves me, and He will help me. He will hold my hand and strengthen me.

At times when I feel as I have the past few days, I think of Psalm 144:1. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”

There are a few reasons why I love that verse:

1. The Lord is my Strength– This means I don’t need any strength of my own, but the Lord is my strength. Whatever I conceive as strength, the Lord provides. From energy, to rigor, to determination, to resilience, the Lord has in abundance, and He is not only strength unto Himself, He is strength unto me!

2. He teaches– How beautiful is it that the Lord, like a good captain, or a good mentor, shows me the tricks of the trade and is committed to ensuring my success? How is it that the Lord takes His time to help me go from amateur to professional? Isn’t that simply amazing? 

3. My Hands– Hands represent skill. Hands represent our labor, and hands represent our produce. If we say someone’s hands are blessed, it means that the person is skillful, and that they are productive. The Lord is invested not only in my skill, which is my input, but also in my productivity, which is my output. He cares about the entire journey.

4. To War– It’s actually war out here! From keeping a good attitude at work, when clients are stressful, to maintaining the joyful and peaceful countenance that I strive for as a child of God, I am constantly fighting a battle in my mind and flesh. So how amazing that the Lord actually prepares me for all the hurdles that come with living in our world.

5. Fingers– For some reason, whenever I think about fingers, I think about music- think about the harp, the piano, the guitar, and several other instruments that are played with the fingers. Actually, maybe I’m just thinking about music now because I read about David this morning. Fingers also make me think about typing and writing, maybe because I love to write and I type more than I handwrite. So to me, my fingers are incredibly important for the work I love to do! But I also think about how the Lord is invested in the small parts of us. He is interested in the intimate things that make us who we are. You know, no two finger prints are the same and stuff!

6. To Fight– A fight indicates the presence of an enemy. And isn’t it cool that God prepares us both for war and to fight? While war is an organized and often long drawn-out combat between two or more armies, a fight is a singular confrontation. God prepares you for both the little altercations and the big ones too. He cares about both the small and the big victories. What a mighty God we serve!

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Okay, I’m inspired myself. This post has blessed me tremendously, it feels as though the Lord actually wanted me to write it more for myself. How amazing is that?

Have a beautiful evening everyone. Remember that the Lord your God is your strength, He teaches your hands to war, and your fingers to fight.

❤

Currently Learning- Creating and Sustaining Boundaries

I just came back from the most amazing weekend trip. I attended a conference at the Revival City Church somewhere in London. Somewhere in between screaming at the top of my lungs in prayer, weeping in worship, and listening to the Word of God, I was reminded of who I am.

Over the past one year, so much has happened in my transition to Dublin and life as an adult that I’ve sometimes felt very out of sync with my heart, and with the things that I honestly love and that my heart beats for.

This morning, while getting ready to leave my house for the office, I had an interesting thought. I thought about how some time ago, waking up and coming to work felt like the most dreary thing to do. I’d ask myself every morning- “Is this real life? Waking up to read my bible, then bath, and leave for the office?”

As much as I loved my job, and I love my life, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more. More to do, more to be, more to see, more love to give.

Today as I was preparing to leave, I didn’t have that thought. I felt at peace. Completely at peace with where I am, and what I’m doing, and this phase of my life. I don’t know how long I’ll stay in Dublin, or work at my current job, but I do know that this is where the Lord has placed me, and He’s with me.

I’ve always known that, but I’m coming to understand it in a much deeper sense recently.

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I’m currently reading a book called “Hiding From Love” by Dr. John Townsend. He’s one of the co-authors of the widely popular christian book “Boundaries in Dating.”

Right now, I’m in the chapter that talks about our need for separateness and boundaries. Here’s one of the paragraphs that’s convicting me-

“People with unclear boundaries can find themselves making commitments under pressure that they would never make with a clear head. They find themselves “caving in” to others. They have trouble speaking their mind. They are afraid to be honest and tell the truth. They often can’t protect themselves in injurious situations, such a being wrongly criticized. They are unable to stand firm and separate with their values, as Joshua did when he declared ‘as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’

“Unclear boundaries can also lead to a lack of direction in life. Boundaries are the conveyors of our personal power. People whose boundaries are underdeveloped find themselves floating along in their careers or relationships with no sense of initiative or goals.”

I was so convicted by that paragraph I almost shed a tear right as I read.

I think that once in a while, it’s important to take some time to recalibrate and refocus. It’s important to think critically and deeply about where we’ve been and also think about how those events or changes have affected us.

I don’t fully know if I am ready to assess all my more recent relationships and decisions to figure out whether I’ve had strong enough boundaries or not. But I can say that on a general assessment, I think I could do much better with my boundaries. Especially with keeping things out. And honoring myself enough to do only the things that I deeply and truly want to do. And in the same vein, I can put boundaries on my own feelings so that I have enough discipline to do the things that will really build my person and character, and not merely those that I may “feel” like doing.

That’s it for today.

I promise to be more consistent. Because truly, blogging makes me really happy.

❤

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Featured image from here. 

New Year, New Mantra

It’s been a while since I last wrote anything longer than a long email. But as it’s a few days past my 24th birthday, I thought it would be incredibly important for me to take stock of how far the Lord has brought me.

I have been meditating on Psalm 16 a whole lot. And that’s what I want to share today. With a lot of things that have happened in my life recently, Psalm 16 has become a daily prayer for me. For perseverance, for counsel, for God to show me the way of life. For Him to bring His plans for my life to fruition.

The one thing I’m most grateful to God for this new year is the gift of joy.

Many times, trials and tribulations came for me. Many times, evil was plotted for me. But true to the promise in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” the Lord brought me through. He has made me more devoted to Him, more in touch with myself, and more confident in His saving grace. And in addition, He gave me joy that’s flowed through my soul as a river and carried me through many a dreadful situation.

Psalm 16

1 Keep me safe, my God,

   for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

   apart from you I have no good thing.”

3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,

   “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.

   I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods

   or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

   you make my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

   surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

   even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

   With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

   my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

   nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

   you will fill me with joy in your presence,

   with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

 

My life mantra in this new year is “God is good, and my life is beautiful.”

What more can Alheri say? God is good and life is beyond beautiful!

Please say a prayer for me- for grace, for wisdom, and for strength, in what seems like a defining season in my life.

Jesus joy and love always,

Alheri

 

Home after Four Years

The last time I set foot in my parents’ home, I was fresh out of my first year in university in America. I got my flight ticket to go home, and as I was doing an internship with Coca-Cola in Lagos, I was home for only a few weeks. In that week plus and something odd days, both my parents traveled at different times, so I was home with my sister and cousin for some time. I only saw one of my brothers for one to two nights- as he popped by home to say hello to me and return to boarding school. You get the picture, I didn’t spend quality time with my family, and as I didn’t know that I wasn’t going to be home for the next few years, it didn’t bother me much.

But the years have flown by, I’m now a college graduate, and have a full-time job. And I have many, many milestones to count, especially in my walk with God. If you’ve been reading my blog for some time now, then you know the story.

Anyway, as God’s time is the best, I’m finally going home. My flight leaves tonight and in a few short hours, I’ll be with my mother and father and brother and sister. I have one brother who I won’t see for a while, but it’s fine, I’ll see him soon.

I’m so excited about going home that I’ve been staring at my suitcases the entire day and I haven’t even done final packing- I can’t believe it’s finally happening, so I can’t move. I know, it’s the opposite reaction, right? Most people would be ready to go for days and days, but for me, it hasn’t yet sunk in that when I get on a plane, and another plane, my family will be waiting for me at the airport.

I’m going home! To eat my mother’s food and watch news with my father (haha, yes it’s a pretty traditional setup.) I’m going home to watch Nickelodeon with my little sister and get teased by my brother. I can’t believe it. After FOUR whole years, I’m going home.

It’s going to be surreal, it’s going to be emotional, and it’s going to be overwhelming. Most importantly, at this and at every juncture of my life so far, I bask in the grace and glory of God. That I’m returning home a stronger, older, wiser woman than when I left. That my parents will look at me and say yes indeed, this is our child, our daughter. That no matter what, I still have a family to return to. It’s not a privilege that I take for granted. If you have a second to spare, please say “Thank you Jesus for Alheri.”

I’ve put on some “God is good” weight, but how couldn’t I? God has been so good! 

I’ve been out of blogging for a while now, as I’ve been trying to settle into my new life post-college. But am I back? If Jesus says so! Haha!

Till next time,

Alheri

A Strong Girl

I miss my poetry days, because when this title came to me, I imagined writing a beautiful poem that would describe a strong girl, without really naming her. You get what I mean? Beautiful fiction and poetry describes a situation or a person, and then lets you state what they are. In other words, you’re conversing with the artist, where they’re saying exactly what you’re thinking.

I miss writing.

Anyway, this is a perfect segue into today’s post.

I had a really bad dream last night, actually, I had a series of bad dreams last night. Usually, when such annoying things happen, I wake up angry and roaring like a lion. But because I’m not in the best place, I woke up in a daze. I was sad and upset, but I felt powerless and defeated. So I sat on my couch and started perusing the world wide web.

After several wasted hours, I had a conversation with my best friend, and then I had dinner, and I finally felt the cloud lifting. I was once again joyful.

For me, the most tangible fruits of the presence of God are joy and peace. So when I finally felt joyful and peaceful, I knew that it was time to fight. It was time to roar like a lion and smash the devil on his head.

I thought back to my college dorm room, from my senior year. I remembered sitting on my bed, looking out the window, while I spent time with the Lord for hours on end. I thought about the red, fluffy rug I inherited from my friend Amber, and all the prayers I had said lying on that rug, all the times I danced and danced on that rug by myself, until I was reeling in laughter, imagining what God would think of a crazy young girl dancing by herself, giving praise to her Father.

And I thought about myself now. The way an annoying dream had defeated me. I thought about how just one night encounter that was undesirable had made me afraid and upset.

Naaaaah, that’s not who you are, Alheri, I said to myself. And once again, the Lord lifted me from sadness, and into joy and peace.

I think about my future often. I think about the days when my life will be a signpost of God’s faithfulness to millions around the globe. Those days are here already, and this is only the beginning. I imagine myself being interviewed on the world’s most illustrious stages, declaring the goodness and kindness of God.

I am a woman destined for greatness.

Funny how I can finally call myself a woman. I ran away for so long, referring to myself as a girl, but I’m 23 now, and I think it’s time to accept that I’m a young woman. 😦

I am a woman destined for greatness. I have the confidence of Jesus in me. No devil, no devil, no devil and their grandmother can stand in my way. I am coming. And when I say that, I mean it. I am coming, guns blazing and sirens sounding, Alheri is coming. The kingdoms of this world have not seen anything yet. Because the bible says that the righteous are as bold as a lion, and because I have the righteousness of Christ, I am coming. I AM COMINGGG!

I will go places where my parents could never have dreamed. I will do things that my peers never could have done. I will lead my organization into exploits. People will be blessed by their association with me. I bring joy and pride to my parents. Nations will scramble to meet me. My voice will proclaim the goodness of Jesus, my hands will do wonders for the Lord.

I declare it to be so, in the name of Jesus, it is so.

You devil attacking me in my dreams, I suggest you pack your luggage and leave right this moment. This young woman is NOT YOUR CANDIDATE.

Alheri has the ownership mark of Jesus Christ on her forehead, and she is destined for EXPLOITS for the kingdom of God. No devil can stand in her way, so it’s either you move of you get bulldozed.

Anyone energized? Anyone feeling empowered? You are a child of God, bold as a lion. Walk in your stride and hold down your own.

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Featured image from here.

Still Standing, Standing Still

2017 has been the best year of my life. I know, I know, I say that at the end of every year, but it is not because I merely feel like it, but because it is true.

Before 2017, 2016 was the best year of my life. This year was better than 2016, as was 2016 better than 2015, and so on. And guess what, 2018 is going to be an even better year for me. And for you, if you would believe.

Over the past few weeks, Psalm 65 has appeared and reappeared in my personal bible studied (which I’ve been very bad at.)

First, I was praying to God to hit my targets at work, and I was praying Psalm 65:2, which says “O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come.”

And as I prayed for the Lord who answers prayer to help me in my targets at work, Psalm 65:11 came to my mind. It says “You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.”

I went back and read the entire Psalm 65, and it is one beautiful psalm.

In all, there are a few things I’ve learned from God this year.

1. Still Standing– I’ve been through things this year, and let me be very honest and transparent (as I like to be haha). Prayer works, and prayer is the most powerful force on earth.

I started this year with a bad dream.

In the dream (which later inspired one of the short stories in my thesis collection,) I was asked to pray in the church of my favorite preacher in the whole wide world. But I was too shy to proclaim Jesus in front of the crowd. I told them that I was writing my prayer points down, and waiting for people outside to come inside. We still have time, I joked, let’s wait for latecomers to settle down before we start praying. But just before I was finally going to pray, the lead pastor of that church came in and I scurried to my seat. He said a few things, and mentioned that the youth in the church were going to be singing “Glorious Deliverer” for our next ministration.

And so, the pastor of the church asked someone to start singing, so we could begin the rehearsals. The man was struggling with the lyrics, the melody, and everything about the song. I was frustrated, because anyone who knows me knows that I love that song, I can sing it even in my sleep. So the youth pastor mentioned to the head pastor, “Oh, Alheri is here, and she knows the song.” The head pastor said something that broke my heart. He said “Which Alheri? The Alheri who can’t even pray in front of the church?” And so I was bypassed from leading my favorite song in front of the church. Mortified, I watched the head pastor walk to his car, much too shaken to approach him and appeal.

I woke up from that dream determined that I was never going to let go of the gift that God has given to me. It will never be said that I was unable to open my mouth and pray in front of a crowd. And so, I began to fast. I prayed and fasted from January to March. I was addicted to prayer and fasting. I would walk around my college campus at midnight, praying and making declarations over the campus, praying into my future, into my thesis, into my job. Into my life.

Needless to say, the rest of the year was a testimony. I graduated with High Honors, got a job two days after my graduation, moved to Ireland, got an apartment, and finally found a church. All of those things are testimonies of their own, and for space and time, I can’t go into more detail.

Here’s what I can say- God has been faithful.

 

2. Standing Still– Since I moved to Dublin (more like since summer,) I’ve been struggling in my faith. It’s funny isn’t it? After fasting for three months, and walking around at midnight like a maniac praying and declaring, I was unable to consistently manage quiet time. I was ashamed of myself. Me? Who was once obsessed with prayer and fasting? And I didn’t even have the patience to pray for a few minutes per day.

The biggest struggle in this season has been consistency. Here’s what has happened- I have a pinch from God, I pray and fast for a few days, get hot, and then, as though doused by cold water, I find no vim to pray. No motivation, no desire.

Coming to Dublin made it even worse, mostly because I don’t really do well with change in environment and routine. In school, I was able to manage my energy and my time while I fasted. But while at home in New York, I fell out, and worse, when I came to Dublin and started on a new job, I felt suppressed. I felt like I couldn’t do anything. I felt like there was a blanket over my atmosphere that was preventing me from praying.

Now, for someone with the understanding the Lord has given to me, you would expect that I would at least take the time to pray through the dip, That I would pray through until I eventually was able to pray as much as I was able to while in college. But alas.

There was one time a few weeks ago, when I was deep in my struggle. And I simply said to God– no matter what I do, or what happens to me, I will show up before you. I will show up, I will show up, I will show up.

However, today, the testimony I have is that I’m standing still. I’m still standing and I’m standing still. No matter what has happened, I have come boldly before the throne of Grace, inspired and encouraged by my best friend, and helped greatly by the Holy Spirit.

I know it’s Christmas Day, Merry Christmas.

But for me, it’s the final 7 days of this year, I’m taking inventory of 2017, and settling 2018 in the spiritual realm. The bible says that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. I need to know the secrets of my life for 2018. I need to pray through this rubbish cloud that has challenged my prayer life in 2017.

By this time next year, my testimony will be different. I will not only be standing still, or still standing. I will be soaring. Will you join me?

Merry Christmas once again! May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you and your family!

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Featured image from here.

My world needs you

Hello everyone,

It’s a cold day here in Dublin, but I’m happy and grateful for life, despite being a little more tired than usual for a Tuesday.

Today I have a song to share. It’s not a new song, and I’ve heard it quite a few times, but this afternoon, as I was thinking and asking God for grace over all aspects of my life, the song took on a new depth for me.

The song is called My World Needs You, by Kirk Franklin, and a few other artistes.

I really hope someone is blessed by listening. 🙂

May God bless you all, and may all of us in desperate need of God’s help always remember that He is AN EVER present help in times of trouble, and actually at all times.

❤

 

Streams and The Spirit

Hello everyone!

First, apologies on not responding to comments individually as I liked to do in the past. Now I literally blog while I have time during the work day, so I post and vanish till the next time I want to post. But I read every comment, and I’m deeply grateful for your love and support.

Over the weekend, I read a scripture that moved me immensely. I was lying on my bed talking to God, telling Him that I feel a little thirsty in my spirit. Like, I was longing to spend time with Him, but I had been so tired, and making unwise choices (like watching late night movies haha) so I hadn’t been able to wake up and spend time with Him in the morning, as I love to.

And then, somehow, I came across Isaiah 44: 1-4

“But now listen, Jacob, my servant,

   Israel, whom I have chosen.

2 This is what the Lord says—

   he who made you, who formed you in the womb,

   and who will help you:

Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,

   Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

   and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,

   and my blessing on your descendants.

4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,

   like poplar trees by flowing streams.

I almost jumped out of my skin when I read that scripture. It was written just for me. The Lord was showing me exactly what I needed to read. He will not only pour water on me, but He will pour out His spirit on me, and I will bear fruit.

I don’t know if someone needs this message today, or if I’m the only one feeling like I could be a little more robust in my spiritual life and so on. But if this is a message you need to hear, I want you to know that God has not forgotten about you. He will fill your heart with all the love and joy that you need to live abundantly. Remember that the bible says that He always, always causes us to triumph.

That said, I wish you all a wonderful week ahead, and I want you to you to bask in God’s love today.

Homesickness and rememory

This has been a most beautiful week. Easily one of the most beautiful weeks I’ve had in Dublin. I’ve made friends, whose company I truly enjoy; I’m getting a hang of my role at work, and I can find my way around this new city much easier than before.

But it’s also been a most emotional week, the good emotions though. Joy, peace, gratitude, clarity of thought (is that an emotion?)

Yesterday I went to see a movie with my friends at 10pm (don’t worry, my area is safe.) It wasn’t the wisest decision as we all had work the next day, but as one of my friends said, you only live once. Also tickets were only 8euros so it was a financially smart decision.

On our way back, my friends and I (me and three guys) took pictures by the bridge, and generally made good cheer. I must have used the word “beautiful” at least a hundred times. The bridge was beautiful, as was the water, and the sky, and people, and life, and God’s goodness. As I stood by the Samuel Beckett bridge overlooking the Liffey, I realized that indeed, God is wonderful, and His mercies endure forever.

If you’ve been reading my blog for long enough, you know a little bit of my story. You know about that time when I was almost kicked out of school because of no school fees. You remember when my grandmother died, and how I had to mourn alone far away from my family. You also remember when I was severely stressed out in school. You know that I don’t deny the incredible privilege that I have in my parents, who have sacrificed everything to give me the education I have today. You know of the friends who have held my hands and prayed me through thick and thin.

One big prayer I said when I knew that I was moving from New York to Dublin was that God would expand my heart to make room in my heart for me to meet and embrace new friends. I prayed that when people saw me, that they would see a most joyful, peaceful, and compassionate spirit. I literally want people to see me and want to fall into my arms because they are reminded of the peaceful and joyful love of Jesus. I want people to see the Grace of God all around me.

That has come with a lot of almost crying moments, because God has made my heart so tender towards His children, and has given me some new grace to give allowance, to give space, to let people blossom into their own selves.

This afternoon at work, I’m listening to some of my favorite albums over the past few years. I’ve listened to a little bit of Asa’s Bed of Stone, and Brymo’s Klitoris, and Simi’s Simisola. As you all know, music always transports me to specific place in time and a specific location. So these songs are reminding of where God has brought me from, of how good He’s been to me. How He has carried me in His arms and given me all the grace I’ve needed. Indeed, great is His faithfulness, and all I have needed in life, His arms have provided.

Look how far He’s brought me, and rejoice with me. Think about His mercy and remember that He is close to you. Be encouraged.

What’s my point in writing all these?

I want you to hold on. I want you to know that the sun always shines again, that God is infinitely good, and His lovingkindness is eversure.

I want you to know that nothing you have is for you. You’re much too small for all of God’s blessings to be yours only. He has given you the joy and the peace and the grace that you enjoy for you to tell the whole world about His goodness and kindness.

Now that I’ve told you, go forth and spread the good news!

:p

 

Some days are like that

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing very well.

Life still gets overwhelming.

A few days ago, I was having a conversation with my recruiter; as in, the lady who called me and liked me and passed me through the first round of interviews for my job. As we spoke over hot chocolate, she asked me about how I’m adapting to my new city and job and life. I’m adapting well, I said, but it’s still just hitting me that when I packed my bags and waved goodbye to New York, I was heading into a city that I had never even visited. I was essentially heading out into the unknown.

All I had, as I made that big move, were my faith in God and my trust in His promises. And boy has He been good!

However, some days, like today, I still get overwhelmed. I’m here at work, trying to work well. I’m at that phase where I kind of know enough to walk around my office and my city without the fear of getting lost. But on the other hand, I’m still growing, I’m still learning, I’m still getting used to this new life. There’s a lot I don’t know. Still.

(An aside– here’s a song my father sang for me over the phone sometime ago. I quite enjoy old music, so I’m sharing it here so that my daddy will smile when he sees that I’ve been actively listening to the music of his youth haha)

Today started off as an amazing day. Last night, I slept earlier than I have in a long long time, so I woke up more refreshed than usual. But sometime after lunch, this veil of fear came over me. I’m not suffering from imposter syndrome, but I’m wondering how I will make it. Will I hit my targets, will I perform well at my job?

Honestly, I know in my heart that the answer to those questions is yes, but I still wonder how I will climb the mountain. How will the journey be? How will my performance at this job go?

A friend of mine just reminded me that I serve a God of overflow. He said that just at God has given me above and beyond what I imagine, He will bring my performance to above and beyond what I imagine. And everyone will marvel, and I will point them to my Jehovah over-do. The one who strengthens me.

I have been meditating on Psalm 18, and these are a few verses that have been immensely comforting to me.

“He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.”

I hope this little cute except of Psalm 18 brings you all the joy you need for this present season of your life. Remember that God has strengthened your feet like hinds’ feet, He has set you up on high places, and taught your hands to war. By your hands, a bow of steel is broken. What strength, what immense strength!

I wish you God’s good blessings today and always!

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Featured image from here.