Debbie’s Story: Joy comes in the Morning

Debbie’s story made me sad at first, but as she got to the end, I started to cry for joy. 

She worked for a big first-generation bank and she was such a successful banker, rising up the ladder of her career gracefully. 

But there was one thing she did not like about her job – it took all her time and consumed her life. Although she was earning a 7-figure income annually, she felt something was missing.

First, she barely had time for God. Second, she was still single at the time, precisely 35 years. 

At some point, she became overwhelmed and took a very short leave from work. She decided to observe 3-day fasting and prayer. And God truly saw her predicaments. 

After the three days of fasting, she perceived God was asking her to do something strange. Yes, God was actually asking her to give more than fifty percent of her savings to a foundation that cared for widows and orphans and the poor. That was a huge amount! After a week of struggle, she took the bold step of faith and obeyed the Lord.

Exactly one month after making that huge donation, something unimaginable happened. Debbie got to her office to meet the news. Her boss invited her to his office and gave her the letter. Debbie had mixed feelings at first, but she expected more positive news. The letter turned out to be a termination of her appointment. The bank was downsizing, and she was affected.

She could not believe it. She started to cry. 

For the next six months, she had no job. She became depressed and was going to hate God for it. She wished she could have her donations back. But one morning, she heard the voice of God again, asking her not to be discouraged because He is simply answering her prayers. 

Debbie started to attend church services and spend time in prayer. She asked God for forgiveness and actually repented.

Another  6 months passed and she was still jobless. Her savings were going for it and she sometimes has anxiety about it.

Exactly a year after losing her job, she was invited to a conference in the state capital. In one of the break sessions, she met Kunle, one of her friends during the MBA class. They had not seen each other for six years. Kunle had become a successful businessman. They rolled from conversation to conversation, sharing their life experiences.

Kunle was not only glad to meet Debbie but that she was still single. In four months, they became so close that they were ready to marry each other.

In exactly six months after they met, they were both married, and Debbie became a managing partner in Kunle’s business.

Debbie brought her wealth of experience into the business and it became super successful. They both became super financially successful and independent. They could afford to travel the world and have plenty of time to serve the Lord. They have three lovely kids.

As Debbie stood on the podium, sharing her story with the teeming audience she had invited to her annual international summit for youths, I cried and cried. 

I was crying because I was going through something similar in my own life. I had been out of a job for 8 months. At first, I did not want to attend the summit but thank God I eventually did. That was what I needed to hear to lift me up again. I met Debbie after the summit and shared my story with her. She encouraged me and gave me her business card. 

Today, I work as a consultant for companies and live with the spouse I never thought I deserve. We both have two lovely girls, Charity and Comfort. I don’t know what you are going through right now because of your obedience to God, I need you to learn from the stories of Debbie and myself. God is ever faithful. He will settle you if you will wait for him and continue to walk in obedience to him. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [Jeremiah 29:11-12, New International Version]

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version]

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. [Psalm 30:1-5 English Standard Version]

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. [Psalm 126 New International Version]

Disclaimers: All characters in this piece are fictional. If your story is similar, feel free to encourage someone with it today. We will also appreciate it if you share this piece with your friends and social media followers. For more resources, kindly visit: www.smilekeys.com