18/05/2024
AGONY OF WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
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Author: Pst. Adekunle Isaac Adesanmi
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Chapter 20: The Crossroads of Obedience
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Ezekiel's tears flowed profusely as he spoke to Pastor Emmanuel, his spiritual father, over the phone. "Daddy, the Lord has confirmed it to me tonight..." he said, his voice breaking with emotion. The fear of where to start overwhelmed him, like a heavy fog settling in his mind.
Pastor Emmanuel shouted, "Praise God, Hallelujah!" He could sense Ezekiel crying on the phone, the anguish palpable even through the distance. He understood the situation and everything. "Dear Son, I want to encourage you today as you stand at the crossroads of obedience. The Lord has called you into full-time ministry, and I know it's not an easy decision to leave behind a well-paid job and start from scratch. But I want you to remember that God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the bigger picture, and He has a plan to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11)."
Remember the story of Abraham, who left his comfortable life in Ur to follow God's promise (Genesis 12:1-3)? He had to trust in the unknown, just like you do now. And God blessed him abundantly, making him the father of faith. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus promises that anyone who leaves behind their old life for His sake will receive a hundred times more in return. That's a promise you can hold onto!
Starting from scratch may seem daunting, but it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation - your faith in God. As you take this leap of obedience, remember that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). You're not alone in this journey. Many have gone before you, including the apostle Paul, who left behind his prestigious life as a Pharisee to follow Jesus (Philippians 3:4-8). And God used him mightily!
So, my son, take a deep breath, and trust in the Lord's guidance. He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your sacrifice will not be in vain. You're sowing seeds of obedience, and God will bring a harvest of blessings and fruitfulness in due season. Remember, the greatest reward is not in what you leave behind but in the eternal impact you'll make for the Kingdom of God. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). You got this, son! You're not alone, and God's got your back!
"Thank you, Daddy," Ezekiel replied with a faint voice, his words barely audible through the tears.
Pastor Emmanuel asked, "Do you still remember our favorite hymn?" "I will love us to sing stanza one with the chorus.... Let it sound as a reminder and at the same time a warning for you as you make this decision."
O brother, life's journey beginning,
With courage and firmness arise!
Look well to the course thou art choosing;
Be earnest, be watchful, and wise!
Remember two paths are before thee,
And both thy attention invite;
But one leadeth on to destruction,
The other to joy and delight.
Refrain
God help you to follow His banner,
And serve Him wherever you go;
And when you are tempted, my brother,
God give you the grace to say "No!"
They both sang the hymn wholeheartedly until Emmanuel's airtime got exhausted. The melody lingered in Ezekiel's heart, a gentle reminder of God's faithfulness.
The next morning, Ezekiel attended church service, still grappling with the weight of his decision. He hadn't been that active in church lately due to the demanding nature of his job, but that day, he made a conscious effort to attend the morning service. The worship team's harmonious voices and the sweet fragrance of incense filled the sanctuary, creating a peaceful atmosphere that soothed his troubled mind.
As the worship team concluded their set, Pastor Gideon mounted the pulpit, a warm smile on his face. He greeted the congregation, and the church erupted in a chorus of "Praise God, Hallelujah!" The sound of clapping and cheering filled the air, a symphony of joy and praise.
"I bring a message from the Lord to you this morning," Pastor Gideon said, his voice booming through the microphone. "It's a message that says, 'Don't Fail God'."
Brethren, remember that God has entrusted you with great responsibility and privilege. You have been given a sacred trust, and with it comes the expectation of faithfulness and obedience. Do not fail God in what He has entrusted to you. The consequences of disobedience and neglect are severe, and the repercussions will be felt not only by you but also by those around you.
The message was another confirmation of what he received the previous night. He couldn't finish the service, his mind preoccupied with the weight of his decision. He picked up his Bible, the worn leather cover a comforting familiar feel in his hands, and entered his car, the cool air conditioning a welcome respite from the warm morning sun. As he drove to work, the hospital compound came into view, the familiar sight of the hospital's entrance and the sound of sirens in the distance greeting him like an old friend.
As he stepped out of his car, the warm sunshine hit his face, and he felt a gentle breeze rustle his hair. A colleague approached him, and they exchanged pleasantries, the sound of their voices a gentle hum in the morning air. "Doctor Kingsley said you should see him in the office anytime you arrive. Please make sure you see him," his colleague said, his voice laced with concern.
Ezekiel's response was weary, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you... I will." He sounded weak, his words laced with the weight of his emotions. He headed straight to Doctor Kingsley's office, his feet heavy with each step, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor.
As he entered the office, the familiar scent of leather and wood greeted him, the smell of old books and papers a comforting aroma. Doctor Kingsley, the Chief Medical Director, looked up from his desk, a warm smile on his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Dr. Ezekiel, how are you doing today? Hope all is well with you? You looked dull," he said, his voice filled with concern.
Ezekiel took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, the sound of his breathing a soft hiss in the quiet room. "I'm fine, sir... just due to stress," he replied, his voice cracking slightly, the sound of his vulnerability hanging in the air.
Doctor Kingsley nodded sympathetically, his eyes filled with compassion, and brought out a letter from his desk drawer, the sound of paper rustling a gentle accompaniment to their conversation. "The management of this hospital wants to appreciate you for your hard work and all your commitment and dedication to work. You are among the 3 of our staff that the management is sending to Australia for a 6 months training after which you will be promoted. All the expenses will be catered for by the management. Congratulations!" He stretched out his hands to shake Ezekiel's, but his eyes widened in surprise as he noticed tears already rolling down Ezekiel's cheeks, the sound of his sobs a soft accompaniment to their conversation.
The letter felt heavy in Ezekiel's hands, the weight of the paper a reminder of the weight of his decision. He looked up at Doctor Kingsley, his eyes brimming with tears, the sound of his tears a soft patter in the quiet room. "Thank you, sir," he managed to say, his voice barely audible, the sound of his gratitude a soft whisper in the quiet room.
What Next?????