Dear Royalty,
About a year ago I bagged a Master of Science degree in Risk Management and Insurance. The knowledge acquired on conducting practical risk and mitigation measures to safeguard organisational assets including people and technology has been second to none. I sure did enjoy the various discussions on risk analysis.
Not only did I graduate, but I also want to share with you how I was marvellously helped by God during this season. I know many people have done this and well too; but combining school and work is an experience I know is worth sharing for those who will attempt this as well.
In fact, as I navigated through various challenges, I felt compelled to journal these moments as they unfolded, especially during the nerve-wracking exam periods. And today, I sensed a divine nudge – God encouraging me to share some of these significant moments that I’ve carefully documented.
Just a year and a half after finishing my bachelor’s degree, my body decided to remind me that I couldn’t pull all-nighters like I used to in uni. It was both scary and hilarious. Back in university, I could read for hours on end, but now, with work the next day and a pile of assignments, finding time was a whole different ball game. And don’t even get me started on laundry and hair days! But let me tell you, it really pushed me to my limits.
Out of all the moments I’ve captured, there’s one that stands out:
February 2, 2023 – I decided to go on a three-day fast . It was tough, especially on day two when I felt exhausted and drained. I had an exam the next day, and I hadn’t studied much. This is not about making excuses; it’s about sharing my reality. I found myself grappling with conflicting priorities – why fast now? Why not focus solely on studying? You see, I’ve learned from God the importance of putting in the work, not just having faith. But this time, things felt different. Despite my best efforts to study, I felt stuck and overwhelmed. Then, something unexpected happened. In the evening, almost by chance, I stumbled upon the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) February Holy Communion service. It’s a monthly event, but this time, I hadn’t planned on attending online as I usually would; I needed to hit the books..but somehow, I found myself drawn to the dining table to study rather than in my room, with my textbooks in hand. Perhaps I felt that a change in environment would help me focus better.
As the service went on, I felt a pull to join in the communion. Despite my hesitation, I decided to partake, using water as wine and bread as the body. The choir sang, “There is power mighty in the blood,” and I felt a surge of encouragement. During the prayer, Pastor E. A Adeboye asked for the power of God to rest on us so we could do great things for Him. At that moment, two scriptures popped into my head: Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13, It says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”. Suddenly, I felt a newfound strength to tackle my studies, even though I hadn’t ‘started’ yet.
Pastor Adeboye then asked us to pray for something we wanted God to do for us before the next day. In that moment, I prayed earnestly that He would grant me the opportunity to touch someone’s life the next day, to lead one soul who is broken, tired, or weak back to Him. I also asked for strength and wisdom to study effectively, so that my efforts wouldn’t be in vain.
After taking communion, I was engrossed in my reading when a program called Soul Lifters aired, recapping their episode from September 22, 2022. I wasn’t paying much attention until the anchor began reading Psalm 121 – the very verse that had been on my mind just moments before. It felt like a DREAM!!
The guest speaker, Pastor Funso Adedayo, shared a powerful message about Jeremiah and waiting for an appointed time. It struck me deeply because earlier that day, I had been reflecting on Habakkuk 2:3, which talks about waiting patiently for God’s timing.
After a bit, I retreated to my room to study, I needed to focus. Suddenly, my mom burst in, asking if I had called the TV program because they were praying for “Sharon” to pass her exams and receive help with something important. I was shocked because I hadn’t reached out to them, but when I checked the episode on YouTube, it was true – they had prayed for me (a girl named Sharon) at the exact time my mom mentioned.
God’s hand was unmistakable. Despite a slight headache, I pushed through my studies and aced the exam, giving all glory to Him. And the blessings didn’t stop there – I even had the joy of leading someone to faith the following day!
It’s moments like these that remind me of God’s faithfulness and the power of trusting in His perfect timing.
Guys,
I’ve been at the edge of throwing in the towel, especially as a student. There’s this inner feeling sometimes that tells you, “Hey, you’re not ready. If you take that exam now, you’re going to fail.” My lowest grade in school was a grade B, and I’m not saying that to boast. I vividly remember telling my parents, “I’m not sure I’ll do well in this,” and by “not well,” I meant failing miserably. I knew I hadn’t studied enough or grasped the material fully. Sometimes, the fear of not studying well enough paralyzed me, but that’s when God stepped in, whispering, “Don’t give up now. Cast your net again.”
Another lesson the Holy Spirit has consistently taught me is to study not just to pass exams but for the journey of life itself. It’s been a trial, I must admit. Because let’s face it, sometimes it’s easier to cram and regurgitate information. Now, I’m not claiming to remember every single detail I’ve ever studied, but I can tell you this: I haven’t forgotten everything either.
If you’re in school and feeling like giving up, I get it. But hang in there. You’re not alone, and there’s a purpose to every struggle. Keep pushing forward, and remember, sometimes the greatest lessons are learned in the midst of our toughest battles.
God used a message and a caller who was also called Sharon from a previous year to help me when I was broken and felt like giving up. Isn’t that a miracle, that indeed, He never forgets His own? He is more than able to do the same and greater for you!
Dear reader, there is a movie I was reminded of recently that is critical for the message in this blog post, some of you may have watched it before (I encourage you to rewatch it again) and for some, this will be your first time. Be blessed as you watch: Recitation – Mount Zion Film Productions..
If you are currently writing exams or struggling in school, I pray this one simple prayer, ‘may you find help and encouragement peculiar to you. May the help you get be so specific to you, that your wavering faith will no longer waver’ Amen
YOU ARE ALREADY HELPED AND BLESSED.
On that note, I am open to assisting your organisations to mitigate and analyse risk. I have spent a significant amount of time developing and putting into practice what I’ve learned and will be glad to work with you to safeguard your assets. You can send me a mail at paulinaboye045@gmail.com
Your sister,
Sharon Paulina Boye
April 17, 2024
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