ACADEMICS WITH WUNMI: THE GOD FACTOR
Hello there!
Trust we are all basking in newness of 2016. I thank God for you all, may God crown our efforts with good success.
Seeking God in all endeavour is the most important thing. Malachi 3:18 says “and you will see the difference between those who serve me and those who do not”.
Its’s another school term or semester so what? Maybe yours is a professional exam, don’t tune off just yet because this right here is for you (yes you)!
I crave your indulgence not to read this post as cliché but rather with open minds as I share one of the many ‘God factor encounter’ I have had in my academic journey.
Paul said “I am what I am by the grace of God”. This means a lot to me. One of which is, the result of my efforts is determined by God.
Mathematically speaking, I am saying:
(Hardwork + smartwork) – God = Futility ≥Failure ≥Frustration
With God, one day of favour is more recompensing than 100 years of labour. The God factor in every race is the amplifier that gives the multipliers effect.
Remember Apostle Paul also mentioned that he planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase. 1Corithians3:6
A wise man said the word GOD depicts Grace On Duty and I totally agree with this representation of God.
Just recently, the story of the bread seller – Olajumoke Orisanuga broke the internet. This among other stories is a clear picture of the God-factor, grace was simply at work for her (God graced her with favour while at her duty).
Ask every successful man who has maintained a great altitude, they have always made a room for the God factor. In the same vein, God factor in any academic endeavour is not an exception.
I remember when I was doing my Msc., not only did I desire to finish with Distinction, the expectations from my parents was in no way small. So I knew that asides the efforts, I needed to know the ALL-WISE God to make it happen. On my path I put in the ‘effortzzz’, I denied myself of some ‘luxuries’, I embraced self-discipline and above all I served God like never before. That year was one like no other for me spiritually. I did God’s business like no man’s business trusting that He would crown my efforts.
I didn’t end it there, I posted some scriptures backing up my desired expectations on my wardrobe. Every morning as I dressed for school, I’ll declare what I wanted to see as results. I had grades set for each module I offered. At some point I wrote out what I called ‘my distinction testimony’, stating how I wanted to share my testimony with the church when it manifests. I engaged the power of praise, I would recite my written testimony almost every day, sometimes put it on the floor and dance around it. I went for evangelism outreaches in freezing weather. This is not to blow my trumpet, I am just telling you how I made room for the God-factor amidst busy school schedule.
In all of these I read o, read like I was not leaving room for the God factor. In the end, it all paid off, I finished with distinction with 4 other people in a class of over 60 students.
I must however state emphatically that the God factor will not produce result on an empty soil – you must first have a seed (human effort) in the ground that you want Grace On Duty to amplify for you.
HOW DO I MAKE WAY FOR THE GOD FACTOR?
- You must know – you must know God to do exploits (Daniel 11:32), know that He is and a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6b). I do not belong to the school of thought that says serve God like you are expecting nothing, I serve God and expect things in return. You must have the understanding that the manifestation you will experience is a function of your expectations.
- Diligence: you must be diligent in your efforts. Your diligence commits God to move on your behalf. “seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings and not mean men” – proverbs 22:29. Taking a clue from Apostle Paul again, he first planted (diligence) then God was committed to give the increase. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”. – Galatians 6:7
- Kingdom stewardship: no one takes care of God’s business here on earth and have no result to show. God is not a cheat! Exodus 23:25, serving God does not make you fail or unfruitful as most people misinterpret.
- Godly confessions/declarations/positive affirmations of your expectations taking your bearing from the word of God. Remember God honours His word more than His name and in the kingdom, it is as far as your eyes can see!
- Praise God in advance for those expectations – that is the password! No one praises God amiss.
It’s never too late to make room for God factor in any endeavour, it was in my second semester I began to make ample room for God to multiply my efforts and the results I got was far higher and better than my first semester.
I wish you all the best as you involve God in your academic pursuits and I await your testimonies.
Kindly share your experience with God on your academic journey so far, sure it would encourage someone on this platform.
I celebrate you all!
The Education segment of the blog is one where you can find resources as a student/prospective one to help you succeed academically. Periodic posts would be published ranging from advice to questions and resources, all of which readily available to help you. I wish you all the best in your academic endeavours- Tosin Alabi( editor)
AFRICANISM COSMOPOLITAN 