Testimony Time: Breakthrough after a Decade of Stagnancy

This post has nothing to do with my motherhood experience. However, future moms going through a season of infertility may find this post encouraging. My hope is that this testimony would lift the spirit of someone in despair, feeling stagnant, like God has forgotten you.

Everyone is celebrating a new year but you feel like it’s same ole same ole. God does not forget his children and you are his child. Yes, you.

Others may be progressing while you feel stuck. Someone just had a child she does not even want, meanwhile your greatest desire is to be a mother. Do not be discouraged, keep being faithful and your season will come. Rejoice with those who rejoice even when it is hard. When you get that breakthrough, you would look back and realize your endurance made your faith and trust in God stronger.

While thinking about what a new decade means and major life changes that can occur in a decade, I suddenly remembered it took me a decade to make a major academic achievement.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is not optional in my family. It is a compulsory milestone. My grandfather was an entrepreneur who believed earning a bachelor’s degree was important for an individual’s social and economic success. So, we all feel obliged to live up to this expectation. I plan to continue the tradition as a parent.

I earned my bachelor’s degree 10 years after graduating from high school. Every attempt to completely transfer from a community college failed. I was not accepted into my desired programs despite having exceptional grades. In addition, lack of finances set me back each time I made a little progress.

God changed my story suddenly. I went on to earn two masters degrees in 18 months and by God’s grace a PhD and another masters degree are in progress without financial worries. Nothing paid out of pocket. No need for student loan. I hope to share another testimony when all is done.

It took a decade to earn a bachelor’s degree. My life felt stagnant during those ten years of striving to earn the degree. I will confess there were moments I found myself envious of those who were making progress while I was struggling. There were times I was upset that my relatives were not doing enough to help me. I had other good things going on in my life but my inability to graduate college made other achievements less significant.

Thank God my relatives did not help me like I expected. If they had, I most likely would not be where I am today. I thank God I did not get accepted into the nursing and pre-pharmacy programs I applied to. I thank God it took ten years, because I learned to trust God. I thank God I did not take easy illegal routes that many well good meaning people suggested. I thank God for walking me through the valley.

As I reflect on my transition from a decade of stagnation to unusual speed in my academic pursuits, my heart rejoices for God’s goodness. Reflecting on how far God has brought me gives me hope for my future endeavors.

We have a God we can count on. He is the God of heaven. His name is I AM. He is the waymaker. He gives the barren children. His name is Jesus. He loves you.

Dear momma waiting for your own baby, grandma waiting for a grandbaby, single lady waiting for marriage, and anyone feeling discouraged, hope thou in God. Say this to your soul:

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalms 43:5

When your time comes, you would be glad it didn’t come faster or too early. You would be rightly positioned and well equipped. You would be more compassionate and grateful. You would look back and see how God ordered and reordered your steps. You would look back and see God’s mercy when you missed it. There would be no doubt that only God could have orchestrated every detail that led to your breakthrough.

This is God’s word to you:

For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. Isaiah 61:7

Hope thou in God. Trust in his unfailing love. He restores. He renews. He rejoices over you. He loves you. Just believe! ♥️