2020: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
2020 was a year. For many people, it was a year characterized by a series of bad events. Jobs lost, deaths recorded, businesses shut down. Indeed 2020 is a year we will not forget in a hurry. In this article, I shared people’s experience in 2020. From almost giving up on her relationship with God to getting many job offers, I hope this article will ignite your faith that though things are bad, God is good regardless. What’s important is that you change your perspective on bad situations. If you don’t do that, you not only miss the good that exists in the bad, but you also miss God.
Angela, 24
When the pandemic started, everything looked sour. After the lockdown, things were pretty slow. Though I had lots of job offers, the path looked bleak, and most times, I would cry. Things were not better where I was living. The last straw was when I got a call that my father was in the hospital. It took a toll on my mental health. I would pray, but it seemed like God was silent. However, I am grateful for the friends I had during that time. I was able to talk to them, and it prevented me from slipping into depression. I learned the importance of having a support system. Middle of the year, things seemed to be going smoothly. Things began to change for the better when I traveled to my hometown for a few days. I found peace, and when I was returning, I had faith that things would be fine. 2020 is a year I will not forget in a hurry. It was an eye-opening experience for me. I learned that everything happens for a reason.
Sandra, 27
I am grateful for the opportunity to have a relationship with God. I had a roller coaster of emotions in 2020. I have been sad, happy, confused, lost, and even angry, but one thing that kept me going is his interest in me. Throughout the year, I learned that God cares for me. As a man pursues a woman he cares about, God has pursued me relentlessly. Earlier on, it was difficult to discern his voice, but I learned to listen actively to God. The truth is, God is always speaking, and so is the devil, but you need to know the word of God to discern his voice. God will not go further in his walk with you if you attempt to skip the part where you need to learn his word. That is why people become so frustrated when they feel that God has stopped speaking to them. If you are in this category, you need to revert to his last instruction and obey him. You must know the word first. I also learned I need to be sensitive to listen and hear him speak. Most times, we do not hear God because we are not willing to accept what He says. We refuse to listen to him, and we say he doesn’t speak. To hear God, you need to listen to him. He has given you the ability to listen to Him. I am thankful for the lessons I learned in 2020, and I am excited for the year ahead.
John, 22
My expectations for the year were high. Having completed my NYSC in 2019, my primary focus was finding a good job. I traveled to Lagos for an interview, but unfortunately, I received a rejection mail from the company. I went for another interview, and it felt like a dream come true. But I received another rejection mail. I was frustrated, and with the pandemic, things worsened. With no source of livelihood, I was getting anxious. Although it was difficult, I cannot deny that God sent people to assist me in various ways. Although there was no improvement, I felt at peace. I learned that God knows our heart’s desire even before we speak, and that’s why he sends people to help. So no matter how tough it got, I knew God was there to see me through it all.
Joy, 24
As I reminisce on my experience in 2020, I am sure that there was a reason for the season. I cried more than I laughed in 2020. I was angry, depressed, and I almost gave up on my relationship with God. I experienced rejection in all forms-jobs, family, and friends. Even when I rejected God, he did not do the same. When I went astray, God was there to bring me back to him. Just like the shepherd left the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that was lost, God went searching for me. I lost this year; however, I am glad I lost. Why? Because I found myself in Christ. Though people left, God never left me, and he proved his word when he said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Despite the storms, I found peace. I learned that peace does not come from money or friends but only comes from God. That explains why he is called the Prince of Peace. So, if you are lost and looking for peace, I urge you to look for it in Jesus. Go to him. He alone will bless you with the peace that surpasses all human understanding.
Victor, 29
After NYSC, I was thinking about the next plan of action to take. I served in NCCF during my service year, although I wasn’t ready to handle any official position. But it was a call I couldn’t escape. Now, after my service and no plan, I prayed to God, asking him to take over because I trusted him. The Next thing I saw were cracks in the relationship I nursed for two years. By March, after my service was over, I got an invitation to remain in the state where I served. I obliged. Because of that decision, my relationship came to an end. The pain I experienced is more than I can explain in pen and paper. Though I lost a relationship, I gained so many things in other areas. I met good friends and had fruitful connections alongside, and so far, I have not regretted my decision. So, I can say cheers to better years to come.
I hope this blessed you as I was blessed while writing it. If it did, please share, like, and comment.
