Vasta N. Kamara

FAITH FOR ENDURANCE NOT ESCAPE

             

One of my best definitions of faith is derived from Hebrews 11:1 which says that Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Often times when faced with challenges or tough times, we are tempted to look for that word, scripture or prophesy that will give us the strength to quickly jump out of the situation.

Last year 2016 was the worst year of my working years and this was simply because I had a terrible relationship with my manager. No matter how hard I worked or how right I was, it just wasn’t cutting it for her.  We clashed every single day and it was clear that my presence would always give her a bad mood swing. I really didn’t understand why and all my effort to better the relationship just didn’t seem to yield much. I delivered on my objectives, I went the extra mile, I pulled all strings of submission, I prayed, name it. But it just wasn’t working. I soon started to feel worthless, belittled, demotivated and my self esteem was starting to get terribly affected. This went on for a while until I realized that the negative energy was actually starting to affect my mood, performance and my attitude towards work. I decided to intentionally speak positively to myself as often as I could and confess all the promises I know that God has for me. I then started considering resigning my job because surely God must desire better for me. I needed to find myself again, know my worth but better still walk a journey of faith. I knew that God had better in store for me for he says ‘for I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to bring you hope and a future’

So I thought to myself, I believe this scripture. I have faith that God will take care of me even without this job, I had no shadow of doubt that I would find another job but was that what God wanted me to do? Resign? Leave on a bad note? Definitely not.

So many times we want an escape from a situation but faith is not meant to give us an escape but rather give us the courage and strength to go through the challenges with hope.

Hebrews 10:35-36 tells us not to lose courage because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.

Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that manifests itself in a calm, positive attitude despite our life circumstances. James 1:4 says but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

This year kicked off on a miraculously good note. My relationship with my manager is nothing short of a miracle. Whatever it is that you are going through, remember that the Lord will not give you anything that is more than you can handle. That situation will not break you, so you need to keep hope alive knowing that after you come out of the fire. You will be refined like silver, beautiful and better than before.