As a little girl, from elementary school through early adulthood, I was driven to succeed in everything that I made my up mind to pursue. I remember my dad calling me “Giwar mata,” meaning “Lioness.” Therefore, Lioness worked hard to prove her nickname.
I was not quite fortunate enough to attend a renowned High School in Nigeria; however, having made up my mind to be a lawyer at a young age, I studied really hard to maintain good grades to qualify me for a career of my dreams: “Barrister and Solicitor.”
The problem, however, was that doing things in our own strength is not sustainable.
Love, joy, peace, truth, love, self-control, gentleness, goodness, righteousness, kindness, faith, and forgiveness cannot be experienced in our own strength! (Galatians 5:22-23, Romans 4:17, Zechariah 4:6, NIV)
Finding and maintaining Godly relationships including a spouse or bringing up Godly children cannot be achieved by human power alone. Furthermore, succeeding in a chosen career with a sense of purpose and satisfaction or fulfillment is humanly difficult; if not impossible.
I have no doubt that my parents and Christian friends were constantly praying and asking the Lord to open the eyes of my understanding, so that my activities will be in alignment with the will of God for my life.
I believe the prayers of loved ones saved me from progressing in toxic relationships and preserving the God-fearing man I eventually married. Thank you, Jesus!!
The Lord patiently pursued me with relentless love and fierceness, until I realized my life without Christ was like “a doughnut with a hole in the middle of my heart,” empty, purposeless, and selfish with sporadic moments of happiness.
I finally came to the power source of all things: JESUS!! I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. (John 3:16-17)
With Jesus, my life, goals, dreams, desires, and aspirations took on a new meaning!!
Jesus Christ has since become the reason that “I live and move and have my being. (Acts 17:28)
He is my power source and strength. (Philippians 4:13)
He fights all my battles and presents me blameless before our mighty God and King. (2 Chronicles 20:15, Colossians 1:22)
He fills my mouth with laughter and joy. (Psalm 126:2)
He reminds me daily that long before the world began, he created me to do good works and to bring Him glory and honor in everything I do. (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)
He tells me that I am eternally loved by Him and I can live kingdom life here on Earth and through all of eternity in His presence. (John 3:16, Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:38-39)
He brings to my remembrance that He is the God of the mountain and of the valley and all things work together for good to those that love Him are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I have learnt to depend on Jesus, and to trust Him to lead and guide me for the sake of His name, knowing He is the good shepherd and He will never mislead His sheep. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 31:3, John 10:27)
With my heart and eyes opened to follow the Lord as He leads. I can testify of the faithfulness of the Lord. Although I am still under construction today; more than ever before, as a family, we keep each other accountable and pray tirelessly for each other, friends, loved ones and the world. By the grace of God and for His glory, our children are saved and know the Lord. (Proverbs 22:6)
Friends, come and taste and see that the Lord is good!! (Psalm 34:8)
Come to the power source of all things, the great enabler, the one who alone can satisfy your deepest longing and quench your thirst, so that you will be filled with rivers of living water, and the abundant life found in Christ Jesus alone. He alone can forgive your sins as far as the east is from the west. (John 10:10, Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:19)
Now, to Him who opened my eyes, loves me and dwells in unapproachable light:
To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore. Amen. (Jude: 24-25)
Hajo Iya
