The Word For Now

This was my first time in 6 months to attend a church service, just like every other Sundays before today I had woken up with a heavy burden in my heart, no plans for the day, after all it was a Sunday, I was just going to lie down in bed all day and only get up when my stomach grumbles for a fill, this was my way of blocking all of reality-depression, they call it.

I take swipe at my phone, unlocking my phone, still sitting and not minding the cheerful smile of the usher in front of me, encouraging me to get up and dance with the rest of the congregation, my side eyes was enough signal to let her know that her charm wasn't going to work on me as it did the other young men she had just given same instruction.

"Why was I here again?" I thought to myself, it was the persistent call from Rhoda. That girl doesn't give up. I had managed to get the second round of my morning sleep started when her call came through, jolting me awake, "Babe, are you all dressed?" she asked. "Tchew" I replied with a slight hiss, ignoring her, "I'm almost at your gate, and this time you won't say no to me," she furthered with an affirming tone.

And in the next few minutes, she was already in, her 5ft2 frame dragging me out of bed and was sure to bath me, she is one of those ladies you could easily underestimate her strength but I knew better not to continue resisting, and by the time I was out of the bathroom, she had already laid a pretty red dress on the bed with a matching silver heel lying beneath on the floor, with a big smile plastered on her face for her win today. I almost forgot that I had this pretty dress, it used to be a favourite that I wondered how she dug it out of the mess of a wardrobe. My mood wasn't for anything pretty, so I instead shrugged on a wash-out jean jacket over a sleeveless black dress, ignoring Rhoda's unapproving look; it was either this, or I would stay back.

I used to be a jolly church girl like her until life happened, and everything seemed to be against me. I had put a pause on my studies due to my inability to pay my fees, the news from home was bad that I couldn't even call home for help, and the several jobs I laid my hands on were often met with utter disappointment, I was always taken advantage of, no matter how hardworking I was, after several trials at different organizations with the same outcome, it was certain, the world was against me.

I prayed so hard, but I never received an answer; instead, silence. There was no point trying anymore, maybe giving up was the option, and the first step was to quit going to church, not like I was expecting a change, and yes, my world maintained stillness, the only bubbling joy that often stopped by was Rhoda.

The worship and praise session was over now, and everyone was now sitted, A tall, well built pastor dressed in a navy blue senator material took to the pulpit, mic in hand and a pure smile on his face, there was some kind of peace I felt seeing that smile on his face as he said the first words that changed my life, he called it THE WORD FOR NOW

"God cannot give you a burden that is more than for you to bear" He started, does that mean that I can overcome all of my burdens, I thought, "Yes," he continued, as if reading my thoughts, cast all of your burden to Him, he continued, elaborating on several examples in the bible, even the birds of the air and the green grass don't have to worry about their needs.

He elaborated on his struggles and how he overcame not giving up, he even had to face the same and more burdens similar to my current predicament, now, here he was, not looking like what he's been through. Listening to the pastor's words, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I could take a leaf out of his book, trust in God's sovereignty, and find the strength to face my burdens.

With renewed hope and determination, I left the church, feeling a sense of purpose. I knew that I still had challenges ahead, but I also knew that I wasn't alone. And sure enough, with that word for now, I overcame my challenges and gathered more strength for more ahead.

We stepped out of the church with Rhoda's hand placed on my shoulder, maybe she sensed my peace, "You're going to be okay, she said, "God got this." He did.

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