After our wedding in 2017, my wife and I lived in a comfortable rented apartment for about five years. Life was stable. We were the only tenants in the compound, our landlord never increased the rent, and we had grown comfortable.

Then, without warning, everything changed.

Our landlord informed us that he had decided to sell the property. Although he was a kind man, the news came as a shock. Suddenly, we had to begin searching for another apartment.

What made the situation even more difficult was that I had just resigned from my paid employment to start my own company. There was no financial safety net, no guaranteed income, and no certainty about what the future held.

As we searched for another home in Abuja, reality hit us hard. The rents were outrageous, and many of the apartments were far below the standard we had previously enjoyed. It was then I truly understood the value of owning a home.

Eventually, we found a modest apartment within our budget in a developing estate. At the time, it simply looked like the next place to rent. Looking back now, I realize God had already gone ahead of us.

Exactly one week after moving in, during my morning devotion, the Holy Spirit impressed one instruction upon my heart:

“Go and ask the estate developer if there is any land available.”

I obeyed.

There was just one problem.

I had absolutely no money.

Not enough money.

No savings.

Nothing.

When we met the developer, he showed us the only available plot. Ironically, it was one of the largest residential plots in the entire estate, approved for a building with two suspended decks.

Humanly speaking, it was impossible.

As I stood there, questions raced through my mind.

“How will I pay for this land?”

“Even if I somehow buy it, where will the money to build such a house come from?”

Yet, deep within my heart, there was a stronger voice than my fears.

It was the voice of faith.

Before I had answers, I heard myself telling the developer,

“We will buy it.”

That single statement marked the beginning of a journey that only God could have orchestrated.

Not long afterward, the Lord reminded me of John 12:24:

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

At that time, we owned two cars.

I shared what God had placed in my heart with my wife, and together we made a difficult decision.

We would sell one of our cars.

It wasn’t an easy sacrifice, but we believed God was asking us to release what was in our hands so He could place something greater into our future.

When we sold the car, the money wasn’t even enough to pay half the cost of the land.

But God…

God gave us favor.

The developer agreed to let us pay in installments. Even more amazingly, after our first payment, he personally financed the construction of the foundation while we continued trusting God for the rest.

Who does that?

Only God could make a man believe in your vision before you have the resources to pursue it.

From that moment, we built one block at a time.

One prayer at a time.

One miracle at a time.

There were days when there was no money to continue, yet work somehow never stopped.

There were months when we had only one car because we had sacrificed the other for the vision.

To reduce costs, I spent many nights on the construction site doing work that laborers would normally have been hired to do.

We deliberately reduced our family expenses.

We prayed over every stage of the building.

We called forth provision before it appeared.

Faith was not passive.

Faith worked.

Faith obeyed.

Faith endured.

Then, after just one and a half years, what had once seemed impossible stood before us.

Our home was completed.

Beautifully finished.

Furnished to our taste.

Looking back today, I often ask myself:

What if we had refused to take that step of faith?

What if we had held on to the comfort and security of that car instead of releasing it in obedience to God’s instruction?

In all likelihood, we would still be tenants in that same estate, never realizing that God’s purpose for bringing us there was not merely to rent a house, but to become landlords. God had not brought us into that estate merely to occupy another rented apartment; He had brought us there to possess an inheritance.

What appeared to be a sacrifice was, in reality, God’s pathway to something far greater.

The car we surrendered was never truly a loss—it was a seed sown in obedience.

And, as always, God proved Himself faithful.

He did not simply give us a house; He exceeded our expectations. In addition to blessing us with our home, He restored far more than we had surrendered by blessing us with two newer cars. It reminded us that no one can outgive God. Whenever He asks us to release something into His hands, it is because He has something greater in store according to His perfect will and timing.

When I look at that house today, I don’t just see bricks, concrete, and paint.

I see obedience.

I see sacrifice.

I see countless prayers.

I see the faithfulness of God.

This journey always reminds me of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:3, who asked,

“Why sit we here until we die?”

Everything changed because they moved.

Faith moves.

Faith obeys.

Faith acts even when it cannot yet see.

If this testimony teaches anything, it is that God is still in the business of honouring faith.

He may not always provide before you move.

Sometimes, He waits for you to take the first step.

And when you do, you discover that He has been waiting for you all along.

The greatest lesson from our journey is simple:

Everything is possible to the one who believes.

To God alone be all the glory.

Adejorin Temitope is the Managing Director/CEO of Magictouch Projects & Services Ltd, a practicing Quantity Surveyor and Project Management Consultant. He previously served as Welfare Secretary and in other leadership roles while on campus, and currently serves as a Youth Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abuja.

Jesus began His ministry with a simple but weighty declaration: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe in the good news!” – Mark 1:15. The Kingdom is therefore not only a future reality to anticipate, but a present reality to enter. It is not first about external conformity, but internal transformation. This is why Jesus told Nicodemus, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3. Entry into the Kingdom is not achieved through behaviour modification, but through spiritual rebirth.

Even with this clarity, there remains a tendency to reduce the Kingdom to outward expressions such as religious activity, moral comparison, or visible practices. It is at this point that the Epistles provide necessary illumination: “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17.

What Jesus introduced, Paul interprets. The Kingdom begins with inward realities produced by the Spirit of God, which then shape and empower outward expression. Its foundation is righteousness. In Mattew 6, within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches His followers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, showing that righteousness is central to Kingdom life. The Epistles then explain how this righteousness is received—not through human effort, but through grace: “They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24. Thus, the Kingdom begins where a person is made right with God, not merely where he behaves rightly.

Peace follows as the evidence of this restored relationship. In John 14:27, Jesus declares that He has left His peace with us, distinguishing what He gives from what the world offers. Paul echoes this in Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1. This peace is not circumstantial; it is covenantal, rooted in reconciliation with God.

Joy then follows. Jesus spoke of a joy that would remain and be full – John 15:11. The Epistles clarify its source: “the fruit of the Spirit is… joy” – Galatians 5:22. This is not emotional fluctuation, but a Spirit-generated reality that can endure regardless of external conditions.

A necessary tension must be addressed. To say that the Kingdom is not simply about “good or bad” can be misleading if left unqualified. Jesus did not dismiss righteousness; He fulfilled and internalised it. The issue is not morality itself, but its source. The Kingdom does not operate through external rule-keeping, but through internal transformation that produces genuine righteousness.

This is why Jesus could say, “…the kingdom of God is among you” – Luke 17:21. The Kingdom is not primarily a visible system, but a spiritual dominion expressed through the life of the believer. Paul reinforces this in his first letter to the Corinthians: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” – 1 Corinthians 4:20. Therefore, the Kingdom is not merely something spoken about; it is demonstrated through a life empowered by the Spirit of God. These questions are food for thoughts in our daily living:

• Is the life of God being expressed through me?
• Is righteousness evident—not as performance, but as nature?
• Is peace governing my responses?
• Is joy flowing from the Spirit within?

The Kingdom of God is both entered and expressed. It is entered through repentance and new birth; it is expressed through righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The danger in every generation is to reduce it either to external morality or to abstract spirituality. Scripture holds both together: inward transformation that produces outward evidence.

The Kingdom is not about distinguishing between good and bad; it is about becoming a vessel through which the life of God – Zoe, is made manifest. The question, then, is not whether the Kingdom is near, but whether its reality is actively being revealed through us.

All Scriptures are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Olaoluwa Opadiran served as an Assistant Technical Director among other roles while on campus. He now works as a project controls and risk management specialist.

Addressing these very real anxieties, the Senior Friends Christian Network (SFCN) hosted a timely Zoom webinar on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Titled “Trusting God Amid Global Uncertainty,” and anchored by Tinuke Ayo-Makinde, the gathering served as a safe space for believers to unpack their fears and realign their focus.

The heart of the discussion anchored on Philippians 4:6-7, reminding us to trade our heavy blankets of worry for intentional prayer. Attendees candidly shared how global crises—from the rising cost of living to rumors of war preparations in Europe—directly impact their mental health. Yet, the collective consensus was clear: while we cannot control world events, we can manage our spiritual and mental intake. Senior Friends highlighted practical strategies like taking regular social media breaks to guard their hearts, replacing doom-scrolling with focused prayer, Bible study, and intentional gratitude.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

The defining moment of the webinar was an explosive, faith-igniting testimony from a Senior Friend who had been kidnapped. Having mentally accepted death, she began making her peace with God. In that dark moment, she heard a comforting word in her spirit: “this is not your end”. In a miraculous turn of events, her captors began arguing among themselves and abruptly released her for free, claiming they had no use for her. It was a raw, powerful demonstration of Psalm 23:4—that even in the darkest valley, He is right there beside us.

Beyond extraordinary miracles, the webinar underscored the quiet power of community. Facing poverty, hunger, and isolation alone is overwhelming. Regular fellowship meetings allow us to build collective courage, bear one another’s burdens, and find safety in numbers.

As we navigate these turbulent times, let us hold onto the ultimate truth that came out of the webinar: God remains faithful. When the world feels shaky, remember His unwavering promise in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Trust Him completely, step away from the chaos, and allow Him to lead you beside still waters (Psalm 23:2). He is committed to your care, always.

This webinar summary was put together by SFCN's PRO, Jonah Ibiamagabara

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Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature…”go and make disciples of all nations…

Mark 16:15, Matthew 28.19 NIV

It’s been around 2000 years now! From a handful of initial obedient believers who “went out and preached everywhere” (Mark 16:20), over two billion people now profess faith in Christ today! This is a great feat! The church has done a lot in spite of fire, dungeons and swords and all assaults of the gate of hell aimed at quenching the spread of this only redeeming truth.

The baton of world evangelization is now passed over unto us as a generation. And the task remaining (unfinished) is still very enormous! About 7,000 out of 11,000 people groups (i.e. nations/ethnic groups) of the Earth’s population are statistically yet to be reached with the message of hope and eternal life that is in Christ Jesus, the only ordained Saviour (1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:1), which is one of the strongest prophetic markers delaying His second coming till now (Matthew 24:14)

This translates into millions upon millions of priceless and precious souls, descending into Christless eternity, forever lost, every year! Most not because they refused to obey the Gospel, but because they never became “reached and told” in their lifetime!

Many of them pass daily through our doormat on their way to Christless eternity in different regalia as our colleagues at work, our employers/employees, our gateman, our regular customer (pepper or cloth seller in the market), our taxi drivers, the bike men, patients we daily treat as medical personnel, pupils and students under our tutelage at schools, our teachers and lecturers on campus. The list goes on!

We are in the last of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1), and of course, it’s prophetically more difficult to be a correct Christian (“where iniquity is to abound and the love of many waxed cold” —Matthew 24:13).

How can we then, as a generation, despite the several factors militating against our faith, love, attention and devotion to the things of God still be able to go about fulfilling our mandate of reaching the world with the Gospel and fulfilling our calling without failing?

1. Set/Re-set the Compass

Someone once remarked: [We are] “In a generation where the Bible is increasingly being treated as inspirational rather than authoritative–valuable for encouragement, but negotiable when it conflicts with cultural norms.” This is one of the most subtle, yet very fatal danger of the end time. If you’ll keep your faith alive and ablaze to the very end, you must first decide what it is exactly you want to live for/keep on living for. You must daily set and CHECK the compass as regards the direction of your greatest priority and preoccupation in life. Whether it’s for God and the Will of His heart today (1Timothy 2:4) or just for the things that end with time! To Peter and John and the early disciples of Christ, the great commission of their master was not a great suggestion that can be followed when situation around is viable or safe (Acts 4:19-20).

2. Ask for God’s Help in Prayer!

After the compass of your heart has been set to obeying and doing the will of God Your Maker and Master regardless of the odds and conflicts and possible consequences, the next step is to seek His grace in prayer (Philippians 2:13, 4:13)

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV

That was Paul, the Apostle, one of the most successful Christ’s Ambassadors in history talking here. And every man’s secret is in their story.

Talk about unstoppable soul winning zeal, fire and resilience in pursuit of God and expansion of His Kingdom. How was he able to accomplish that much for the kingdom within a lifetime? He said he was simply HELPED OF GOD! He described that help later as Grace! (1 Corinthians 15:10)

To appropriate this is to ask God for His Help too. Ask Him daily in prayers for grace to be able to obey His great commission mandate today and every remaining day of your life (regardless of any cultural, societal or governmental factors that might be militating against your obedience —Acts 4:29-31). Ask Christ to help you truly love people enough that you’ll care MORE about the eternal welfare of their souls than any other factors limiting you from reaching out to them with the Gospel. He is the One that loved them enough to die for them in the first place. Ask Him in prayers to give you His heart for the people around you and place a portion of His boundless love for them within your heart. You’ll then begin to see a great shift in your world view and priority.

3. Start from where you are

A simple launchpad question to ask yourself is: “Who is close to me but (still) far from God today?” That is your immediate mission field. Ask yourself right now: Who am I intentionally building a gospel-centred relationship with, reaching out to and discipling for Christ today?

4. Write down the Vision

To keep yourself on track in the midst of the great distractions of our generation, have it boldly written somewhere visible to you in your house, on your office table or desk (if it’s possible), so that you’re daily confronted with it.

My Vision (as an obedient disciple of Christ) is that everyone in this neighborhood, in this company, or on this campus (as the case may be) get to hear the Word

As God’s vision is constantly fed and fanned aflame, it will become a fire that burns naturally within your heart. You will soon begin to see everyone (man, woman and child you meet daily) as someone that God wants to reach.  The next assignment is to make it a personal mandate to spread this fire to every Christian or convert you’re discipling for Christ. When the task of Global Missions becomes the responsibility of every believer, that’s when we can start talking about finishing the remaining task of evangelizing the World for Christ.

5. Till the Whole Earth be filled

The Oikos ministry and work within one’s local assembly is enormous yet God wills and plans that the utmost end of the world be reached through your direct involvement as member of His army. Not everyone will be able to go to Asia in person, but any believer today can touch souls for God thousands of miles away in another continent upon his/her knees in prayer. You can send and support someone there with your prayers and resources and thus partner with God to keep the Gospel spreading there!

The remaining task of reaching the lost and the perishing is so enormous that no one should be able to say that there is no space for me in it.

6. Lastly, Don’t lose your sight on the Rewards (Hebrews 12:2)

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

Revelations 22:12

I believe the greatest question to ask at the end of each day is WHAT HAVE I DONE FOR CHRIST TODAY? It might also be the best question to start each day with: “WHAT AM I GOING TO DO FOR CHRIST (TOWARDS THE EXPANSION OF GOD’S KINGDOM) TODAY? This is living for God’s Vision!

Owoseni Adeolu Amos is a missionary working among the Fulanis in a southwestern part of Nigeria. While on campus, he served as the Evangelism Secretary and later as the Fellowship President.

Image Credit: radicallychristian.com

Courageous obedience is therefore following God’s commands and instructions without fear— fear of failure, loneliness, death, people, powers, pain, loss, troubles, pressure or anything.

Obedience to God is not always easy. But every act of obedience is an act of trust and it always proves that God’s way is the best even when it feels costly.

God’s intention for us is to choose His will above our will—that’s what make Him Lord. He has called us to obey Him with all our heart and to do us good not evil. Because we are in the world, the world will hate us because they hate light and love darkness (John 3:19). However, Christ has promised to be with us and never leave us (John 16:33, Hebrew 13:5b). When we obey God, He makes all things to work for our good because our courageous obedience honours Him (Rom 8:28).

“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Joshua 22:5

“So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Matthew 19:28-30

What are Christians called to do?

1. To keep all His commands – The Scripture and the Spirit (Romans 8:14)
2. To love God above self and others – Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
3. To teach and disciple others for Christ: Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
4. To preach the Gospel—with our words and our lives
5. To love and pray for others, give, serve God and fellow human beings cheerfully

God has given us His Holy Spirit, the word of God, the fellowship of brethren, examples of believers to encourage our hearts and strengthen our courage. 

Courageous obedience is all about trusting in God’s authority/commands as dictated in the Bible or one’s own convictions by the Holy Spirit and acting on them, despite fear or uncertainty.

It is clear today that we are in the end times and believers have demonstrated too much fear of men that we are losing the fear of God. Preachers are not courageous enough to preach the absolute truth of God’s word because they want a “full church”—they end up making “fools” out of their church members.

We want people and the world to give us accolades even if it means blending with the world and denying the faith. We hate suffering for the sake of righteousness and obedience to God. Workers want favour with authorities that they compromise their faith for earthly benefits and act as if God is dead. Accountability to God is no more a consideration.

Families and marriages are torn apart because love for one another is mere lip service and obedience to the command of “No divorce” is too unbearable. They even divorce for no just cause and remarry while they remain church leaders; normalizing adultery in the church. The question is: can God change? (Mal. 2:16; Matthew 5:31-32, 19:9-10; Mark 10:11-12; 1 Cor 7)

Our Christian youths are after fame and wealth, giving their souls to demons, their bodies to dogs and foxes, exchanging their glory for peanuts, changing their bodies they did not create, burning with unholy passion with same sex, copying the lifestyles, hairstyles and fashion trends of worldly celebrities, comparing themselves with themselves and neglecting the voice of the Holy Spirit because they want to belong—acceptance by men that leads to rejection by God.

What do we say about the dirty secrets people do on the internet and phones such as pornography, cybersex (such as role play, sexting, dirty talk and virtual masturbation), masturbation, etc.? Immorality and idolatry are common practices among single and married believers. Self-denial is no more popular but sin is reigning in the mortal bodies.

Without any laws forbidding us from preaching the gospel, we have shut our own mouths and failed to rescue the perishing, abandoning the lost souls to head to hell because of our misplaced priorities, busyness, fear of rejection, fear of death and spiritual coldness. Cowards will not enter the kingdom of God and the lukewarm Christians the Lord will spew out of his mouth (Revelations 3:16). The signs and wonders Christ promised will follow preaching and outreaches are denied those who need it to be saved and glorify God, yet we expect heaven to smile at us.

We love our lives but not unto the death and yet we want to overcome the devil—apparently impossible! (Rev 12:11) Our comforts are our pride and we cherish our space that we have forgotten that we are called to serve others. We give our best to what brings money and earthly gains, hoping the Lord can manage the little time we offer Him, yet that little is corrupted with distractions and stained with sins. Little wonder our prayers are weak and ineffective and our fellowship are not bringing down God’s glory.

God has given us His Holy Spirit, the word of God, the fellowship of brethren and examples of believers to encourage our heart and strengthen our courage.  Abraham believed God, left his country to an unknown place God was leading him to, ‘offered up’ his only son to God, raised altars for God… and it was counted to him as righteousness, became the Father of faith, a friend of God, and an eternal blessing.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not fear the kings of Babylon but rather, obeyed God. Daniel purposed in his heart not to be defiled by the king’s meat, risked his life and defiled the king’s law to pray to the King of kings. They went through the fire and were not burned, escaped death in the lions’ den, revealed God to the kings, manifested uncommon gifts—interpreting dreams and handwritings of God. They were signs and wonders in a strange land.

Jesus Christ suffered rejection, threats to his life, name-calling, ridicule, shame etc., because he was doing good and fulfilling the plan of God, the Father. Today, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, bringing many sons to glory.

What about Joseph, Deborah, Elijah, the Apostles of Christ (including Paul), Stephen, the Heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and many great church reformers who passed down the faith to us?

Let us awake unto obedience with courage that our God may restore His peace to us, that we may have deep joy and experience intimacy with God and manifestations of God’s power. 

Finally, brethren “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). Amen!

Image Credit: faithplus.blog

Grace Olufunmilayo Ogunlusi graduated in 1998. She served as a prayer subgroup member, a follow up teacher and also served as the UJCM Family coordinator while in the fellowship. She is a Professor of Chemistry at OAU. She is happily married to Dr. Richard Olaniyi Ogunlusi who is the Vicar of the Anglican Church of the Pentecost, OAU

Sometimes life corners us into depending on God — when all our options have run out. These moments are often God’s way of drawing us back to what truly matters: Him.

But by then, we are often worn out. We have wasted time, energy, and emotions worrying over things we never had to carry.

When God calls us, it is to a life of total dependency:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

God genuinely wants us to prosper. But how can the branch bear fruit without total reliance on the vine?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters… and will not be anxious in the year of drought.” – Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NKJV)

“Abide in Me, and I in you… for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:4–5 (NKJV)

These verses highlight the blessing and stability that come from trusting God and remaining connected to Him — rather than leaning on our limited selves.

How Can We Totally Depend on God?

• Reverence God

Give God your deepest respect. Put Him first. See Him as your very breath.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

“I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” – Psalm 16:8 (ESV)

Reverence means seeing God as your only source, your final authority, your first and last voice. It also means we do not project divine honour onto pastors or mentors. While Scripture instructs us to honour our leaders, it warns against idolizing them:

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” – Acts 5:29 (NKJV)

“So then, neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” – 1 Corinthians 3:7 (NKJV)

• Seek the Will of the Father

This is not about asking God to bless what you want to do. It is about asking Him what He wants you to do. His will is revealed through His Word and through prayer.

Learn to meditate on Scripture. The energy used in worrying can be redirected to deep reflection. Find a verse, phrase, or passage. Think on it. Compare it with other scriptures. Let it renew your mind.

“His delight is in the law of the Lord… He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” – Psalm 1:2–3 (NKJV)

Doing God’s will involves aligning with His desires — not just in actions, but in the posture of your heart. Do not seek encounters; seek His heart. Do not chase goosebumps; chase obedience.

“If My people… will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face… then I will hear from heaven.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)

• Practice Contentment

Let God be enough for you. If your eye is single, your whole body will be full of light. Total dependency will lead to true contentment — not complacency, but clarity.

Jesus did the Father’s will — even when it led to the cross. Sometimes the will of God is not about ease, but about eternal purpose.

Let us not just trust God first — let us trust Him only.

Conclusion

Total dependency on God is not weakness. It is wisdom. It is a life of faith — believing that the One who sees all and knows all is guiding your steps. For as long as we keep a backup plan in our hearts, we will miss the best of what God has for us.

May we live with reverence, seek His will, and find deep contentment in Him. For the Lord is our portion, our strength, and our guide.

Oluwapelumi Oloke (nee Osilaran) is a lawyer based in the UK. She primarily served in the technical subgroup during her undergraduate days. She is married to a fellow Citizen, and they are blessed with two kids.

Image Credit: ourdailyverse.com

I had about six months between my final exam and the opening of applications for law school. During those months, I envisioned what law school would look like. I had always wanted Abuja Law School — the capital city felt more serene and structured than the chaotic bustle of Lagos. In fact, I ranked Enugu above Lagos. I even included Bayelsa as one of my four preferred locations, thinking, “I’ve been to Port Harcourt; I’ll be fine in the East.”

I wanted to be like Abraham — leaving the familiar behind for a distant land. The only difference? Unlike Abraham, who did not know where he was going, I had a map… or so I thought.

Then, in November, the postings came. All my friends who applied alongside me were posted to Abuja. Guess what I got? Kano.

Kano? I could not believe my eyes. A northern state? Close to Boko Haram territory? I imagined the worst. I did everything I could to change the posting. I asked my parents to pull strings, but nothing worked. I booked a late flight, still hoping for a miracle.

As I journeyed from Ibadan to Lagos to catch my flight, I met some young people at the airport and wondered if they were also posted to Kano. Unfortunately, they were only using the same flight as a second leg from Ghana. Little did I know, the Father of mercy had a plan. I later ran into a senior friend and a woman who was like an elder sister to my mum. They were both headed to Abuja. That made me cry even more. We could have been on the same flight.

Still, my posting remained unchanged. As I boarded the plane, disappointed and exhausted, I started seeing my name flash in my mind. It prompted me to pray — really pray — for the first time in this new chapter. I declared, “The Lord is with me. Emmanuel.” Thank God for His mercy. From that moment, I decided to totally depend on God. My strength had failed. My plans had crumbled. The arm of flesh had not prevailed.

Our flight did not leave Lagos until around 10 p.m., so I arrived in Kano around 11 p.m. I could not go straight to the law school — it was on the other side of the state. The strangers I met helped me arrange accommodation for the night and even got me free transport to the law school the next day.

Kano was a no-man’s land for me. I knew no one. My family knew no one. But God knew. And He had plunged me into the deep — away from distractions and into a place of deep focus. As I focused on Him, I stopped worrying about everything that consumed my mind before the flight. As I sought the Lord, He began to sort me out. My gaze shifted from material concerns to a genuine longing for a relationship with Him. I began early morning prayer walks — alone or with a prayer partner. He helped me intercede. He helped me seek. He helped me grow. I enjoyed God in Kano so much that I even stayed back for my court and chambers attachment when I could have gone elsewhere. God provided for me. He protected me. He walked with me every step of the way.

Oluwapelumi Oloke (nee Osilaran) is a lawyer based in the UK. She primarily served in the technical subgroup during her undergraduate days. She is married to a fellow Citizen, and they are blessed with two kids.

Image Credit: ourdailyverse.com

Read the second part in this series: A Call to Total Dependency

When Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, many took note not just of his historic rise, but also of his quiet boldness in expressing his Hindu faith. He took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita and openly celebrated Diwali at Downing Street. Though not a Christian, his example was a powerful reminder: personal faith can be integrated into public life.

If someone in one of the world’s most scrutinized offices can be open about their belief system, why do many Christians in business, politics, and other professional spaces feel the need to hide theirs?
This article is a call to Christians: don’t hide your identity. Live out your faith confidently in the marketplace.

The Marketplace Is a Mission Field

For many, “ministry” is limited to what happens in church buildings or mission fields abroad. But Scripture reveals a much broader view. God is interested not only in the sacred but also in the secular. He places His people in offices, boardrooms, classrooms, construction sites, and studios—not just pews.

Daniel served in government. Joseph managed Egypt’s economy. Lydia was a businesswoman. Paul made tents. Jesus Himself worked as a carpenter before launching into full-time ministry. The marketplace has always been one of God’s primary arenas for influence.

The Call to Shine

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares:

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is not a suggestion—it is a mandate. Christians are called to shine, not shrink. We are not meant to compartmentalize our faith, separating the spiritual from the professional. Faith should fuel our work ethic, shape our integrity, and inform our leadership.

Why Do Christians Hide Their Faith?

Despite this call, many believers go silent in their workplace. Why?

• Fear of judgment or exclusion
• Worry about being seen as unprofessional or preachy
• Uncertainty about how to express faith appropriately

Yet, hiding faith can result in missed opportunities—for influence, encouragement, and witness. It also communicates that following Jesus is only relevant in private life, which undermines the transformative power of the gospel.

Faith Does Not Mean Preaching at Work

Living out your faith doesn’t mean turning your office into a pulpit. It means integrating biblical principles into your everyday work life:

• Integrity when no one’s watching
• Excellence in your duties
• Compassion in how you treat others
• Peace in how you handle stress and setbacks
• Wisdom in decision-making

And when opportunities arise to speak about your faith—whether during a lunch break, in a crisis, or over coffee—take them with grace and humility (1 Peter 3:15).

God Uses the Marketplace to Shape You—and Others

Your workplace is not just a place for income. It’s a place for impact and growth.

• It refines your character
• It tests your faith in real-world challenges
• It opens doors to influence people who might never walk into a church

Your witness in the marketplace may be the only gospel someone sees. The way you lead, serve, and respond to pressure can open hearts and spark curiosity about the hope you carry.

Being Faithful Where You Are

You don’t need a new platform to honour God. Start with where you already are.

• If you’re a teacher, teach with love and truth
• If you’re a manager, lead with integrity and grace
• If you’re a student, be a light in your classroom
• If you’re in politics, advocate for justice and righteousness
• If you run a business, model ethical practices and servant leadership

Your faith isn’t a liability—it’s your greatest asset. God has placed you where you are for a purpose.

Conclusion

Rishi Sunak’s example reminds us that faith can have a place in public leadership. But for Christians, this truth runs even deeper: we are called to live for Christ in every area of life—including the marketplace.
Let us not hide who we are. Let us be bold, not arrogant; humble, not ashamed; faithful, not fearful.

The world needs more Christians who are willing to stand tall, live well, and shine brightly where God has placed them.

Abiola Fajimi is a chartered accountant and tax practitioner. He works as Managing Partner at PML Professional Services, an indigenous accounting firm based in Nigeria. On campus, he served as Follow-Up School Principal and UJCM Organizing Secretary. He is happily married and blessed with children.

Image Credit:  Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash

When we were born again, we received the very nature and quality of God’s life. This is not merely about longevity; it is about partaking in the divine nature while still in the body. Embracing this new life transforms us, shaping our habits, character, and perspective.

To fully experience and enjoy this eternal life, we must allow the life of God within us to influence our choices and actions. John 17:3 (AMPC) states:

“And this is eternal life: [It means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), whom You have sent.”

This goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge; it is a revelational understanding of who God is—one that transforms everything we do. It shapes our daily decisions, fuels our love for Him, and enables us to see the world through the lens of His Word.

With this God-kind of life, we are called to rule and reign with Him on earth—a life of dominion over sin, sickness, and everything contrary to God’s nature. His Word becomes our guiding light and anchor in every area of life. Challenges will come, but we must stand firm on His Word until our circumstances align with His promises.

Walking in the reality of God’s Word is not just an experience—it is our calling. We have not been called to religion but to a life of dominion. Refuse to bow to situations. Insist on the truth of God’s Word until it becomes your reality.

Kikelomo Okewole (nee Makinde) served in various capacities in the fellowship as a member of the ASF Executive Council (COG32).

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Never is His intent to see us beat down and despondent
Never is His will to see us sick
For His joy is our strength, healing the children’s bread
We are Citizens of the City of God Almighty
And His thoughts towards us are good always
Arise and Shine!

Though our bodies in a fallen state
But redeemed from the curse of the law
The corruptible waiting earnestly to be clothed with the incorruptible
Our Souls being renewed as we make choices not to conform to the world
Our Spirit made alive and anew
Arise and Shine!

Our enemy, the adversary of the Sons of God
Seeks who he may devour, daring to twist “The Word” in his wiles
Challenges the Light with his crooked lie, “Has God really said?”
But he has lost the battle for our Spirit
For our light is The Word and darkness cannot grasp it
Arise and Shine!

The enemy brings memories of our past
Telling us we are not worthy of being loved
But Christ paid the price, making us a new creature
The old is gone; His Precious Blood, our liberty!
Sin has lost its power over the redeemed, no longer to weigh us down
Arise and Shine!

Do you know Him as Lord and Saviour?
Have you surrendered all to Him?
Do you believe His Word in all circumstances?
He is at the door, knocking and waiting for your response
He “agapes” you!
Arise and Shine!

Oyeyemi Olufidipe served in PISTIS and also on the Alumni ExCo. He is married with kids, does his thing in the IT space and loves “being a blessing”

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