By Miriam from Nigeria
Maturing can be hard work.
The first instinct I have when I am in an uncomfortable situation or feel pressured or suffocated (especially when it has to do with people) is to run away. I want to withdraw, retreat, and remove myself from everything. I even tell people that and actually take pride in it.
But recently, I have been in some very uncomfortable situations that pushed my buttons. I couldn’t go anywhere because, where would I go? And now, I find myself in another such situation. Oh, how I want to run away. Why this again, Lord?
Now don’t get me wrong, I still love this country. However, as we all know, no place is perfect and people are people—I mean, I am people, so I should know.
So, yes, I want to disappear—run away and remove myself from such company…but…BUT, how can my character develop? How can I become more mature? How can the fruits of the Holy Spirit manifest more in me? How can I be pruned? And how can I be a richer, better me so I can be more of who GOD created me to be?
Romans 4:2-5 is such a resounding scripture on my mind nowadays and I am so grateful for the reminder that keeps me on track. It says:
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
GOD led me here and I have repeatedly shared and assured myself, HE always knows what is ahead and the big picture, yet HE led me here to meet these types of people and this type of situation.
One thing that is very clear is that I have to dig deep and always focus on the author and the finisher of my faith—JESUS, to help me navigate this path.
I will finish this particular race well and grounded, and that means I will finish the ultimate race well too… By God’s grace..
So, I keep pushing—even in the murkiness.
