Recently I’ve been going through a very trying phase. It’s like everything is literally falling apart, and I’m running around making efforts, like a stagehand in the middle of a very important play, trying to make sure everything works out fine, and every piece comes together as planned. So I’ve been feeling VERY worked up, drained, and just generally tired.
On top of all that, there’s been a massive construction going on at the office. The constructors took off the entire roof and replaced it. They are also installing new ceiling boards, so everything has been very disorganized, you know? We’re constantly moving to the beat of the constructors, they’re fixing the conference room we move to the next office space, they come here, and we have to move somewhere else. And for someone like me who needs space, and quiet to really concentrate on the job at hand, this has been very disheartening.
Yesterday, when everyone had gone home, I decided to stay back, so I could actually get some work done. It was really good to sit in silence, far away from all the noise, listening to my all so awesome soul playlist. Whew! For the first time in a very long time, I could actually hear my heart’s voice. I had such great time.
About an hour into my ‘solo’ ride, I needed to use the restroom. I got up and left everything to go ease myself. After about 3 minutes, I started walking back to my workspace feeling relieved. I stopped for a moment and looked up. To my surprise, I realized (probably for the very first time) that the roof was completely done, and the ceiling boards were more than halfway installed. The madness was almost over, everything was coming together really fast, everything was returning to normal, and best of all; the office was looking very beautiful. And I hadn’t even noticed!
As I stood there gawking, something else hit me. This is really how the Christian life is you know? There seems to be all this chaos when God is working on you. It’s like you’re going from one attack to another, one trial to another, one temptation to another, on and on. The struggle never seems to end. But sometimes when you stop and look back, you can actually see how everything has worked. You can see how the good, the bad, and the ugly, put together, has made you the special person that you are today (Romans 8:28).
It’s no wonder Apostle James advises us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” He then adds, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 NKJV). My heart leapt at the thought!
I wanted to share this epiphany with you all, just to encourage you. Do not worry when the constructor is working, just be patient, and let Him. He knows EXACTLY what He’s doing (Jeremiah 29:11), just trust Him, sit back, and relax.
You are a masterpiece in the making!
– SARAH OKOYE
