Sophie, what is your testimony about?

My testimony is about how God gave me an oil of Gladness, Instead of Ashes; A Garment of Praise Instead of Mourning; A Shinning Crown, Instead of Darkness (Isaiah 61:2-3). There are so many things to testify of what the Lord has done in my life but I would like to share this one about how I got a job offer in a period of recession.

Ok…Please give us the details of your testimony

I thank God for the opportunity to do my Masters in Petroleum Engineering after I graduated from Nigeria with a Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering. My ambition to be a Reservoir Engineer grew stronger as I started my Masters. By my 3rd semester in school (September 2008), I had interviewed with a major Oil Servicing company (Schlumberger to be precise). Though I had interviewed with several major and indigenous Oil Companies in the course of my study, somehow this one felt right. I successfully went through the 1st stage of my interview and was invited to the company’s site for a 2nd interview in Houston. I was excited yet nervous as I prepared for the second phase of my interview. My ticket and hotel reservations were taken care of by the company. I will never forget how I felt. I wish I had a mirror to see my facial expression on how elated I was when a limo pulled up beside me and a driver held up my name indicating he was ready to pick and take me to my location.

We were 6 of us interviewed that day and I felt good after the interview still nervous though. This was when the global recession just started. We were told that we would hear back from them in 2 weeks and exactly 2 weeks I heard from them telling me they liked me and were looking forward to my resumption though they were still arranging a Manager that I would work with. In November they told a number of us interviewed that we had to wait a while because the recession had hit hard. After a while, I no longer heard from them. In a nut shell it was not successful. I was so sad but I trusted God and said I know He will get me a job, besides I still had couple of months to graduation (May 2009). So I went about my search for a job vigorously attending conferences, career fairs, and conventions. At this time getting a job was almost impossible but I still prepared and trusted in God more than ever as I held on to His words (Psalm 16:5-6, Mark 11:22-24,Psalm 37:4-6 and 1st John 5:14-15). I confessed these words daily and always believed that I had a job even though I could not see it yet.

Did you face pressure from family or friends to make alternative decisions, and if yes how did you face them?

People advised me to move my graduation till a later date or better still do a PhD because no one seemed to be getting jobs especially international students but each time I replied with faith, “My case is different from others, I have a job because of Jesus”. I believed and told God that I know He didn’t bring me this far to leave me.

When did you have your turning point?

As months passed by just before I graduated there was a Convention in Vegas (National Society for Black Engineers) that I wanted to attend but I didn’t have money at the time.  I prayed and was convinced to look for money to attend the convention since lots of Oil and Gas Companies worldwide were going to be in attendance recruiting. I attended and as usual at that time a lot of companies were not hiring for the year 2009. I still pressed on until I got a spot to be interviewed by another major Oil Servicing Company. The interview went well by God’s grace, and I began thanking God for the job. I didn’t hear from this company again and graduated in May without a job in hand still I trusted God knowing He was faithful to His word and promises. In July 3 months later, I received an email and a call from the company saying the 1st interview was a success and they would like me to attend the 2nd phase of interview at their site in Houston. I knew it had to be God’s doing and I thanked Him in advance for my victory. The site interview lasted 2 days and it was the most rigorous interview I had attended. 2 weeks later I was called and offered the job as a Field Engineer glory to God but I wasn’t given a start date because I was hired as an international staff (Expatriate as it is often called, Still the Lord’s doing). Months went by but there was still no start date but I kept thanking God even more knowing that He completes every good work He starts and I knew He was working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trusted in His word that He perfects all that concerns me. Though some days I was overwhelmed because I needed money to pay my monthly bills, God showed Himself strong each month by using people to bless me.

In December 2009 I was given my offer letter to resume work and with a great package – glory to God. I rejoiced and thanked God for what He had done for me and people also testified that it was the Lord’s doing. I chose to believe in God’s report and not the report of the world knowing my God will surely bring my testimony to pass. God gave me My Beauty instead of ashes. He made my ending BEAUTIFUL.

Wow! God is faithful! What advice do you have for anyone going through such a situation?

All I can say is what are you trusting God for? There is absolutely nothing impossible for our God to do. He said we should cast our cares on Him because He cares for us but sometimes instead of doing just that we try to help Him out. He is our father and loves us very much and would only give us His best in every circumstance. Be anxious about nothing but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your request to God and His Peace which surpasses all understanding will guide your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). I pray as you read my testimony that you will be encouraged and know that our God is still faithful. He did it for me and will do in for you also in Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you Sophie and God bless. May you continue to have more testimonies in Jesus Name, Amen.