Living or Working in Oppressive Conditions

In our theme text (Gen 15:13-16), God told Abraham (still Abram at the time) that his descendants would be oppressed as slaves for 400 years in a foreign land and would come out with great wealth. Although you may not see it that way, on your journey to greatness there may be some oppressive situations that you will have to endure. These are what make your Destiny Adventures sweet when you finally reach your destination.

Look at it this way; when the patriarchs first moved to Egypt they were only shepherds whose descendants were to make a great nation. During their time in slavery they learnt to build cities and much more. God had placed in them talents that needed to be developed into the skills they would need in nation building.Coming out with great wealth should not only be seen in terms of great possessions but in the wealth of knowledge they also received.

At some point in your life you may find yourself in a “foreign land” living away from home with someone other than your parents, who may not treat you as nicely as your parents would or you may work with a boss who at every turn tries to diminish your person. This is not to excuse their behaviour in anyway, but how do you get by in such circumstances?

Job-wise, it might not even be a horrible boss making life difficult for you but the job itself is a grind and not particularly what you want to do.  Here are a few tips to help you cope with such situations.

1. You must have heard the saying that “rough is the road that leads to success”, so brace yourself and be ready for the ride. Don’t go about with a forlorn face of defeat but put on a smile of triumph. The journey does not stop where you are right now.
2. Wait for the fullness of time before you make a move to leave, don’t leave prematurely. The Israelites must have tried to fight for their freedom but had 430years to endure and when the time was right, God sent a deliverer. It’s all about His timing because He makes all things beautiful in its time.
3. Rather than focusing on how to run away, focus on what you have to learn from your current experience.  Remember you need to leave for your next destination with the ability to “build cities”.  For example, the fact that you hate your job so much does not mean you should miss out on the learning opportunities that abound. This could become transferable or translatable skills as you progress in life.
4. Don’t compromise your values in the bid to please your “oppressor”; you can’t please everyone. More importantly, do not lose yourself.  Losing yourself means that you have adapted so much to the “oppressor’s” mind-set that you don’t know what your personal decision on an issue would be anymore.  When you know what is right, politely stand your ground and endure the consequences. The “oppressor” will eventually grow to respect you.
5. In the midst of your trials God always sends comforters. It might be a helping hand, a voice that speaks up for you or one that speaks directly to you; maintain an attitude of gratitude.
6. In the theme text, God said He would judge the oppressor. However, making your “oppressor’s” judgement your prayer point is not the way to go. God loves everyone and He wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved.

Stand in the gap and intercede for such person to be saved.

All in all, start to see your situation from God’s perspective and let Him be your guide and comforter during your trying periods.  Many more examples abound in the Bible for us to learn from. So as you learn, keep your mind stayed on Him.  When you do come out with great wealth do not forsake God.  Finally, be a conduit of God’s comfort to someone else.

Until the next edition, stay blessed.

Funmi Olaore