The Secret Is in the Staying

This year, God has been teaching me about trust, honesty, vulnerability, and intimacy with Him.

My desire for a partner was on and off, probably because of past experiences. There were days I wanted it, and days I didn't. Then a friend told me that God was asking me to be honest with Him about my desires. Honestly, I found it strange and complicated. But looking back, I realise God wanted me to be open with Him about what I wanted and trust Him with whatever He had in store for me.

My anchor scripture for the year was Isaiah 40:31. When I first received it, I was worried. I interpreted it as a sign that I would have to fight battles that required a lot of strength. I thought I just needed a scripture that spoke about rest, but I didn't quite understand why this was my scripture for the year.

Little did I know how much I would need it.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

That Word kept me through so many moments when I felt weak. Honestly, I don't think I would have gone through some of those seasons without God's help.

During this season, one of the consecrations God led me into was not to entertain anyone romantically until He gave me the go-ahead. It wasn't easy staying. There were days I felt alone, especially when I was getting advances but knew I had to obey God. Honestly, it was difficult, and that was where vulnerability with God became real for me. I had to tell Him how I felt, be honest about my desires, and trust Him to help me stay faithful. And He did. He kept me, strengthened me, and helped me remain in my place of service.

In the long run, I began to understand that God was doing more than addressing my desire for a partner. He was purifying my heart, changing my values, and realigning me with His will for my life. He was teaching me to live in a way that brings Him pleasure. Looking back, I realise that the strength to remain consecrated wasn't just about my ability to obey. It came from my relationship with Him, from that place of intimacy where I could be honest about my struggles and depend on His grace.

And in His goodness, God gave me the best. Someone whose love for God pushes me to love God even more. Honestly, I couldn't have imagined it, and I am so grateful. But beyond this testimony, I know God was also working on me.

The secret is in the staying

I am learning that different seasons come with different consecrations. As we grow deeper in our walk with God, He begins to teach us what He requires of us in each season. And the strength to remain consecrated does not come from our willpower alone. It comes from our relationship with Him, from that place of intimacy where we learn to depend on His grace.

The secret is in the staying.

Staying with God, staying in His Word, staying in prayer, and remaining obedient as He leads us. Not because we are trying to earn something from Him, but because we are growing to know and trust Him more.

Second Corinthians 9:8 says:

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (KJV)

This reminds me that God is able to supply the grace we need to do what He has called us to do.

Our lives and the fruit we bear flow from that relationship. The deeper we go with God, the more we begin to understand His heart and allow Him to shape our desires.

Psalm 37:4 says:

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (KJV)

I am learning that delighting in God is not just about receiving the things we desire. It is about finding joy in Him, being satisfied in Him, and allowing Him to shape our desires as we grow closer to Him.

Looking back, my faith has grown so much this year, and I give God all the glory. He has shown me that His love is not transactional. I don't have to earn His goodness through perfect performance. I am learning to trust Him, obey Him, and depend on Him even when I don't understand.

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I trust God. He is the One leading me, and I know He will give me the grace I need for every season.

There are many testimonies, and these are only a few. But beyond everything God has done, I am grateful for who He has been to me.

He alone is my Rock and my strength.

If there is one thing I want you to take from my story, it is this: be honest with God. Tell Him what you desire, even when you don't have it all figured out. Trust Him with His response, and allow Him to work in you.

Sometimes, you come to God asking Him to do something for you, and along the way, you discover that He is drawing you closer to Himself.

And that, too, is a testimony.