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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I was not surprised when she announced on the Whatsapp group that she wanted to go into the oil palm business. Before we could spell Jack Robinson, my friend had gotten the plot and started the work. We started hailing her the usual “Action Lady”. The land was cleared and seeds were put into the nurseries. It was a learning phase for me too. Seeds get all the pampering and nutrients before the rainy season. I observed that it takes a lot of time to sow the cover crop, dig holes in the plantation, take the seedlings out of the nursery, carry them to the plantation and plant them. All this work needs to be carefully done. It took time!

Three months into the process, Bola started crying; “they did not inform me very well oooo”. She was expecting a bumper harvest and sales to start coming in. I looked at her with my big eyes surprised. “Madam, what part of agriculture did you do? Because I know that oil palm is a perennial crop and takes a lot of time before harvest.”

Even the Bible highlighted it. In James 5:7, the Bible explains how important it is for us to wait patiently just as a farmer waits patiently for a harvest. When I was reflecting on the passage, I also remembered my first years as a teacher. My students in their first year in elementary school had to plant seeds as their projects. After planting, the students kept checking every hour. And I could feel their anxiety and frustration when there were no sprouts on the third day.

Let us take a deep look at this verse.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

James 5:7 (NLT)

Relating this to our daily lives, we wait for the manifestation of God’s promises. And just like the students and Bola, it can be a long and slow wait which we call DELAY sometimes. However, there are things we can do while we WAIT.

1. We WORSHIP
   Worship is not just singing songs. It is deeper than that. It is a lifestyle that ensures that we live to God’s glory at all times. While we wait, we should live a lifestyle of worship.
2. We ACT
   As we wait, we confess his words and we act according to his will. You are looking for a job? Keep applying. Act in faith. Yes, you are waiting. You still need to do what you need to do in obedience to his will.
3. We INTERACT

Here we interact with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comfort in trying times and situations. He is the only one that can see you through. Be open to God’s spirit and always pray without ceasing. Prayer ignites experiences with God. Don’t stop praying during your waiting period. Don’t pray in doubt or fear.

4. We TRUST

Trusting God totally is a new level of understanding. This is surrendering all your worries and anxieties to him.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.

Psalms 145:17 (NLT)

This verse makes us understand that God can never do wrong. He is righteous and gracious in all his ways. Therefore, he can never abandon you.

In a world that believes that the patient dog does not eat the fattest bone, God keeps assuring us that our latter will always be greater than our past. Waiting on him is the best decision you can ever make as a Christian. So, stay strong with the full assurance of faith that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

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Light Chime served in Pistis Productions during her undergraduate days. One of her passions is writing for impact.

What is Mountain-Moving Faith?

Mountain-moving faith is not just a figure of speech; it’s a tangible expression of trust in God’s ability to work miracles in our lives. It’s the kind of faith that enables us to speak to our challenges, declare victory over them, and watch as God moves mountains to bring about His perfect will.
The foundation for mountain-moving faith is found in several key Bible verses:

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11:23)

The key to unlocking the power of mountain-moving faith lies in our belief. When we truly believe that God can do what He promises, we tap into a supernatural force that can move mountains in our lives.

To better understand the concept of mountain-moving faith, let’s explore some analogies:

A Seed and a Tree: When planted in fertile soil, a tiny mustard seed can grow into a mighty tree. Similarly, when nurtured by God’s Word and prayer, a small seed of faith can grow into a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle.
A Child and a Parent: A child trusts their parent implicitly. They believe that their parent will provide for them, protect them, and guide them. In the same way, we should trust God as our heavenly Father, believing that He will always do what is best for us.
A Lighthouse in a Storm: A lighthouse shines brightly through the darkest storm, guiding ships to safety. In the same way, our faith in God can be a beacon of hope in the midst of life’s storms, guiding us through difficult times.

Cultivating Mountain-Moving Faith

How can we cultivate mountain-moving faith in our own lives? Here are a few practical steps:
Spend Time in God’s Word: The Bible is the source of our faith. By reading and meditating on God’s Word, we can strengthen our belief in His promises.

Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. (Joshua 1:8)

Pray Regularly: Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with God and expressing our faith. Through prayer, we can lay our burdens before God and trust in His divine intervention.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled People: Iron sharpens iron, and so does faith. By surrounding ourselves with people who believe in the power of God, we can be encouraged and inspired to grow in our own faith.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to doubt and fear. By focusing on the blessings in our lives, we can cultivate a heart of faith and trust in God’s goodness.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4)

Mountain-moving faith is a gift from God that empowers us to overcome any challenge. By believing in God’s promises, trusting in His power, and living a life of faith, we can experience the miraculous in our own lives. Let us embrace the power of mountain-moving faith and watch as God transforms our lives and moves mountains for us.

Adebisola Ayogbemi-Ajala is a lover of God. She served in the New Generation Choir on campus, and now focuses on living life to the fullest as God desires.

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.

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.