A higher power in low times
By Samuel Ileso
The eve of Christmas 2000 was perhaps the most reflective time in my life. I had just moved to Toronto after completing my graduate program at Dalhousie University in Halifax. It was the first time I was spending Christmas alone, away from family or friends.
Samuel Ileso
It was a difficult time for me financially, so I spent the entire day and most part of Christmas Day reflecting on my life experiences, and I realized how much God has been there for me, even during my difficult times.
As I reflected, I concluded that if I mapped events in my life on a graph — from my upbringing in Nigeria to my current life in Canada — there would be many fluctuations, periods of highs and many lows.
One thing was sure from all of the low periods: none were permanent. God was always there to help me.
A purpose in struggle
Some of the low periods actually helped to prepare me for the good times. So I figured, if only I trusted in His awesome power to come true for me at those low times, I would not have been so worried.
The word of God is true as stated in Psalm 50:15. It says call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you.
This conviction, that God is always there for me, helped to shape my faith in the Lord, and also helped to reinforce my commitment to live a true Christian life for as long as He wants me here on Earth.
The truth is, I do not have a religion, what I have is a way of life in Jesus.
A never-ending smile at work
My friends, and people everywhere I go, often wonder why I always have a smile on my face. When I first met my wife, she would tell me that she was worried because I was never worried about anything, even when things were really tight.
After a few years growing together, she has come to realize that it is because there is something special within me — the love and grace of God. It is sufficient for me.
My faith also propels my work life. In my performance reports, I often find my bosses highlight the fact that I am a very positive individual. I never get beaten down by the intrinsic politics of the workplace.
My normal workday starts with a short prayer for God's guidance. It gives me the assurance that whatever happens during the day, I will not be alone.
I also do my work as if I am doing it for the Lord. So for me, honesty, sincerity, diligence and dedication to duty are all Godly principles I take with me everyday.
God is my constant source of strength. My life experiences have taught me very well that the hard times don't last forever.
So, I live every day believing strongly in God's power and knowing fully well that when I am down to nothing, God is up to something.
Samuel Ileso was born in southwestern Nigeria to a family of 14. He left Nigeria in 1998 for Halifax, where he completed a master's degree in economics. After stops in Ottawa and Toronto, he accepted a government position in Charlottetown in 2003. He met his wife, Tara, on Prince Edward Island, and they are blessed with a 19-month-old baby, Hannah.
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