HARD-PRESSED, YET NOT CRUSHED (A story)

“Aderemi, if you step out of this house, don’t even think of coming back today.” Mrs. Adara said angrily.

“But Mummy I have to go for fellowship this evening. You know I don’t always want to miss it, moreover Mr. Adeyemi would be very angry at me if I do so.” Aderemi replied.

Aderemi and Olumide were mentored by Mr. Adeyemi, their Youth Pastor.

“Exactly, that fellowship has been your problem. You go to Church like a Church Rat and we don’t see any change in your life.”

“This is your fifth year at home writing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination every year like you are a stakeholder in their organization. Very soon JAMB will change the name they use as example on every exam question paper to your name. You better don’t step out of this house, if you intend to sleep in this house tonight.” Mrs. Adara raised her voice.

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is the qualifying examination written to gain admission into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.

“Mummy I’m sorry but sitting at home will not make me pass the exams either. Please I want to go.”

Aderemi walked out of the house with his Bible and jotter in his hands.

Mrs. Adara was furious at Aderemi her first child and son. He had passed out of the secondary school about five years now, although he passed his O’level examinations, he has been struggling with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. He tried to apply for the Pre-degree programme severally, but he was not granted admission.

Mrs. Adara could not really explain his fanaticism for Church. Mrs. Adara, a widow and mother of two attended the same Church with her son. Aderemi was a committed steward at the youth arm of the God of miracle Church, the youth arm was called Mount Olives Youth Fellowship.

Mrs. Adara understood the fact that Aderemi needed to serve God, but she could not explain what her son’s obsession was all about. Aderemi’s younger brother was in his second year in the University, because he gained admission right after his secondary school education. He particularly did not have so much regard for God like Aderemi his brother.

Aderemi on the other hand was devoted to God, a calm and neat guy. He was not glad that he wrote the examination repeatedly, but he had to continue trying until he gained admission. His mother had suggested he take the short cut each year. She advised him to register with examination centres far away where he could be assisted in the examination hall, but he had refused profusely and explained that his faith was enough to make him scale through. This was why Mrs. Adara felt he was a stubborn-headed stagnant child.

…………………………………………………….

 

“Mummy please open the gate” Aderemi said aloud from the gate.

His Mother had shut the gate intentionally because of him. Aderemi returned from the fellowship around 8pm. He banged the gate severally, but Mrs. Adara who was the only one at home with Titilayo, their house-help, would not open the gate. She had instructed their house-help not to answer him when he knocked. She wanted him to return to wherever he was coming from, although it was late in the night.

Aderemi sat behind the flowers planted beautifully around the fence. He wandered away in his thought for hours until he slept off.

………………………………………………………..

“Olumide you wouldn’t believe what Mummy Deremi did to me yesterday.”  Aderemi was referring to his mother.

“What happened this time?” Olumide inquired.

“She made me sleep under the flower beds outside the gate last night.” Aderemi answered.

“You don’t mean it.”

“I am serious Olumide, She had warned me not to go to Church earlier but I insisted I was going to go. And I guess that was the punishment due.” Aderemi said on.

“I’m so sorry.” Olumide sympathized.

“Oh no problem, I was even glad it happened, at least I was counted worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ who died so that I can have life.” Aderemi adjusted in the chair he sat in the Afolabi’s house.

“You call that affliction? Remi”

Olumide giggled.

“Then what is it, if not affliction, such attitude from a mother? Aderemi remarked.

“I bet you don’t want to see afflictions. Go and ask Paul, Peter, Stephen and the likes what afflictions means.” Olumide gestured.”

Oh, you mean that? At least this is affliction at my own level. Moreover is it not better than yours. You don’t face any Jury before you go to Church or anywhere.”  Aderemi said.

“Anyway, there are different strokes for different folks.”

“What of Toba? I mean have you heard from him since he returned to school?” Olumide asked. Toba was their third friend.

“Toba is a big boy now. Once he gets to school, he forgets everyone else. You know he’s very lucky to gain admission before us.” Aderemi replied.

Olumide added, “He is very fortunate, you know. It’s just that he has refused to give his life to Christ.”

“Exactly, that is the only part of his life that saddens me, but Mummy Deremi would not stop referring to him, as an example of somebody I should follow simply because he has gained admission.” Remi said.

“Why does your mother think that way? Why does She think gaining admission, is all that life is about.”  Olumide continued.

“For me life lessons are not learnt inside the four walls of the University. If Toba doesn’t give his life to Christ, he would only end up a successful failure."

Aderemi said quickly, “Don’t even try to say that around Mummy Deremi, once you haven’t gained admission, you are nowhere in life."

Aderemi, Olumide and Toba attended Citadel Boys Grammar School in Shagamu, Ogun State Nigeria. They were friends all through their senior secondary days. They were all intimate friends, and also unbelievers until some group of corps members came to preach in their school. They were advised to keep themselves busy in a bible based Church.

It’s been five years since they graduated from Citadel Boys Grammar School; the trio wore the same attire on their valedictory service. When Olumide and Aderemi gave their life to Christ back then in school, Toba did not.

One day when the three of them were not yet born-again back then in school; they trio went to fellowship one faithful Thursday for prayer meeting in the evening. They attended a boarding school. During prayers that evening, Toba, Olumide, and Deremi dozed on their feet.

The prayers were over but they were still on their feet, dozing.

The person that led the prayers announced if there was anybody that wanted to give his life to Christ, some people did stand up. The Ushers were asked to help them to the altar. Since Toba, Olumide, Aderemi were still on their feet, they were ushered forward that day. They had to give their life to Christ compulsorily. They hurried out of the fellowship immediately they were told to go their seat.

Toba always referred to that day as the day he gave his life to Christ, each time his two friends implored him to become a believer. He would say he was already born-again, and did not see any reason why he should be born-again twice.

They persuaded him all the time, but he wouldn’t comply. To make the matter worse he gained admission before the seemingly two spiritual ones. Why should I give my life Christ, to lose my admission? This was the question he posed at them each time they preached to him.

He studied Pharmacy in the University. Toba’s parents were quite rich, as well as Olumide’s. Olumide was luckier because his parents made his spiritual work easier. Although he had not gained admission also, his parents did not hold him back from serving God. He was released at home whenever he wanted unlike Aderemi Adara, his best friend who was always prepared for a fight each time he wanted to go to Church.

Mrs. Adara brought up her two sons in a three-bedroom apartment in Shagamu. She taught Biology in a Secondary School there in Shagamu. A strict woman to the core.

Although she loved her sons dearly, she was always nagging at Aderemi her first son, because of the delay in his academics, she ridiculed him before his younger brother always.

Aderemi did not enjoy it each time his mother started the drama, but he knew it was a phase that would pass. Serving God has become his hubby.

……………………………………………...................

“Where exactly are you coming from young man?”

Mrs. Adara raised her voice as she removed her glasses and turned away from the television towards the door, where Aderemi stood.

“I am coming from Olumide’s house Ma.” Aderemi replied.

Aderemi’s timing that afternoon was imperfect; he was supposed to return to the house before 2:30 pm, when his mum returned from work.

He used to go visiting during her school hours, and return, just before Mrs. Adara walked in, today was an exception as he arrived home 2:45pm.

“You mean the same Olumide who has always encouraged you to be lazy right? Your best friend in failure! I hope you remember your exams would be coming up next month?” She fired on.

“Yes Mummy.”

“And you still go around visiting like you are in the follow-up unit in church.”

“I promise you, this is the last time I would pay for your UTME form. If you do not gain admission this year, then you are left to yourself. At least by then you should be receiving an award from JAMB, as the most consistent customer they’ve got. Because I don’t know why you should always let JAMB use your money to plant flowers.

“But Mummy…it is not like I watch football like every other guy does, neither do I drink nor go clubbing.” Aderemi defended himself.

“Is that what you have to say? Don’t worry, go ahead and watch football, don’t even watch it alone, come and open a viewing centre in front of your mother’s house.”

Mrs. Adara hissed as she returned to watch her soap opera.

Aderemi walked to his room quietly and imagined how on earth his father managed to cope with this woman. He imagined if there was any time his father lost his job and how his mother would have reacted to such a situation.

…………………………………………,.…………………………

It was few months after the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Aderemi and Olumide both passed the examination, but Aderemi failed his Post-UTME. It appeared tougher by the year, this time there were about 50,000 candidates present for the examination and the University Admission Unit could only grant about 4,000 candidates  a place in the University.

Olumide on the other hand was lucky; he passed all his exams and was given admission to study medicine, his course of choice in the University.

…………………………………………………...........................

“Yes come in.”

 Mrs. Adara answered from the living room where she sat in a chair and crossed her legs on the table before her, watching the television as usual.

“Good afternoon Ma.” Sister Toluwanimi said.

Mrs. Adara recognized Toluwanimi from their Church, but she didn’t know understand what she was doing in their house that afternoon.

“Good afternoon dear.” She answered, still wondering why she was here. Mrs. Adara did not enjoy receiving visitors most of the time.

The fact that she lost her husband quite early in their marriage, left her with a scar, she had buried her joy in loneliness. This influenced the way she brought her children up. There was no joy in their home. It was always quiet in there. They were not allowed to bring in friends, or visit one. They have been in their world ever since they lost their father in a ghastly motor accident.

“Have your seat.”

Sister Toluwanimi settled in one of the chairs.

“I am here to see Brother Deremi.” She said.

“Hope there is no problem?” Mrs. Adara asked.

“Not at all Ma, I just decided to check on him.” Sister Toluwanimi said courteously.

“OK. Aderemi! Aderemi! She beckoned on her son.”

“Yes Mummy.” Aderemi ran to the sitting room right away.

“Toluwanimi here said she came to visit you." Mrs. Adara said mischievously.

“Ok Ma. Sister Tolu good afternoon.”

Deremi said, as he tried to sit down close to her in the living room.

“Are you trying to sit down in this living room with me? You dare bring a visitor to this house when you have not gained admission.” Mrs. Adara screamed.

She had turned herself to a bitter woman ever since, and she had shared her bitterness with her sons, although they rejected it. Deremi could not wait to leave that house for school; he wanted to leave more than his mother wanted him. He believed their father’s death was nobody’s fault, not even his company that asked him to go and represent them at a conference in Abuja on that faithful day he died in the terrible accident.

Sister Toluwanimi quickly spoke in his defense. “I’m sorry Ma, but he didn’t invite me over, I just decided to check on him, because I didn’t see him in fellowship last evening.”

Mrs. Adara wouldn’t take that excuse.

“I see… so it was in Church you stayed all the time and you gained admission and even graduated with a second class upper division right?

“But Ma, the measure of a man’s life is not his certificate.” Tolu said

Probably she didn’t know Mrs. Adara well enough except in Church where everyone is dressed well, polite and lift up holy hands unto the Lord.

“You dare come to my house and preach to me. Get up!”

Mrs. Adara did not care if she was a member of her Church or not.

Toluwanimi jerked. She felt since Mrs. Adara was a member of their Church, She should be able to speak before her. Moreover she is a woman and should be more approachable.

Aderemi who was already on his feet, stood their quietly.

Aderemi managed to see Toluwanimi off. Toluwanimi expressed her surprise to Deremi as they walked out of their compound. Deremi told her she should have waited till next Sunday when he would automatically come to Church. He also apologized for His mother’s mean behaviour.

…………………………To be continued…………………………….

 

LED OR CONFUSED? (The final part)

Omotara was glad that Dennis did not refuse her because of her past. That was why she delayed a while before she finally gave her YES, to see if he was consistent. She was happy she was moving on at last. Nevertheless she had not heard from Dennis since that day. It’s been a week now. Each time She tried his line, it was either unavailable or switched off. The few times he picked them, he said he was busy that he would call back, but he never did.

She decided to check on him, she was lucky to meet him at home that evening.

“It’s me Omotara.”  Tara answered softly.

Dennis was not expecting her, but he knew she would show up soon.

“Oh, I am coming.”

He opened the door right away. 

“Have your seat please. You didn’t tell you were coming.”

Dennis forced a smile.

“I’m sorry dear; you were not picking your phone, and that got me worried the more. Hope there is no problem? I have not heard from you since the last time we spoke. You will neither pick nor return my calls. It was because you said there was no problem that relieved me. I would have thought there was more to it. Moreover on Sunday I asked you to wait for me, but you were gone before I was through.” Omotara said.

Dennis knew he had to face it; his mind was already made up.

“I’m sorry Sister Omotara. I indeed said there’s no problem the other day, because I pray there will be no problem with you.”

He gulped in the saliva in his mouth; he gathered strength to break the news.

“I love you a lot, but I don’t think I can continue this relationship.”

He said finally.

“Sorry!” Tara’s eyes widened, she adjusted on the chair she had sat calmly before.

She felt she didn’t hear him properly. Its same Brother Dennis now, the one that was double sure and convinced that God would have them come together, who took about four months to confirm that it was the will of God for them to marry.

“What did you just say Dennis?” Tara managed to release her sealed lips.

“I said I am sorry, but I can’t continue with the relationship.”

By now he had gathered boldness.

“But I thought you said God spoke to your heart concerning me. I thought you said you were led to me. Was that not what you said after all?” Tara blurted out.

It was like a bang in her heart. She left her gaze on Dennis, who looked away.

Dennis looked more like a different person now, was he not the same Brother that always wanted to speak with her after meetings? The one that glowed at her presence, He looked more like a stranger now.

“I’m sorry, but that’s all I can say for now.” Dennis said.

“Jesus Christ!” Tara screamed.

She jumped on her feet and started to weep.

“You are a very wicked Brother. So you wanted to marry a glorious future alone, you didn’t want to marry my past, isn’t it? Anyway the good judge will reward you, she gathered herself together and left his apartment.”

…………………………………………………………………………………

“You are both welcome.” Pastor Chris said as Omotara and Dennis sat quietly before him.

The Pastor had called to see them before the issue became messy. Omotara was recovering from the shock sooner than expected. Since the relationship was for about few months. She was not yet too committed as such. And now that the relationship was short-lived, she knew she had to move on, it was only a phase she told herself, it would pass.

She only felt bad; she had told her next suitor off.

“Thank you for coming once again.” Pastor Chris said.

The atmosphere in there was very cold, it was one of the few counseling session Pastor Chris didn’t like, but he had to address the situation, it made the office of the Pastor more adventurous.

“I want to thank God for where he started with both of you, may His name be praised.” Pastor started.

He went on to say a lot of things about their relationship.

“Sister Omotara, I must commend that you are a strong lady. If it were some other sisters in Church, they would have made a mess of the whole situation by gossiping around the Church.”

“Brother Dennis, once again I am disappointed in you. Anyway we have to let it go. If your faith is not adequate for this situation, we have to let you off the hook. This is because the devil is going to come back to fight your faith if you go ahead, and now that you are already defeated before the marriage I think we should stop the process.”

“Omotara you know a broken relationship is far better than a broken marriage, right?” The Pastor asked.

“Yes Sir.” She answered in the affirmative.

“Good, please let him go, you can only take a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink water. I implore you to let Dennis off the hook. The Almighty will settle you in his timing. Moreover you also need to have a confirmation in your spirit before you enter a relationship.”

Dennis was glad the issue was getting resolved, although he did not express his thought.

“And to you Brother Dennis, you were just interested in the body. Don’t you know you don’t marry bodies? What if there were strange ancestral spirit flowing in her life, that won’t manifest until both of you marry. Most times this ancestral spirit hides in things that you like.”

They sat quietly in there listening with a rapt attention.

“Don’t just marry someone because she is petite, bodies change faster than destiny do. God’s purpose doesn’t need to be easy, but it is always possible, because God is not committed to your comfort, he is only committed to your purpose.”

“So learn to stick to your purpose than comfort. The devil uses comfort to steal away your purpose.”

This was indeed a counseling session; Pastor Chris was well prepared for them both.

He continued. “Brother Dennis, in your relationships you must get to a point of no return, and likewise in marriage. If you have an alternative to your spouse or any other will of God for you, the devil will always push you to that alternative.”

Pastor Chris kept quiet for some minutes, although he wasn’t expecting them to talk.

Then he faced Omotara this time.

“My dear Sister, I have spoken to you before now, I have told you God does not work from your past into your today, rather He works from your future to your today. God does not worry about what you did in your past.”

“Did I tell you about the news I heard lately? About a woman who said she had a vision of heaven, she was taken around Abraham’s records, and the ‘lie Abraham said about Sarah been his sister was not found in Abraham’s record’. Pastor Chris waited for a response to be sure Omotara was alert.

“No you didn’t tell me Sir.” She replied politely.

“Alright then, the woman who had the vision asked the angel that took her around about it, and the angel replied that once Abraham was forgiven, the case file of the sin was removed from his documents.” So you see God forgives us faster than men do.”

“Finally, I want you to move on, don’t let offences hold you back, forgive each other and let it go. Offences are designed by the devil to steal the harvest; it will also remove the covering from your head. Please my brethren don’t let offences make you trip on the road of destiny.”

“One more thing before we end this discussion, but Dennis you told me you prayed about this whole situation, isn’t it?” He asked.

“Yes I did”. He answered.

“So what happened each time you prayed?” The Pastor probed further.

“Nothing in particular, I knew I liked Sister Tara a lot, but Sister Chidinma seems to come around me each time I prayed.” He replied.

“But you never mentioned that in my ears.”

He was surprised Dennis now mentioned Chidinma’s name.

“I’m sorry sir; I only felt she was trying to impose herself on me, so I told her I wouldn’t have anything to do with her.” Dennis answered.

“You did that, instead of praying some more. Not every sister that comes around you are trying to impose themselves on you. Moreover you should understand the devil would do his best so that two will(s) of God don’t get together in marriage, because he understands the danger it would do to his kingdom.”

“Anyway, it is well. I need you to take your time, and pray over it. Don’t try to get across to any of these Sisters until you have received a witness in your spirit. Brother Dennis, I hope you know you are going on suspension from the working force automatically.”

Dennis expected that already, he was not moved at all, what mattered was that he was not going to marry Tara.

“Thank you very much both of you.”

The trio prayed together and Dennis dropped Omotara off.

Dennis apologized for forgiveness, as he drove her home.

……………………………………………………………

It was a month after, Omotara had recovered from the news faster than expected, and she knew it would take the grace of God to find a man who was ready to marry her regardless of her past. She made up her mind to tell every of her suitors, about her past before anybody started to pray about it.

She prayed about the whole situation more. She prayed that God  should bring back Alexander if it was His will.

………………………………………………....................

“Brother Alex, you would be in Sister Tara’s class.” Deacon Anthony announced.

Alexander had eventually made up his mind to become a worker in the Church. He was fixed into Omotara’s class, for his believer’s class, the one he needed to go through to become a worker in God’s Grace Bible Ministries. Alex was quite happy, because everyone wanted to be in the Rabbi’s class. On the other hand he felt a little unhappy because of his advances to her before now.

Anyway he was only carrying out God’s instruction.

…………………………………………………

“Would you mind if I drop you off?”

 Alexander said as he winds down the window of his car to speak with Tara who was walking home.

Tara felt awkward, because she didn’t want any more of the confusion Dennis had brought to her life. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to start a scene.

“Thank you.” She hopped into the car.

Alex drove a little away from the Church premises before he raised the discussion.

“Did you bother to pray about what I asked you for the other day?”

“Yes I did.” Tara replied.

“But you didn’t get back to me.” He continued.

“I’m sorry I didn’t. It’s just that I have some complications.”

Tara knew this was always the hardest part of such discussion until God found a place for her in a man’s heart at last.

“Complications?” Alexander repeated.

It was exactly what God called it.

“Yes” she answered; she was scared the story was going down the same way.

Alexander dropped the bombshell.

“I don’t care what complications you have, that was what God told me, and it has kept me back for years now.”

They were both seated in the car, that was now parked somewhere along the road, close to Tara’s house.

Tara tried to mutter a few words from her mouth. Maybe Alex did not have an idea of what she meant; she felt he was trying to act spiritual.

“I had an abortion.” She said. This time there were no tears, she was going to say it all. If Alexander was going to change his mind, the earlier the better.

“She told him the remaining part of the story as fast as possible.

The next line that came from Alex shocked her to the marrow.

“Is that all?” He asked with no sense of remorse.

“Did you just say that?” Tara’s eyes brightened.

“But did you hear all I said clearly?” She asked still amazed.

“Yes, I did, can we marry this weekend then if that’s all.” Alex declared.

Tara laughed. “You must be joking!”

She knew this was probably going to be the bone of her bone, because it required a spirit filled man not to raise an eyebrow at such situation.

They both submitted themselves for counseling. Pastor Chris, who was glad to receive the news, spoke to them through and through. He told them, their marriage should be a divine project. They shouldn’t compare themselves to others. He reminded them that the devil’s tests are designed to destroy man, while God’s tests are designed to lift a man higher. More importantly they should reach the point of no return in their relationship.

……………………………………………

“Ella I’m going to spank you if you keep me waiting a little more.” Alexander said aloud to three years old Emmanuella, their first child.

God had indeed done the miracle it would take for Tara to conceive. He just needed to do the miracle with the right person He had destined for her.

Ella swallowed her cereal faster as her mother fed her. They were both dressed for the ceremony already.

It was Dennis and Chidinma’s wedding ceremony at God’s Grace Bible Ministries. Dennis had walked his way back to Chidinma. He had to do the imposing, unlike when Chidinma was readily available for him.

Chidinma had agreed to marry her at last.

Meanwhile, Alexander married Omotara the first month of the next year Alex proposed to her.

Omotara hurried up with her bulging belly, and packed the remaining cereal for Ella in her food pack. Ella was Chidinma’s little bride for the ceremony. She needed to join the Bride’s car at her place on time.

Omotara was going to have another baby. Their marriage was close to heaven on earth.

If it is God’s will, then He surely has a plan structured out before hand.

……………..…THE END……………………

LED OR CONFUSED? (Part two)

“Were you not the one that told me God spoke to your heart?? Pastor Chris said aloud.

“Yes, I thought I heard God concerning her, because I admire her a lot.” Dennis replied

“Are you telling me that as spiritual as you are, you don’t have a discerning spirit? Are you saying you can’t differentiate between a feeling and a knowing? Don’t you know when God is giving you an instruction? You stand here and tell me because you admire her. When there are millions of people you will still admire.”

“Brother Dennis I must confess you really disappointed me.”

“Pastor, I am sorry if I disappointed you, but I am very sure I can’t marry her.” Dennis said again.

“Will you have your seat this minute?” Pastor Chris shouted at him, as he was seated while Dennis paced around.

“Were you intending to toy with her heart?”

Moreover you should know better. I asked you to pray about it well enough, but you always run back to tell me you were convinced quickly. Do we say you are confused now? Pastor Chris said on.

“I don’t know Sir. I really love her, just that I wasn’t expecting this from her. Pastor she should have told me. She should have.” Dennis blurted out.

“But she did, if she didn’t how did you know? Pastor asked.

“I mean earlier.” He said almost immediately.

“Brother Dennis I will ask you to go and pray and seek the face of the Lord. Everything seems tense now. I need you to take time out to fast and pray properly. Go and sleep over it. Is that Ok? The Pastor said finally.

“”Yes Sir, I will, but my mind is made up. I am no longer interested in the relationship.” Dennis replied.

They both prayed afterwards and Dennis left the Pastor’s office with a heavy heart.

Pastor Chris knew Tara’s story thoroughly, he knew all about her past, that was why he asked Dennis to pray some more. It was not his position to relay the story to Dennis, but he did his best by asking him to be double sure. But since Dennis said he was convinced, he would not stop Tara from moving on.

……………………………………………………………………..

“Charles, can you imagine? A barren woman? How on earth could Pastor Chris still insist I go ahead with the relationship?”

Charles sat calmly in the chair in his friend’s apartment.

Dennis had called Charles to come over to his place right away, when he returned from the Pastor’s place. Dennis busted out immediately Charles arrived on how Pastor asked him to continue with the relationship. He narrated all Omotara said to him, her past and everything else. Charles sat quietly for a moment before he could say anything. He also didn’t expect it from Tara, the very polite Sister. He really didn’t know what to advise him.

“Dennis but I thought you said God spoke to your heart about her” Charles said at last, just like the Pastor had said.

“So I thought, because each time her name came to my mind. There was a deep longing for her presence. I always found exceptional joy in my heart anytime I set my eyes on her.” Dennis said.

Charles stared at Dennis intently. He was quite shocked at the whole situation, most especially the things he said now. From Dennis’ words, he knew he was only attracted to her physically. He knew there was no clear instruction from God like Dennis claimed.

Now that the matter had gone this far, when everybody in Church was already aware of their relationship, he just couldn’t advise his friend on anything in particular.

“Dennis I guess you have to continue with the relationship.” Charles said.

“Did you just say that with your mouth?” Dennis screamed.

“Yes I just did, you will have to believe God for a miracle. Moreover who declared her barren? You! Are you God? What makes you think God cannot take your life before the marriage? Or how are you so sure you will have a child even if you married a virgin.” Charles said frantically.

“Bro you don’t need to curse me now. Am your friend here you know?”

“Yes and Omotara is also a Sister. You are going have to apply faith. You just have to step into a higher level of faith concerning this matter. A faith that doesn’t pay attention, to the physical evidences around.”

Dennis flashed a hot gaze at Charles as he dropped the lines. He knew all about the faith talk but it was more difficult to practice now.

“Dennis there is a God of the middle of the road.”

Dennis’ gaze still focused on Charles, why was he turning the discussion to a sermon?

Dennis acted more convinced not to marry her now than he was to propose to her in the first place.

“The God that is present when where you are coming from is so far, that you cannot return, and where you are going is not yet in view.”

Dennis answered almost quickly, “Charles I am not in the middle of the road yet, and I don’t want to get there before I change my mind.”

Charles continued with what Dennis had now termed a sermon.

 “If God really asked you to be in this relationship, then you are already in the middle of the road, so believe God. He is the God that shows up when the storm shows up. Don’t forget that he doesn’t lie, he doesn’t fail, and he can’t change his mind. You just need to activate the potency of your faith, you don’t need to see the whole stairways, just take a step.”

“If you really love her, then don’t bring Thomas’ faith for Abraham’s blessings.” He said referring to the scriptures.

Dennis shouted at once. “Charles are you beginning to preach now?”

“Yes if that’s what you need. I’m scared your faith is very low, with the way you talk as regards this matter, and you may never be able to cross over. I mean have you prayed about it as much as you’ve talked about it?” Charles asked.

“Exactly! My faith is not enough to make me pull through it.” Dennis remarked standing to his feet, as the atmosphere got tenser.

“And do you say that with pride? Anyway, it’s ok; take your time, after all it’s your life.” Charles said finally.

“Now you are talking.” He ended.

Charles was not satisfied with the conclusion, but he couldn’t push him too hard.

……………………………………………………………………

“Jasmine tell me it’s not true, tell me you didn’t just say that.” Tell me you are kidding after all.” Alexander blurted out.

He was close to tears, as Jasmine announced that she was not interested in the relationship anymore.

“I’m sorry Alexander, I love you but I can’t continue with the relationship. I am sorry dear. I pray you get a better spouse.” Jasmine said as she walked out of the door of Alexander’s apartment.

It can be very funny when people end a relationship, and they still say they love the person. If you love the person enough, you wouldn’t leave.

Alexander was becoming wearied over his love life. This was his fifth relationship in a row. Every of the four before Jasmine had a different reason to leave him. He showed them all care, love and affection, but wondered what more they wanted.

Then it was Jasmine, he proposed to her like every other ones before her, a few months ago and she had come today to quit the relationship. Five relationships in less than two years.

Alexander attended the same church with Omotara and Dennis, God’s Grace Bible Ministries. Although not a worker in the church, he served God committedly.

God had spoken to him that Omotara would be his wife in destiny, although there would be complications in the beginning, he would pull them through.

But it seemed it was only the word complication he heard in the instruction. He seemed to magnify the complicated part of the instruction than the Promise in the instruction. He neglected the fact that God promised to pull them through. Moreover how could the very committed, Sister Tara marry a less spiritual Brother like himself, he thought.

So he moved on to date his choice ladies, now with five in a row and none seems to work out, he knew God was not going to let the case lie until he carried out his instruction.

He prayed about each of the five relationships he went into, although he did not find peace he still continued. He knew he needed to see the Pastor, but he was of the kind of people that felt the Pastor had enough burdens, to add his to them.

After five relationships down the drain, He knew he had to return to God’s instruction.

He had always been a friend to Omotara, but the fact that he wasn’t a worker reduced their opportunity to relate more. Omotara had implored him to become a worker in the church several times. He was virtually committed and serious with God than some workers. Omotara always called him a non-working worker.

He liked it when Omotara spoke to him, he found peace in his heart when she encouraged him, but the devil had zoomed out the complications God spoke about than God’s promise in the situation

He decided to retrace his steps to the will of God for him. Now that he understands that there is nothing as difficult as what God is not involved in.

He made up his mind not to pursue any more relationship.

He would rather return to what God commanded him rather than stay unmarried.

…………………………………………………………

Alexander did not wait to get too familiar with Omotara, since he felt it was God that had laid it on his mind, that she would be his wife. He felt if it was God, he would complete the assignment.

He was already a master at proposing, five times now, he knew the trick. She had always liked Omotara, she was the in the top ten list of any Brother in the church. Soft spoken, and fervent in the spirit. She had no unnecessary reservations towards nobody. What he liked most was the fact that she related with everyone, Greek, Jew, or Gentile in a polite way. The devil who is a master at distracting men from fulfilling purpose had helped Alexander to waste his time and resources on other Sisters, performing trial and error, which is one of the painful things a serious Christian, can do to himself.

Alexander should have tarried enough with God, to know that if it was God’s instruction, then it becomes God’s case, and the devil cannot work on it at all, but the devil would try to work on him.

Now he was going to do God’s will, whether it would be complicated or God sees him through, his mind was made up.

…………………………………………………………………………..

“Sister Omotara, I will be waiting for you in the children’s church.” Alexander said to her after greeting her and telling her his intention to see her.

It was a Sunday service at God’s Grace Bible Ministries.

Omotara greeted a few people after the service, what was usually referred to as fellowship after fellowship. She had not heard from Dennis ever since that day, but what was more important was that he had said that there was no problem. She hurried to tell Dennis to wait for him, that she wanted to see someone.

“Thanks for acknowledging my call. God bless you ma.” Alexander said as Omotara tried to settle in a plastic chair beside him, in the children hall of God’s Grace Bible ministries.

“You are welcome.” She settled down.

I am just going to go straight to the point.”  Alex adjusted on his chair, although he had done this several times, but each time was a different challenge on its own.

“Thank you that would be better. My fiancé would be waiting for me.”

Alexander was struck by the mention of her fiancé, so she’s engaged already but why wouldn’t God let him be then. He was discouraged, but he wanted to be sure, maybe he didn’t hear properly.

He forged ahead.

“God spoke to me over a year ago that you are his choice for me in marriage, but I didn’t take him serious. Every relationship I tried never worked out. I am sorry that it took me so long. More than that I have always admired you, I have found peace in my heart towards you. Please Omotara, let’s fulfil God’s mandate on earth together. I love you and want you to be my wife.”

Ever since Alexander started yielding to God and began to pray about Tara, her love had suddenly overwhelmed him, it was a short while though, but her love spread like a fragrance.

Alexander sat in there waiting for her to say something. It was not like the popular, usual, romantic approach in a restaurant, with a ring in the guy’s hand, and his knees bowed to the ground. Alex didn’t bring a ring along. He had had enough of that. This time he meant business. It was either she agrees or God finds another way out for him.

Omotara smiled before she uttered a word. She didn’t know that was what he wanted to say, but she knew that there were several Brothers in Church who were always led by the spirit of God to ten Sisters at the same time.

“I’m sorry Brother Alex, I like and admire you, but you have refused to yield to my request from you to become a worker.” She teased.

“More seriously, I would have loved to consider you request, but I am already in a relationship, and our God is not an author of confusion, you know.” She confirmed Alexander’s doubt.

“Oh!” Alexander jolted. He felt confused, but he was sure to have heard her name in his spirit several times.

Now that he had carried out God’s instruction, he felt he was free at last. It was up to God to move in the situation if he wanted them to come together. Although he felt a little embarrassed by the answer he received, but he shook it off.

“Alright then, I think God knows best for both of us. I would love you to pray about it. Once again thanks for granting me audience. Do enjoy the rest of your day.” Alexander stood to his feet.

“Thank you more. I need to run to my fiancé. Bye.”

Alex waited for Omotara to walk ahead. He had carried out his part of the instruction, and now that she is engaged already, God should at least let his next relationship work.

Tara hurried off to look for her love. She reminisced on Alexander as she walked away; she knew there were several confused Brothers in the congregation, receiving several visions at the same time to different sisters, in the same Church, she felt Alexander was one of them.

 Maybe because he had tried out several relationships and they didn’t work out, he thought he could end up with her. Anyway she had played her role of been a polite lady well.

She searched everywhere for Dennis, but he was gone. Dennis had not broken the news to her yet, that he was no longer interested in their relationship, but he had been avoiding her since that day. He felt sooner or later she should understand the distance.

Meanwhile Omotara had held on to his last words, that since God had forgiven her, then that was all. She gave Alexander a NO innocently and politely because of this.

 

……………………………To be continued………………………………………

Activities Upon Activities...

Activities upon activities upon activities!!!

She is in the organizing sub-group, yes she can sing, she’s also a good drama minister, she can do all things. I agree that, the bible says occupy till I come and the scripture also says, “As long as I am young I must do the work of him that sent me, old age is coming, when no man can work. But she has mistaken activities for service in the kingdom.

She can do so much for the fellowship but she does not have a relationship with God. He’s standing in the face of activities, but he is sleeping in the place of prayers and bible study. Don’t be carried away by activities, you can balance them. Don’t mistake activities for progress. If you start with so many activities and lose your stand with God, you may not be able to finish well with both God and the activities you have become engrossed with, because it will suddenly turn out to become a burden.

And you know one thing about finishing? Anybody can start anything, but people are not rewarded for starting, they are rewarded for finishing, that is why they don’t pay you your salary until you have put in an entire month’s work.

Romans 9:32, “Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works, they stumbled over the stumbling stone.

 Have you not left the faith for activities? Have you not lost the zeal for your work in his household? Don’t let activities take you away from your assignment. Don’t be so engrossed in activities that you cannot even hear the master’s voice again.

Faith can bring you things but things cannot bring about faith. Don’t let activities take away God from you, but don’t forget that serving God will ensue activities.

Maybe you are not even engaged in any assignment for God, maximize your time, and take your hand off what is God’s. If you are so conscious that brethren don’t take you for granted that’s why you are doing nothing in church, permit me to tell you the devil will take you for granted.

Get busy in church but don’t get carried away!

An Irresponsible Firstborn

Are you lucky to have one of your birthright(s) has being the first born of a family? The Yoruba's call it ' Ogun-ibi'. The first born has special priviledges within d family. Israel was God's first born, enjoying a priviledged position and blessings.

God is the firstborn of every creature. The firstborn should be the carrier of light for the family.

But come to think of it, the same birth-rite didn’t make any meaning to Esau as he said; what shall this birthright do to me! In Yoruba as I often love to translate a few times “Ore kini ogun-ibi yi yi o si se fun mi”. The last line of Genesis 25:34 says “and Esau despised his birthright” another version put it this way; “he showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.” Have you shown so much contempt for your right as the firstborn in time past? Probably you are too empty to be called one.

Esau, a good example of an irresponsible firstborn traded DESTINY for FRIVOLITIES, and later sought for it with tears. No other position is so much reckoned with like that of the first child.

You are part of a plan not an accident; you should be a student of processes and responsibilities instead of benefits and priviledges. Have you not seen other reasons why you are the firstborn except that everyone calls you “EGBON”.

Are  you only leading the flock behind you unto damnation? Don’t be the eldest in age alone, but also in spirituality and responsibility. Deep calleth unto deep, the devil is not bothered about anything except your destiny, once he has gotten it, you become useless to him. You are not by chance; let the eagle nature inside of you call unto that of your siblings.

To an extent you will account for them. Maybe nobody in your family has ever launched into that deep; why not lead them into it.

If after the loss of your parents, things get worse because you cannot manage the family, then you are beginning to lose your birthright.

Gen 49:3 says,“ Reuben you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the Excellency of dignity, and the Excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed and defiled it.”

 The greater the DESTINY you carry, the greater and higher the devil want to pay. You’ve got to make up your mind that the devil can’t find your price.

Reuben didn’t realize that so early, hence he was demoted and exchange his destiny for the laps of his father’s concubine.

Don't wait until God demote you. Some people increase their school fees and encourage their siblings also to cheat their parents, they dishonor their parents, I used to be a victim, until God spoke to me, like I am doing now. Believe me it was through some firstborn their siblings lost their virginity, some made their friends abuse their sisters. Some people did not make their siblings see any beauty in chastity and purity, they encouraged them to be people of easy virtue, to see no crime in wild parties and unruly habits, and didn’t show them the way of the Lord until they completely desecrated themselves. They didn’t make them see God has their only option.

Another account of an irresponsible first child is the first daughter of Lot that led her younger sister into sleeping with their father for offspring, shame on her. There are some mistakes your younger ones are not permitted to make, either because you have made them before, or because you know the danger it will do to their destiny.

I think we should rise to proper influence. No wonder Laban refused to give Rachael out to Jacob before Leah, he said” It is not our custom to marry off a younger daughter ahead of her sister.”

Probably your younger ones are the ones that remind you of church programmes, then you are a disgrace to God.

1 Chronicles 5:3 recorded that Reuben’s birthright was giving to his step brother; Joseph because of the atrocity he committed, and was not enlisted in the genealogical records as the first born.

Probably over the years, you have lost your place as the firstborn; you have disregarded your assignment. I don’t know the gravity of mistakes you have caused your siblings to make in the past, not to worry, now you are realizing your mistakes, make up your mind that you will not return to that pit of life, our God who is a merciful father will have mercy on you. Spring forth and become a lamp. The earlier the better. I recall the story of Esau again, a man that was CARELESS with destiny. Heb 12:17 says, “For you know how that afterwards when he would have inherited the blessings, he was rejected; although he sought for it with tears.

Let me end this note with the story of the daughters of Zelophehad who stood their ground for the posterity of their family, that their father’s name should not disappear from his clan because he had no sons, Numbers 27:1-8. An act that is very commendable, regardless the fact that they were females.

I pray you will not seek for your birthright with tears.

TILL WE ALL COME UNTO THE UNITY OF FAITH...