¨There are times when I feel so dry and far from God¨ - My God and I with Bolaji Deborah

FH: About Myself:

            I’m Bolaji Deborah Oluwafunmilayo, also known as Jakin Boaz.
I’m a Christian and just graduated this year from LAUTECH and should be
going for service this November. I am a Project Manager, presently into
skill acquisition and professional training programmes.

            I gave my life to Christ December, 2008 a month after I got
admitted into Lautech.






FH: The events that led to making the decision:

            Though I followed my parents to church and knew the importance
of prayer and fasting, I didn’t know God until I got admitted into Lautech.
As usual on getting to school, I started attending a Baptist church with my
roommate Dolapo. I was opportuned to meet young men and ladies that were so
vibrant and loved God and they were also living a purposeful life. All of
these made me to have a rethink and also encouraged me  to give my life to
Christ.
FH: Challenges I have experienced in my work with God:*

            I have experienced many but will talk on two major ones.
a)      *The need to become a better person*: being the fact I am a
choleric (a born leader), wherever I get to, it only takes a while for me
to have to take up leadership responsibilities. On getting to Lautech and
giving my life to Christ, I became the prayer coordinator of my church in
school in 200L. I was used to talking to people rudely, ordering people
around and getting things done my own way. Before I gave my life to Christ,
I didn’t see anything wrong in these things but as I began my journey with
God, I realized there was a need for a change. I didn’t know how to be
patient, I didn’t know how to love in God’s way, I couldn’t tolerate
people, I saw myself as perfect and not lacking anything and hated when
people give excuses for not getting their work done. Before I knew it I was
having so many issues with my roommate, hostel mates, church members and
people around. I had the challenge of learning to deal and lead people with
my heart and not my head.
b)      *Secondly, challenges with my health*: I have allergy for harsh
weather condition which resulted in consistent cold and catarrh and most
times leads to malaria. My department in school was so demanding, the
leadership responsibility upon me in church was much. I had to study and do
a lot of school assignments and I also had to spend quality time in the
place of prayer, studying my bible and fasting. It was so challenging
because I was always sneezing, having runny nose, had to take cold and
catarrh drugs which required me to rest a lot. Before I knew it, I was
lagging behind in school and also started having spiritual attacks because
as a prayer warrior you stand at the war front for the church. It got to a
stage I knew I was a walking corpse.
FH: Practical steps I took to deal with the challenges:

1)      Concerning the issue of character, I had to take off my garment of
pride, apologized to my roommate and everyone I could apologize to. I also
spoke with my Pastor (Eruke Tauna) and some Christian folks about it. They
encouraged me not to give up, that I could be better if I was willing to
submit totally to the Holy Spirit. I must say that those periods were not
easy at all, I had to walk up to people to talk about it, I cried, took the
blame and apologized. Though not all the relationships were restored
especially with my roommate. I must say that I am not yet there but am
getting better by the day.

2)      Concerning my health, I prayed to God to heal me and the word He
gave me was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in (your) weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9. I struggled with my health
throughout my stay in school and am still believing God for His healing.
But I honestly don’t know how I made it through in school, how I was among
the best 10 students out of about 200 students that graduated from my
department this year, It was a Miracle, how I was never rushed home because
I was sick was indeed a Miracle. I remember I was telling a friend of mine
(Dami) when we were about to graduate that I was sick and tired of my
health and she said even me that is perfectly okay could not achieve all
you have achieved in your stay in Lautech, I have all the reasons to bless
God.
FH: Times in my walk with God when I don’t exactly feel top notch:

      There are so many times I can’t even count when I feel so dry, so far
away from God like there is no fuel in my tank. No Christian can actually
avoid that moment(s), even David went through such (Psalm 42), this is
needed for growth.

What I do in such times is to be sincere with myself and check to know what
could be wrong.

I go over my favorite bible chapters (Psalm 27, 91, Isaiah 41 and so on). I
also speak to my spiritual friends such as Deborah, Ay, Tope, Dami etc, I
also seek for counsel from my Pastor (Pst. Sina) and my Spiritual father
(Pst Lakin). I spend time in the place of prayer and at times I go for
personal retreats.
FH: My take on sin and how I think we can overcome sin:

      There is no how one continues in sin and expects to grow spiritually.
There are so many things we see, hear and watch these days that are killing
our spirit. You can’t block your ears and eyes because whether you like it
or not, you will come across these things daily on tv, radio, internet,
neighbourhood and even at home.

One thing I will say is that we should know and be sincere with ourselves.
If you know you have problem of lust, you should screen the movies you
watch, the sites you browse when online, what you say with your friends,
what you think and meditate on. Likewise, anyone having issues with hatred
should stay away from drawing conclusions on people’s behavior, be
contended with whatever you have, learn to tolerate people and many others.

Getting an accountability patner will also help a lot. Speak to your
someone (it could be your Christian friend, your pastor or your mentor,
just make sure that the person has got your back) about the sin you are
struggling with, ask for their advice, tell them the steps you will be
taking, tell them to check on you at intervals to see if you are doing well
and also tell them to join you in prayer.

      One must not forget that the flesh does not have power over sin, only
the spirit does. Always make sure you feed your spirit daily by studying
and meditating on the word of God and also praying and fasting.
FH: Most Remarkable time/season of my life:*

      That was when I was led by the Holy Spirit to stay back in Ogbomoso
for my IT, left to me I wanted to come to Lagos. It wasn’t easy for me
because the pay was so small. During that period, I had time to really
speak to God and I discovered so many things I didn’t know about myself. I
got a clear understanding of God’s purpose for my life and God also gave me
a new name “JAKIN BOAZ” which means security and stability (2 Chronicles
3:15-17 Message bible).

FH: My relationship with God today:

      I am really learning a lot daily, I have come to realize that without
Him, I am nothing. I hear God say to me always that He has not brought me
this far and leave me.
FH: Words of encouragement to people in whatever phase they are right now:

 I will say to everyone out there to draw near to their Creator, He
knows everything about you, your weakness and strength. He will not and
never leave you nor abandon you. You are a work in progress, your life
might not look like the vision God showed you but He is not through with
you.

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"One challenge was exposure to the sin of pornography" My God & I with Tommy

FH: Tell us about you.

I’ll limit this to the three things I’d love to be known most for and/or by: I’m Tommy Michael, I’m a Christian, and I’m a (gospel) pencil artist.

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

I gave my life to Christ while still a kid. This makes it a bit difficult for me to settle on a date. Even though I somewhat made a rededication in 2010.

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

I can’t exactly remember now, though I can easily assume it must have been one of my mum’s incessant talks on the rapture, heaven, hell or something like that.

FH: What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

One, not having as much faith as I would love to have in Him. Two, I learnt my Christianity in not so easy a way. Three, and chief of them, seeing how much God hates sin and sinfulness, was my (incidental) exposure to the sin of pornography.

FH: What practical steps did you take to deal with them?

As much as I felt like puking – literally – in my first real encounter with the earlier mentioned sin, it had held on to me and was going to engage me in a struggle for years. And of course my prayer for forgiveness couldn’t lead me out of it. How I overcame?

1. As a Christian lad, I’d been made to understand God’s infinite intolerance for sin (by anyone: saved or unsaved). This I easily accepted (and still accept).
2. As much as my knowledge of truth was shallow, deep down I knew I couldn’t do this by my effort.
3. When I found myself unwilling to let go, I prayed God to make me willing to let go. When I say prayed, what I mean is cried. I ‘held on to His leg’. It was heartfelt. In the end there was a readiness to let go.
4. When one prayer didn’t do it, I persisted until I got freed.
5. The necessary action followed. I freed my pc of most of my movies. If there was a multipurpose website where occasionally a wrong image would pop up, I resolved to not visit it or do so less. I knew a little mistake could suck me right back in, which I occasionally experienced. Not anymore.

FH: There are times in our walk where we don’t exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times?

What keeps me going is my decision not to feel, but to act on what I know and believe in His word, and to pray. I realized my feelings often to be misleading. Prayer helps a great deal in such situations.

FH: A lot of Christians out there have the major challenge dealing with Sin. What’s your take on this? And how do you think we can overcome sin?

I can’t speak extensively on this right now, but here’s a part of what I believe constitutes our challenge with sin: a Christian’s challenge with dealing with sin has a whole lot to do with his or her understanding and utilization of grace. I’ll explain.

One man is taught and describes grace thus: “I’m once saved, and forever saved. Whatever I do hereafter: good or bad, matters little or nothing”. Such will have challenge with sin.

Another thinks of grace thus: “Yes I’m saved, but whenever I’m faced with temptation or trial, and I fall, God understands and will forgive when I ask Him to”. Such will have no power over sin.

Here’s how I interpret grace: that at salvation, you receive the Spirit of God Who enables you to stand in the day of temptation, that you have the word of God to teach, warn and renew you daily, that you have Jesus always interceding for you, that Christ died not just for your salvation but for you sanctification, that He has given you exceeding great and precious promises by which you can possess His nature(2 Peter 1:4), that you can PRAY to Him and rest in His victory over the chief tempter, that He has promised to make a way out of every temptation (I Cor 10:13); all this, is grace for me and renders us inexcusable if we find ourselves living still bound to sin.

There’s a lot more though.

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time/season in your walk with God?

To anyone reading this, wait till you (really) receive the infilling of the Holy Ghost, then you’ll understand the most remarkable season in my walk with God ☺

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

Right now, Jesus is at the centre of my goals, passions, ambitions, life; not ‘cause I made it so. No, He did. I just let Him. Yet is there an infinite degree to Him that I’m yet to experience ☹

FH:

Words of encouragement that you have for people in whatever phase they are in right now.

Whenever I find opportunity to thank God often I say: “Thank You Father, because you never left me alone”. Whatever you’re passing through, always remember, God never leaves us alone and no prayer of His child’s goes unheard.

Tommy blogs at http://walkwithmee.wordpress.com/ (Do visit and go through his art - Awesome stuff)

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¨I gave my life to Christ when I was 9¨ God and I with Tolani

FH: Tell us about you

`My name is Ajala Tolani, i really don’t have a nickname. I am a graduate of physiology, a very sensitive person in nature that is why I don’t get close to people easily but when I do you’ll never regret it (never a dull moment with tOLaRr).

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

I gave my life to Christ when I was 9 years old and I rededicated my life to Christ 2007.

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

I was saved at a very tender age, joined the choir to the extent I sometimes share my bible class teachings with my friends. I didn’t know much then but I just wanted to serve God. After a while I backslided.

In 2007, a lot of things happened in my life that left me helpless, fearful, devastated, a lot of sleepless night which made thirsty for a change. I had no option but to retrace my steps back to the potter.

FH: What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

Whao, Challenges!!! Have had so many but there was just this one thing then, which was hearing and believing from the basis of God’s word. Concerning every issue of my life I wanted to hear from God through His word (fine, I listened to messages, read books). On every issue I just wanted to know the mind of God.

FH: What practical steps did you take?

Be anxious for nothing …….. (I’ll put my name here), but by prayer with thanksgiving allow your request (no matter how small it is, what to wear, what you need, how to go about something) be made known unto God. Ephesians 1:16-18 was also one of the scriptures I used.

FH: There are times in our walk where don’t exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times?

What kept me going in times like that is fellowshipping with fellow brethren that is why church programs are called service just like the way we service our cars. I made sure I avail myself for paryer meetings and bible study, iron sharpens iron. It wasn’t that easy but it really helped.

FH: A lot of Christians out there have the major challenge of dealing with sin, what’s your take on this and how do you think we can overcome sin?

Sin is man's old nature and our perfection is in Christ. Therefore to overcome sin, one has to admit that something is wrong. Don’t ever appreciate sin instead focus more on the solution even when you’re still in the act. Put the sin aside and focus more on being a better person especially in that area. Focus on the price and not the problem.

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time or season in your walk with God?

The day I rededicated myself back to Christ, since then I have never experienced a better last year because He daily loaded me with benefits.

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

Superawesome

FH: Words of encouragements

God is always speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. Concerning that situation, look unto God because His plan for your life is in His book. No matter what you are going through always give thanks, its not always that easy but just obey 1Timothy 4:4

PS: Happy Independence to Nigeria!!! I pray that the coming election will be according to the plans and dictates to the most high, His express will be done in this nation and we will grow in peace and unity!! In Jesus name! Amen!!!

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''For the first time I prayed out loud'' My God & I with Wale

FH: Tell us about you.

I'm a vibrant, energetic and young boy called Wale. A graduate of Crawford University, lover of Christ because I believe there is no-one like HIM.

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

That was 2011, at a revival service in my school.

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

Somethings just happen and you don't have explanation for them. Like the word said in Galatians 1:15 - called me by his grace. That was the time I had to surrender all to Him, commit my life to Him fully. The minister was preaching and it felt like it was for me, for the first time I PRAYED OUT LOUD.

FH:  What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

A lot, like backsliding, wanting to do those old habits. I use to go out drinking alcohol with my friends before salvation, afterwards, you look weird to them like 'is this guy alright'.

FH: What practical steps did you take to deal with them? 

I was weak then, I lacked orientation let me say; I had no mentor - I felt it was just about living a good life, having good habit basically it was like rule of morality for me. So, it wasn't helping but I had an encounter with a friend who understands walking with God. Now, I deal with them by reading the word, meditating on it. David said my heart is fixed and I'll sing praises to God. I had to be in love with God to be able to fight it. - walking in love.

FH: There are times in our walk where we don't exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times? 

I'm a lover of music, well, have learnt a lot in my walk with God, most especially when you meet people of like mind. The scripture says 'so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend' (Proverbs 27:7) also in Hebrews 3:13, it says 'but exhort one another daily.' I have just gospel music in my archive and not just anyhow gospel music like the owambe type, I listen to those anointed ones that will keep me going like Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edward, Wale Adenuga, Jesus Culture, Darlene etc
I also listen to messages on the go like Hagin, Kenyon, Adeboye etc, they just get me going.


FH: Alot of Christians out there have the major challenge of dealing with Sin, whats your take on this? and how do you think we can overcome sin?

One of my fav quote in the bible is Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." As well as Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"

These quotes serve has my guide in not to sin, also Jesus said "if you love ME then keep my commandments." We claim to love HIM then we should hate sin.

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time/season in your walk with God?

It's this year, I'm enjoying it so much due to the fact that I'm understanding my walk now.

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

I can't describe it, it's awesome I'll say, I won't want to trade it for anything. I love HIM!

FH: Words of encouragement that you have for people in whatever phase they are in right now? 

Just think of HIS goodness over your life. God said is our shield and great exceeding reward (Gen 15:1)
Lay it at His feet any burden that you may have, just cast all to HIM and relax. Bro Hagin said 'every God's blessings comes with a condition' and that is we must obey HIM!

Wale is a lover of Christ and a thinker. He blogs at 

www.dieulavie.blogspot.com

Do check him out!

God bless you.

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''Was very doubtful I was going to get admitted into school'' My God & I with Temilade

FH: Tell us about you.

My name is Temilade Adefioye, most people call me Temi or Temmy. I'm currently doing my Masters program, I love to read, write, cycle and swim. Most people say I'm a very lovely person and I agree with that 

FH: When did you give your life to Christ?

I gave my life to Christ on September 11, 2000 (not 2011 of the 9/11 saga) 

FH: What were the events that led up to making the decision?

I was a normal teenager in search of a life of love and comfort but at the same time very inquisitive about religion and God. I was attending a church that preached so much about pleasing God and going to heaven. The preaching about the rapture and the second coming scared me a lot and I didn't want to be left behind, the only way out was to give my life to Christ, so I did. 

After then, I just continued living life normally without seeking a deeper relationship with God until I got to a point where I wasn't sure if I was truly born-again. I was attending church services with one of my family friends and on our way to church one day, I told her I wasn't sure if I was born-again, she asked me some basic questions, my answers convinced me that I was and so I sought to have a deeper relationship with God (I wanted to be like Aimee Semple McPherson ) .

FH: What challenges have you experienced in your walk with God?

I have experienced so many challenges in my walk with God. I have experienced situations such as the death of a cousin who I looked up to which made me question the existence of God. I've had to deal with joblessness, frustration and an accident with left me with some scars which made me question the love of God in my life, I have also had to deal with doubts and fears especially with my finance, career, marriage and future.

FH: What practical steps did you take to deal with them? 

With each situation I face, God surrounds me with very good friends, not just good people, but good Christians friends who provide me with support such as prayers and words of comfort. God uses them so many times to direct me to Bible passages and similar situations in their lives they have experienced and came out strong. In addition to my friends, I make it a point of duty to read Christian and inspirational books and listen to gospel music.

So the steps I take in summary-Reading the Bible, surrounding myself with positive people, reading Christian books, listening to gospel music. 

FH: There are times in our walk where we don't exactly feel top notch, what keeps you going in those times? 

I find that most times when I'm really down and absolutely clueless even about what Bible verse to read and which friend to talk to, a song I have listened to in the past begins to play in my head. I think this is the Holy Spirit's way of comforting me. If there are no songs in my head, then what comes to mind could be Bible passages, portions in a book I have read or parts of a conversation I had with someone in the past. 

FH: Alot of Christians out there have the major challenge of dealing with Sin, whats your take on this? and how do you think we can overcome sin?

I think if you don't have a sin, temptation or something negative to deal with, then maybe you have ignored God so much that you don't have that Spirit check any more. Sometimes, it may not be sin you have to deal with, it could be anxiety or doubt. At every point, there is always something to deal with. It may not be very easy, but the only way we can overcome sin is by asking for the help of God promptly. There are times when I've been tempted to do things my way and it has never resulted in any good, but that doesn't mean I will not do it next time, it just means I'm human and I really need the help of God. 

FH: Can you share the most remarkable time/season in your walk with God?

The most remarkable time in my walk with God was when I got admission into the university for my undergraduate course. It was at a time when it was very difficult to get admission into the university in Nigeria, when it was a matter of who you knew. It became particularly difficult for me when I began to learn that most of my mates from secondary school were in their third year in the university and my younger sister was also about finishing secondary school. I could not imagine why I couldn't get into the university because I came out with very good grades in my Secondary certificate examinations. 

It affected me so much that I always got into trouble at home because myself-esteem was going down the hill. I was having a conversation with one of my family friends and she told me about her school, I applied but was very doubtful I was going to get admitted because there was age limit on admission. I was really shocked to find out that as young as I was, I was becoming too old to get into a private school. I prayed about it and God's specific words to me were 'I will restore the years that the locust and the canker worms have eaten' (Joel 2:25-27). At first, I was very doubtful but I got the admission and each step of the way throughout the course, God was with me, for every tough time I faced, there was a word just there to guide and comfort me. At the end of my undergraduate degree, the only thing I could say was that 'He did repay me back!'

FH: What is your relationship with God like today?

My relationship with God today is very wonderful. Though there are times when I still have my lows feel I'm loosing it. With each passing day however, His mercies are renewed to me

FH: Words of encouragement that you have for people in whatever phase they are in right now? 

A number of Bible verses really keep me going these days, I like to link them with each other because I feel they touch every aspect of my life.

When I'm in trouble - Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry. You will sleep without fear and be greatly respected (Job 11:16-19-Contemporary English Version)

When I'm in doubt - Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away- Mark 13:31 

When my doubt is getting out of hand - O Lord, you are true to your promises and your words a like silver, purified seven times in a furnace of clay (Psalm12:6-I can't remember the Bible version)

When I doubt God's existence - The fool in his heart says 'There is no God' (Psalm 14:1a-NIV)

I think those are the things that bother me most, when I'm faced with troubles, I remember the first passage and then when I doubt the first passage, I remember the second, when I doubt the second, I remember the third, I get to the peak of my doubt when I doubt God's existence, then I remember the fourth and my strength is renewed.

Temilade is a simple, fun loving, not perfect in any way person. she loves to gist, loves her friends, loves her family, currently loving swimming, but most importantly, she loves God and loves Him more each day. She is not a random person found just about everywhere; she is unique, special and apt for God's purpose. As each day unfolds, God helps her discover who she is in Him as she evolves into who He wants her to be in Him. She knows why she is here on earth-she was created for God's glory, so all the glory returns to God, thank you for making her who she is!

She blogs at: http://temiladeadefioye.blogspot.com/


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¨Its spiritual doesn’t make it less painful'' Introducing: My God & I

Hello people,

I have been working with African Naturalistas for a while and running an Interview column called mane matters and i've watched how its been helpful and encouraging other people on their natural hair journey. I then decided to replicate it here for our walk with God after all that's what's most important. I have a couple of responses already that I will post over the next weeks and hopefully you are encouraged to share yours.

Here is my story; 

I was born into a Christian home and for as long as I remember I have always gone to church. Children’s church, teenagers then adult church… gone through all the Sunday school classes till I became a member of the church and that was it. I remember thinking to myself ¨So, What next?¨

Routines.

Instructions.

you-must-do-this-rules.

I mean, I didn’t want to go to hell. It’s a horrible place to go to. God, religion and Sunday was a part of my life, nothing more. I didn’t even understand it and looking backI wonder how/why alot of things flew over my head.

Reading the Bible? Struggle.

It was boring and I always fell asleep or just forgot.

Praying? Great chore. Morning devotion was enough.

Then 2012 happened.

I must say this, there is a God-sized hole in every heart whether we fail to admit or not. Its there.

I was in Niger state, lonely, depressed (I wrote somethings on here at the time) and after having suicidal thoughts I knew that was the height.

I started reading the book purpose driven life and followed it for the 40days which propelled me into Gods waiting arms

He had been waiting for me.

I also bought a Bible and my journey started. It was a real radical change, I knew I was broken and only God could fix/heal me with all my sins, my bad attitude, emotional baggage, unforgiveness etc. I took major steps with the help of the holy spirit and walked through those times.

I cried.

I cried alot.

I cried so much.

He specialises in unearthing the deep ugliness inside of you not to show you how ugly you are but to let you see how much beauty HE can bring out of that ugliness.

And boy! The Lord did unearth. I don’t know how long you've been reading my blog but I’m sure you will notice through every hard lesson the Lord has passed me through.

Change? Growth? Painful. Just because its spiritual doesn’t make it less painful.

Who says walking with the Lord is easy? But it is worth it. 

Its been over 2 years since I accepted Christ life and started to find my foot in HIS by following in the steps he left behind.

Do I still fall asleep when I read the Bible? Sometimes

Do I still struggle with prayer? Yes

Do I get shy when I want to share my faith with someone?  Yes

But just like a child learning to walk, every time I fall (short) HE is there to support me and help me up.

¨Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me¨ John 15:5

 I am not perfect but abiding in Christ, I am walking to perfection. I understand that living the life of Christ in this world that is anti-Christ is not going to be easy but as long as I abide in him, I will be fine. Always.

Are you willing to share about your walk with the Lord? Shoot me an email tomi.akibo@gmail.com

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