2020, WHAT A YEAR!

 

I entered 2020 with a lot positivity in my heart, I was going to stop working in the first month and had my postgraduate degree to pursue because I had just gained admission. Although, the Lord had already told me what the year was majorly going to be like for me but my human mind certainly had no idea what was in store neither did it know how everything was going to play out because I thought I'd be able to get a new job and school was going to be in session; how was he going to do this? I wondered. In specific words, the Lord told me this year was for him (Communion and Partnership). Notwithstanding, 2020 was a beautiful year for the Lord. Below are what happened. 

New dimensions of God

This year made me see that God isn't only my 'God' or 'Father' but he is 'Lord' over my life. I saw him provide for me, comfort me when the tears won't stop coming, I saw him tell me how much he cares for me and how he delights in me. Knowing I was going to stop working soon last year, I was quite hopeful to get a new job to at least, cater for my needs and bills but God had other plans, me getting a job wasn't part of his plans for me this year. I watched him send people to my life to cater for my bills. I was solely dependent on him. Most part of my life, I have always felt like I had everything covered and was independent but this year, he taught me to depend on him and ask him for things that I desire. I have learnt to involve him in anything going on in my life because more than anything, he has shown me that he cares about me, everything and everyone associated with me. Although, It was never easy. There were times I cried when things didn't happen my way but hey, here we are!

He is Lord over my life 

There were times I made plans and consulted him and I got a No or not yet from him. This year, I've learnt to stay in his will and obey his instructions no matter how tough it may be. Earlier in the year (Jan. precisely), he talked to me about Christian articles and to be honest, having a blog isn't something I ever planned for this year or any other year. I have always ran away from the idea of owning a blog because I didn't think I have anything interesting to write that would interest people and aside that, I felt that would expose me knowing my kind of person. But the Lord kept reminding me about this articles. So, I had someone in mind who I was going to message and ask to be a guest blogger on her blog because I loved the idea of hiding under another person or maybe hiding in general. While I was gathering all the momentum to do this, one night, I was laying on my bed and suddenly, I stood up, picked my phone and opened this blog that you're reading from. Didn't realize what I did until I had created it. Before I knew what's up, I had exposed my secret about blogging to someone (This is certainly not me. Knowing I don't even buy the idea of owning a blog). I'm so glad what the Lord has done through this medium because lives have been tremendously blessed.


God is for me and with me

I believe the Lord had prepared me for everything that happened this year. He told me the devil would attack and come at me which of course he did and there were nights I stayed up and cried because my strength failed me and I literally survived on the strength of God. At a point, it felt like God wasn't there. I know he is there but my feelings were right before me tricking me into believing he wasn't. I knew he was with me but I found myself asking if he was there because I felt alone. When my victory came, I knew it was God - it couldn't have been me.


I discovered and dived into new things

I knew I could write poems since secondary school, no doubt but this year, I discovered I could write fiction as well. I also got ideas to use some chapters and stories of the Bible to creates stories; I'm hoping to drop them 2021 or later. I completed an anthology which although I refused to release for public consumption but should release early next year. Furthermore, I started a newsletter and It excites me that people look forward to hear from me and deem me fit to confide in me. On 19th December, I decided to close the newsletter ahead of 2021 and the responses I got were hilarious and sweet because my recipients didn't handle the news well. They pleaded to continue or maybe consider reopening later in 2021. This overwhelmed my heart because it excites me that I make people feel seen and happy. Just on the 14th of December, the Lord laid on my heart to start a publicity page for Creatives which I've started; excited to see what he wants to do with the platform and how the gospel will spread far and wide through it.

God brought me to the limelight

To be honest, being the center of attention isn't my thing. I'm the type who loves to be behind the scene and be low-key about my life except the gospel. I'm quite an introvert (many will disagree tho) and love to hide - a lot but this year, with the things that I was involved in, I felt God wanted me to adjust and change so many things which of course worked out. Through this limelight, I have made beautiful friendships - this is one of the things I am most grateful for this year. The Lord positioned me in the right places and I came across wonderful sons and daughters of God that I'm super grateful for. 

The Gospel prevailed

I was more vocal about the gospel this year than I was last year. Organized evagelism and won souls for the kingdom. Fasted and engaged in spiritual exercises more than I've ever done since I encountered Christ and my relationship with God is more beautiful because I have learnt a lot from all he has taught me this year.


New ways of hearing him

I had ways by which the Lord speaks to me but this year, he opened me up to new methods that I never saw coming because I was already comfortable with the previous methods and ways. But yeah, I'm looking forward to more methods next year too.


Lifestyle Change

There were quite a lot of things that needed change and somehow without stress, they changed. Although, my health messed up a little this year but I literally live better than I did last year.

Despite the countless tears and worry, I came out stronger than i thought. No doubt that 2020 shook me, would have fallen apart if not for God. There's this particular thing I've been believing God for and it feels like it's even worse than it started which saddens me sometimes. In fact, I can't imagine surviving a year like this without God. There were times I became frustrated and let out my anger to him, told him to leave me alone with tears in my eyes but I'd later apologize for my outburst. The sweet thing is he's always there, waiting for me and comforting me through it all. This year was a rollercoaster of emotions but here I am, grateful for the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the love of God. Truly, this year was a year for God, he was my employer - I worked for him and I'm so glad to be his vessel. He literally pruned me, moulding and growing me to what he desires.

2020, what a year!