30 Days of Gratitude series

I was asked by Leading Ladies Africa to be part of a 30 Days of gratitude series hosted by Leading Ladies Africa and Ynaija. I've decided to share this on my blog. Enjoy

2015. A year filled with highs, lows and in-betweens. The year started with an incredible high, with the birth of my son. A son I had longed for. An answer to prayer over and above my expectations. Then towards the middle of the year, the most painful lows. My ex-boss, an amazing and jovial person died and as if that was not bad enough, my friend and wife to my spiritual brother who was also a contributor to my blog died after just 6 months of marriage and at the age of 26. It was a time of great despair, confusion and reflection. I was afraid. I thought “What is the point of living?” but I came out of it more determined to fulfill purpose.

Work wise, God opened unimaginable doors. Then there was a season of great trials. I was confused again. “What is happening Lord?” “Have I offended you?” So much was happening, so fast and all at once but like the saying ‘after the storm is the rainbow”, my rainbow surely came. This led to the birth of a dream God had that I had not fulfilled. It led to the birth of the Do it Afraid Conference. 

Things I've learnt. I've learnt that life is transient and very precious. Time is a gift and we have to use it to our fullest capacity.

I've learnt that great things are borne out of challenges. After all there was darkness and this led to the Lord saying "Let there be Light". The song "Miracle Worker" was borne out of a time of great despair for the song writer. 

I’ve learnt that when God gives you a vision, He makes provision, even with as little as N200 in your account.

I've learnt to embrace challenges. The challenges you are facing maybe the very thing that will set you free completely. It could be the game changer. If you give up then you lose out from something so amazing but if you push through it would be worth it at the end.

I've learnt that the Promised Land is filled with so many battles. It doesn't come easy. You have to take it. You have to possess the land. You have to be bold. You have to be courageous. You have to be fearless. You have to take risks. You have to step out in faith. You have to #doitafraid.

The quote "a ship is beautiful and safe in the harbour, but that's not what it was built for. It was built for the high seas", has become real. I'd rather be on the high seas of life, than sit pretty in the harbour. Only then will I be able to fulfil my purpose.

I'm grateful for all that I've learnt and experienced in 2015. It was a beautiful year. A year when Gods promises to me and mine began to manifest. A year of great triumph.

I'm excited about 2016. I'm excited to walk on water with God by my side. I'm excited to live out the lyrics of one of my favorite songs, Oceans by Hillsong.

Oceans (Where feet may fail)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Oh, Jesus, you're my God!

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine