You will agree with me that the year 2024 is gradually and noticeably coming to an end. Many of us set goals at the start of this year. We even went on a retreat to be able to receive those goals and words of prophecy for our lives, families, children, spouse, business, career, etc. Surprisingly, for some of us, it is not all the goals or words of prophecy that have come to fruition, while for others, we have not seen any light from those expectations.
This situation has made us question ourselves and even the potency of God’s words and his power. For some, we have forgotten and discarded those powerful words we received from the Lord in the place of prayers and study of the scripture. Another group of persons have placed those words in their subconscious mind, saying, “let it just be there, any time God likes, He can come to my aid”. For yet another group of us, we are actively, intentionally and consistently hoping that these words come to fulfilment.
But even with the constant and intentional hope, we have not still gotten married and age is toppling. We have not yet received our Isaac after many years of marriage. Our business has not blossomed to the state we want it to grow. We are still nursing one deadly and embarrassing ailment. We are still swimming in debt. The level we want to attain as regards ministry and our calling is still lacking and we have not gotten any change in our finances. Brethren, I bring us good tidings on this beautiful day.
The Bible says that in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus, our mentor and model, approached the place of prayer very sorrowful and heavy with grief. His heart was still left heavy but he made up His mind and said “My Father, if I must do this and it is not possible for me to escape it, then I pray that what you want will be done”. That was when Jesus got his relief, and His heart became prepared to do what Our Father had instructed Him to do. It was in His obedience that He was given a Name that is higher than every other name.
My brothers and sisters, what has The Father instructed us to do concerning that issue, or situation, but we have been throwing one excuse or the other? For the woman with the issue of blood, her instruction was to come out of her hiding place. She decided to sum up courage, leave her hiding place and walk in the midst of people, damning the inner voice body-shaming her and even the disgust on the faces of people around her. She moved confidently through that crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment where her salvation was located. This victory was achieved because she accepted to allow God’s will be done in her life.
Another Biblical example of someone that got a solution to his dead-end situation through allowing God’s will be done in his life was Blind Bartimaeus. His own God’s Will was to acknowledge that Jesus could heal him, and he did that by proclaiming Jesus loudly. It was said that he screamed at the top of his lungs ignoring the voices of people shutting him up. We know the rest of the story; he received salvation because he chose to let The Father’s Will be done in his life. For Jabez, he had a heart to tarry, separate himself and contend for a change in his dead-end situation. The Bible said he was more honourable than his brothers. For Naaman, his own God’s Will was to humble himself and listen attentively to vessels God sent to him. At first, pride wanted to take over but when he surrendered and said “Father, not my will but Yours be done”, that was when he received salvation for his dead-end situation.
Beloved, I have a question for you. What instructions have you received from the Lord concerning your life that you are still allowing your flesh to rule over you? You are trying to fight it using your intellect, what you see others do, forgetting that every believer has his or her own special instructions from the Lord. What God wants from us is total obedience to His words concerning our lives. He wants a broken and a contrite spirit, a heart filled with humility to his instruction. Just like Jonah, repent and receive salvation from the fish’s stomach (dead-end situation).
These instructions can come from any person or thing. All we just need to do is to ask the Lord to grant us a discerning heart and spirit to know what He wants us to do concerning this dead-end situation because all the Lord has spoken concerning our life will surely come to pass. In Ezekiel 36:36b, He says, “I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.” He holds His words more highly than His name. So do not lose hope; just stay obedient!
Throughout the remaining days of this year and beyond, just agree to allow the Will of God be done in your life. Constantly proclaim this statement like Jesus Christ did: “My Father, if I must do this and it is not possible for me to escape it, then I pray that what you want will be done.” The world looks forward to receiving your testimonies by virtue of your obedience to God’s instructions. I pray instant salvation to everyone hoping and trusting God for one thing or the other in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!
Ngozi Akujor currently serves as a member of the SFCN Prayer Team. While on campus, she served in several units before rounding up in the Ushering Unit. She is now an educator committed to enthroning God in all she does.