Being Steadfast.

Recently, I drove a relative’s car out.

The car had “learner’s” signs in front and at the back.

A funny scenario happened when I was about to move onto a main road; I tried to pass beside some bystanders, hawkers and sellers so that the car coming behind could move forward, and while I was doing that, some of the bystanders started shouting in my native language “e je gba motor lowo e”, meaning “collect the car from her”.

As they were shouting, some others were saying “can’t you see the ‘learner’ sign?” As I journeyed with anxiety, a few waved to me and said they understood my predicament.

The driving tutor who sat beside me then said, “There is one thing you need to know and understand as you learn driving skills: you shouldn’t care about what others are saying. Rather, be focused on what you need to do because there will be many distractions and abuse from people, some who do not even want to know whether you are an amateur or an expert.”

Just like this scenario, in the journey of life, we are all in the process of learning. It might be a physical process (like a baby learning how to crawl and walk), or a spiritual process, act of patience, showing affection and gratitude etc.

Whatever it is, remember that growth is gradual process. You also need to know that, as you go on, some might distract you, abuse you, criticize you, humiliate you and even praise you, but in all these, don’t be carried away by the frivolities or the criticism, rather hold on to that focus and goal.

Some individuals don’t even care that you are in a learning process, they could even see the signs of where you are at and what you are trying to do, and still shame you.

Don’t be discouraged. A popular adage goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day’. In that journey of spiritual journey, keep at it, don’t give up or be discouraged. Rather, know your focus and what you want to achieve at the end of it, and put all your energy into that direction.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

Sometimes it’s easy to get easily carried away by the opinions of others, but always keep in mind that you are in a process, that you will get better day by day and that it is God who can help you go through it successfully.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

As you journey on in whatever learning process you might be in, learn to tune out distractions, people’s comments and opinions. Be steadfast in the moment of learning and let God lead and direct you in His will.