He Will Supply All Your Needs!
In October 2021, it had been barely a year-and-a-half since I returned from Ghana after a 12-year absence from the United States. Soon after I returned, cracks in my marriage that were not visible to me due to my absence became apparent. I tried to salvage the marriage, but nothing worked. I quickly realized that it was better for us to go our separate ways. It was not a good situation, in fact; a terrible situation, but it was necessary.
2018 was an ok year. In January I was able to return to my former employer at JPMorgan Chase as a consultant and although, I knew the assignment was only for twelve months, I was hopeful that my previous stint and my performance could help me make the transition to a permanent staff. That did not pan out, and on December 15th, 2018, the contract was formally terminated.
2019 was a hellish year. I was all on my own now, and finding the next job became impossible. In frustration, I decided to dabble in real estate as a real estate sales agent. Real estate in New York is a tough business even for the experienced agent, and so for the novice like me, you can imagine. It is a hit-or-miss endeavor and requires one to have a strong financial foundation to be able to survive the droughts, a foundation that I did not have.
I started out well in March with a few rentals, but then I hit a drought and went for months without any. I was broke, and financially, I was literally bleeding to death. In the midst of my financial crisis in September 2019, I received word that my mother had suddenly taken ill and had been admitted to the hospital. I immediately fell into a depression. On October 4th, 2019, I received word that my mother had passed on. I have no words to describe how I felt, but I remember questioning God, “God why now looking at my financial situation?”
I quickly stopped real estate and took a job as a security guard at a local hospital, a very difficult and underappreciated job. As it turned out, it was God sent. The wages were very low, but there was significant overtime, and I took advantage of the OT, sometimes working between 65-75 hours a week.
On May 10th, 2021, this awesome God, Yahweh, the God who makes the impossible a reality, dropped a job with an international financial house on my lap, a job for which I did not even have to interview.
Essentially, within the space of 4 years, I lost my marriage, career, and my dear mother. Financially, I had to start from scratch. A sequence of events that could drive anyone crazy or into alcoholism or other social vices. But through faith in God, consistency, and humility, my life is getting back in shape. I am overwhelmingly grateful to the Most High God!
You, in one way or another, may relate with my circumstances. May be you lost a job, a dear one, or perhaps your marriage has taken the wrong turn. Maybe, just like me, you hit rock bottom financially. Perhaps the prospect of your career is shaky. Even worse, your situation might have thrown you in the throes of depression. Here's the Word of God for you.
"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? ...your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matt 16:31-32)
Again, scripture assures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4: 19)
God knows your needs, and God will supply all your needs! Not some of your needs, but all your needs! This is what has kept me going, and this is why I remain thankful!
Today, you can look at every need of yours and thank God for it. You can stare at every lack in your life and praise God.
You can admit every emotion of depression or anxiety and yet praise God. Because God knows all your needs, and He will supply every single one of them at the right time.
Keep your mind on God, and don't stop praising and worshipping Him!
Glory be to God, AMEN!
Cephas Anyinam
21 Days of Thanksgiving! Day 13
The Grace Movement!