As I journey through life, I’ve encountered numerous situations that challenged my faith. It often seems that these trials are more common than moments of peace. They manifest as insurmountable obstacles, intimidating authorities, or seductive opinions that sound too good to be true. These voices can echo so loudly in my mind that I struggle to silence them.
A few years ago, I found myself in a deep dilemma. Nothing around me seemed to provide answers to the questions within, while external voices only grew louder, intensifying my inner conflict. Looking to those who had taught me faith was disheartening; it seemed everyone was looking out for themselves. Some friends were grappling with where to place their allegiance, with no brethren or mentors to turn to, wondering why they had abandoned their faith.
In those moments, even the simple miracles of sleeping and waking up didn’t seem to answer the ultimate question of His presence. I longed for that quiet, sacred moment where nothing else in the world mattered—the tangible ambience of His glory; so real it could almost be touched, reminiscent of the days of Moses when the cloud descended over the meeting tent, and His voice rang out with such power that it struck fear into the hearts of both believers and unbelievers alike. The clarity of those visions is unmatched in the entire universe; so vivid that every fine detail is discernible.
Brethren, at the heart of these challenging moments, when the reality of your faith is questioned by even those who should know better, it may be time to echo the words of the paralytic man whom Jesus healed:
“The one who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk’.”
John 5:11
Within this statement lies the foundation of your faith and the fulfillment of your miracle—the “who” being Jesus, and the “what” being the truth He spoke. Your miracle and the voice of the One who spoke to you are too real to be ignored. His word, after all, granted you a miracle so undeniable that it must be acknowledged. It may be time to face the situations questioning your faith and boldly declare, “The one who spoke to me said, ‘Take up your bed and walk’.”
The intimidating voices of the economy, chaos, and religious strife should not rob you of the experience of His salvation. His abundant grace, so rich and freely given even when all hope seemed lost, is a testament to His enduring love. Perhaps others have told you that your joy is temporary, that it won’t last because they do not believe in Him as we do today. Or maybe it’s the very people you expected to know better who have become the antagonists of your faith. Stand firm, beloved, for they are not God. You need to revisit the place of your consecration or recall the wonderful works of His mercy in your life.
We refuse to remain silent and allow those who do not know Him as we do to dictate the terms of our faith. We believe because of what we have experienced. Even if we didn’t initially believe His words, we believe because of the works He has done. We will not let their unbelief drown our joy. We stand resolute in our faith in Him whom we have experienced. These are the things we have seen, the things we have touched, the things we have handled—the Word of life. They are undeniable. We will no longer let them question our experience. It is time to look each situation, each colleague, each experience, and society itself in the face and proclaim, “The one who made me well said…, and that is the truth of my experience!”.
Until I write to you again, bring forth your testimony, dust off the records of your miracles, find your spiritual voice, and declare to whatever challenges your spiritual experience: “He is real, He is true, and He is alive”.
Shalom.
Olayemi Okewole is an experienced geologist who blends his professional interests in looking beneath the subsurface for petroleum deposits with a passion for empowering young people. He served as the President of ASF among other roles in the fellowship, and has served as Vice-President of SFCN.