THANKING GOD FOR 2018: DO JOIN ME!

As we were wrapping up the service in church last Sunday, the pastor said we should write down 10 things the Lord has done for us this year. We shall wave the list in praise to God at the Annual Thanksgiving Service next Sunday. I have been doing this joyfully and I had a wonderful surprise.

[bctt tweet=”Let’s list some blessings from 2018 and praise the Lord.” username=”edithohaja1″]

Secular blessings

The thing I cherish most the Lord has done for me is not the so-called big miracles and I did have those. For example, I was able to earn my Ph.D after years of abandoning the programme. The Lord set a fire under me and got me working to complete and defend my thesis.

He also helped me to revive another stagnated project and move it forward. He healed me repeatedly and gave me freedom in a financial matter.

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(Related: So Much To Thank God For)
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Spiritual insight

The Lord taught me so much from his Word this year. You see the beauty of running a faith and inspirational blog is that it moves me to dig deeper into God’s word. Many things I come across in my daily devotional reading of the Bible give me insight into God’s character, His love for us and our duties as Christians. Some of them I am prompted to study further for my personal development and for blog posts. Even after the posts have gone live, I am sometimes drawn to some of them according to my circumstances for encouragement and inspiration.

[bctt tweet=”Thank God for the spiritual insight and guidance you received this year.” username=”edithohaja1″]

What I’m saying in effect is that I thank God for my blog, edithohaja.com (and for the smaller one, auntyedith.blogspot.com). The feedback I receive through email and social media messages is very heartwarming.

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(Related: Seeing With Our Father’s Eyes)
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Growth in Character

But the thing that struck me most that God did for me this year is that He made it easier for me to forgive and forgo offences from those subordinate to me. I’m not saying I have been harbouring an unforgiving spirit but that forgiveness is coming more easily, like second nature. I have been in situations where I’ve been badly disrespected this year. In the past, it hurt like deep knife cuts. I have often told my young friends that I cannot compromise on respect. Once you think we’re so chummy that you can take me for a ride, I’ll let you go. But the Lord keeps reminding me that “offences must come” (Luke 17:1). In addition, He has taught me more and more to give the offenders the benefit of the doubt and show them more understanding.

Young people don’t always think things through before saying or doing them. While we shouldn’t let them walk all over us, we shouldn’t be rash or heavy-handed in our response. It is a privilege to be used by God to support and mould young lives, be they our kids, employees, friends, students, work colleagues or acquaintances. We don’t want to throw away that privilege over some angry words or thoughtless actions on their part.

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(Related: Grace and the Golden Rule)
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Do you know that someone we’re supposed to be a part of their lives in the way I’ve explained can plot against us, threaten and embarrass us? It’s natural to be shocked and furious but we must hand the situation over to God. We must learn to think less of ourselves and more of what God wants to accomplish in our lives through this person and for them through us.

I long to be more and more like Christ.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29 (ESV)

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34

I wish I could wake up tomorrow and find that I’m perfect like Jesus is. But God doesn’t work that way. He puts us in trying situations, then He stretches us to expand our capacity to cope with all manner of difficulties and temptations.

“2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” – James 1:2-4

[bctt tweet=”Praise God for making you to be more like Christ.” username=”edithohaja1″]

This, for me, is what makes the Christian walk exciting, that we can see ourselves being slowly transformed to reflect the Lord better.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

It’s true I still have a long way to go; don’t even start me on that! But little steps like the one I’ve shared mean a lot to me because they go against the grain of the natural man and that is not who we are anymore as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 2 Corinthians 5:17 and the scriptures below remind us.

“15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” – 1 John 2:15-17

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(Related: Thank You, Lord! – Poem)
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Hope for Nigeria

On a broader note, I want to thank God that in the past two months we have received renewed hope that Nigeria could soon be rescued from the draconian and retrogressive rulership the country has been subject to for three and half years. I am passionate about my country and her progress because therein lies the welfare and prosperity of her people, myself included. I am also eager to see Nigeria play the salient roles that have been prophesied for her in God’s endtime agenda, particularly in bringing the gospel to the nations. We have begun to see this in what has been termed reverse missionary activity by some of our churches and I believe we need peace and prosperity here to add impetus to that work.

The emergence of former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, as the candidate of the main opposition party, PDP, in next year’s general elections and his choice of ex-governor, Peter Obi, has lifted many of our people out of resignation into optimism. The way their names have rent the air is seen by many as a supernatural sign of good things to come. Atiku’s business sagacity and Obi’s economic prudence have been adjudged as the combo that can dislodge the ruling APC from power and bring Nigeria out of the doldrums. We are still praying for peaceful, free and fair elections but at least we know we have a fighting chance in the contest now.

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(Related: #Atikulate: An Idea Whose Time Has Come)
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Join me to give thanks!

Well, I could go on and on recounting the things that the Lord did for me in 2018 but I want to stop here and invite you to join me and share some blessings you received this year. As the popular song says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
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55 comments

  • Isaac sopuruchi

    God has been so wonderful..even in the midst of all this crisis we are still living. No amount of words can describe how grateful I am.. More grace, ma!

  • Happiness

    2018 has really been an awesome year of spiritual and mental growth ….
    One year in the university really opened my eyes to many realities… And I am so grateful for God for his Immeasurable Grace…..

    • Edith Ohaja

      I love that God helps us to grow in positive ways. That helps to be more useful to Him and other people. I wish you.more progress in every area of your life in Jesus’ name.

  • Mummy, I thank you for sharing these wonders the Lord has done for you. May His name be glorified! I will also use this avenue to testify to my total redemption this 2018 – I’m now a born-again! I also thank God for the international connection He has given me through the African Scholars Network (AFRISCON) this year, 2018. I can’t exhaust his blessings upon my life. MAY HIS NAME BE PRAISED BOTH NOW AND FOREVER!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Wow! I rejoice with you, Chizoba! Accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour is the best decision anyone can take. May Almighty God watch over you and help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May He also water the international connections you made to bless your life abundantly in Jesus’ name.

  • It sounds like you have learned a lot this year. God is good, even in the storms of life.

  • kage2015

    This was refreshing to read and great uplift to my day. Good to read something for everyday spiritual use.

  • This is a wonderful time to reflect on all of the past year. Blessed post, Edith Ugochi Ohaja..I also love the Hope for Nigeria..!!!! Praying the same for India..hope to be free from a despotic govt..in the next election…and for revival..AMEN

    • Edith Ohaja

      I say a big “Amen” to that prayer for both our countries. Our God reigns!!! God’s grace and blessings upon you and your famil, Rita, in Jesus’ name.

  • Forgiveness is so important! It is so freeing to allow us to see what God really has planned for us, instead of living in the past. Great post!

  • Chidinma Abaraonye

    To be alive from January to December is a great testimony… I thank God for keeping my feet from falling even when the enemy gave me sliding tackle… I thank Him for Divine health even though I was admitted once in the school clinic… I thank Him for my academics: 200l is not cup cake… He has built me spiritually with His word and with the help of my campus fellowship (Watchman Campus Fellowship UNN)…Infact, this is just a list, they are numerous… The air that we breathe is not bought from the market…Oh that men would appreciate God! God is Faithful…

    • Edith Ohaja

      Awesome! Thanks for sharing a few of your testimonies, Chidinma. Our God is truly awesome! I pray for more and more blessings upon you according to your needs this Christmas season and in the coming years in Jesus’ name. ❤️

  • Sunday, Ezekwesiri Daniel

    I can’t say it all, when my back was against the wall and it looked as if it was over, He made a way. Thank u Lord. Bless u!

    • Edith Ohaja

      I guess that’s why some call Him the Waymaker. He is altogether lovely as the Bible says. May you continue to experience His deliverance and mercy in Jesus’ name.

  • Okoh daniel

    I might not reply every writeup you post here, ma, but they have been a source of inspiration for me and the best part is they are not just true but real as they get. I’m learning the forgiveness part myself, and for Nigeria, we’ve seen the rock bottom, there is only one way left- UPWARDS… Bless you, ma!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Glad to hear from you, Daniel. I love your hope for Nigeria and thank you for appreciating my posts. Have a beautiful new year!

  • egbo Rita Somtochukwu

    Wow!!! I rejoice with you, Ma.
    2018 was a blessing for me n my family, for the life, good health n his protection. I am indeed grateful. I pray for a better 2019 filled with laughter n rejoicing. AMEN!!

  • mirian ndawe

    So many good things happened to me in 2018, a few bad things as well, I thank God for them both, the good things elevated me and the bad things equipped me.

  • I think one of the daily obligations of man is to thank God because He has done so much and He’s still doing more.

  • Abugu chinecherem faith

    In the second paragraph, you said “the things I cherish most the Lord has done for me is not the so-called big miracles” although they are one of the things we thank God for this year, but there are some things that seems little in the eyes of men and to me they are unforgettable experiences I had in the year 2018. So I want to join you thank God for the year 2018.

  • Oma

    A song writer once said count your blessings one by one and it will surprise u what the lord has done.
    When I sat down to write down what God did for me last year I realized that I have every reason to say thank u father. So ma I joined u today to say thank u Jesus for everyting He did for me last year.

  • Ugama Gloria Nkechinyere

    Wow! But I think God blessed me more than you as at the year 2018. I give all the thanks to God.

  • Amana Sharon Umola

    The Lord did a lot in 2018. One I want to especially thank him for is the life of my grandpa. He fell sick in August last year and he battled with that illness until he was called to glory on the 3rd of April. He was laid to rest today and am grateful because he died a Christian and I know he is in heaven watching over us from the cloud of us. God is faithful.

  • Arene Ifeyinwa Ketochukwu

    I remain eternally grateful to God for not just seeing me through 2018 but seeing me through the first quarter of the year in divine health. I also take him because he has kept everyone around me alive too. His grace is indeed ever sufficient.

  • Awaka vivian

    Although 2018 is long gone, the Lord did many wonderful things in my life.it was in 2018 I got admitted into the University of Nigeria nsukka, and the list where my name appeared happened to be the last one, and praise God I got my dream course.

  • Euphemia Nwele

    The past year, is one that still gets me to say thank you Lord! I was able to achieve a lot – I got closer to God, I was able to learn various things, I was given an opportunity to host a TV program. All unexpected
    #GratefulHeart

  • Chinenye lucy

    I want to specially thank God for 2018 , it was a year that was filed with a lot but yet God in his infinit mercy still draw me close.
    I also want to thank God for many accomplishment .

  • Onu Tochukwu

    I am very greatful to God for a wonderful year well spent, with no record of serious illness. Moving over the new year we pray for more grace and blessings.

  • Ukwueze Oluchi B.

    2018 was a wonderful year for us all. At least we are alive today because we were able to cross over to the 2019. May God make 2019 an interesting year for us all.

  • Annabelle Orji

    Thank God for your life and steady growth both physically, spiritually and materially, me. 2018 was indeed a year to remember. I pray 2019 will be a year of doubled blessings and breakthrough for all of us and our country Nigeria.

  • Onoyima Juliet

    It’s already past the quarter of the year, and I must say God has been faithful and am thankful. On the part of Nigeria things didnt turnout as expected but it’s all good we strive to move higher each passing day.

  • Igbo chukwuemeka Kingsley

    2018, was a wonderful year for me personally, had great accomplishments. Although it didn’t flow with milk and honey. But it was a year one need be grateful for.if not for anything but for life which God has given urs.

  • Onah ukamaka blessing

    This post really triggered me to recollect, how my 2018 was like, to the glory of God, I really appreciate his holy name for all the wonderful things he did for me and family, and I thank him also for what he did in your life.

  • Anorue John-Daniel Kelechi

    2018 was indeed a wonderful year for me, all made possible by God. I thank him for the great spiritual growth I received in 2018, was a huge positive turning point in my life

  • Bessong Faith Ada

    Our God is wonderful, merciful,miraculous, trustworthy and reliable but all we need is to be steadfast in all our dealings. what can I say other than thank you Jesus for you good deeds towards men.

  • Nnachetam Favour

    Personally God has been so gracious to me. Many things to thank him for. Including the hidden battles he fought for me without my knowledge. He is worthy of our thanksgiving every minute of the day. I thank him every chance I got.

  • Ugwu Ogochukwu A

    The lord’s goodness and mercy in my life knows no boundary. He keeps manifesting it as each day passes by. Even if it is only for the gift of life. He has been so marvelous. He has been shielding and guiding me all through my life. From the yearly travels to school, in my studies, in my family, with good friends, his blessings are way too numerous to mention. Oshe baba God

  • Aniebo Beauty

    We can’t thank him enough let’s when my back was against the wall and it looked as if it was over, He made a way. Thank u Lord. Bless u!

  • Ezeh John Onyekachi

    Your testimonies are superb and powerful. There is no testimony that is as great as life transformation. I share in this testimony too. The Lord has given me the grace to surmount some mountains in this spiritual life that were my Achilles hill in the past. Thank God for you ma. More testimonies are coming.

  • Abonyi Chisom E

    I thank god for 2018 it was indeed a great year for me and my family. i was blessed and favored by God i also thank for anuty edith you have been a source of inspiration to me and i pray the good lord will continue to bless you. i believe that 2019 will be filled with joy,blessing and favors.

  • Favour Nnaemeka

    For me, 2018 was not what I expected but I will refrain from saying it is my worst year because I choose not to be negative. God does work wonders and He does have a plan for us so we just have to stay put and believe Him.

  • Ewa-Ifeanyichukwu Chidinma

    It is good to be grateful for even the littlest things so that when bigger things come, we will be very appreciative. 2018 was a good year for me but I believe that the best is yet to come.

  • Ogbobi Blessing Ojonoma

    Indeed the Lord as been faithful, It’s so good to testify to His goodness. Daily He reknew us and transform us to be like Him. You’ve been a blessing ma. 2019 is gonna be better with Him. God Bless You ma

  • Anyasor Emmanuel Gerald

    The goodness of God knows no season.. The past year has been awesome having the blessings of God in bountiful measures. I personally had a lot of miracles worked in my favour and my friends in the past year.
    Praise God!

  • Ibekwe Vincent chukwuebuka

    Wow! Thank God for your life. I tap the grace of God that is working in your life

  • Agbodike Ogochukwu Maryclaret

    I thank God for you. Funny enough, just today, God helped me overcome my unforgiving tendencies. Your earlier statement just reminded me of that.

  • Ozukwe mirian chisom

    God has been so marvelous and wonderful even in the midth of these crises and evils, he still perform his duties to us. Words can’t express how happy and greatful I am to him.

  • Enwerem Chiamaka

    Just coming across this post. I know its never too late to thank God. It was a tough year for me, but God kept making a way. I thank him alone and pray that 2019 will be even better.

  • Richards Orighomisan

    2018, the year I really started to understand God and His workings, the year my eyes were opened to kingdom principles, the year I was relieved from the banes of religiosity, the year I started understanding my place in Christ, Hmmmmm,the year I fully understood what it fully means to give your life to Christ, 2018, the year I gave my life to Christ, so much to thank God for, 2018.

  • Onah Chiamaka

    2018 might not have been the best year of my life but I survived it, both financially, emotionally and otherwise. But I thank God that I have seen 2019 and we are making head way through it. And that through thick and thin God continues to provide even when we barely ever notice. We are grateful

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