I want to write to those who are experiencing any form of delay regarding settling down.
Ex 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Have you been here before? All your mates are married and it seems your spouse is delaying. Hasn’t he received you yet? What is she still doing on the mountain?
I heard a story sometime back when a guy was given a resounding slap after proposing to a lady. The lady was said to have wondered what took him so long.
In the passage above, the Israelites were frustrated that Moses delayed, so they sought other options. You too might be frustrated that your biological clock is ticking and no one is in view. My admonition to you is that you should not settle for other options. Don’t settle for a married fellow, a pervert, or an abusive person just in a bid to change your status.
In the New Testament, some people also experienced delays as the bridegroom decided to take his time.
Matt 25:5 KJV While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Some people have actually given up on the possibility of getting married to their God-ordained spouse. Some people have slumbered and slept off in the process of waiting.
In some cases, the delay is caused by the people involved. In other cases, the delay is from the bridegroom. Whichever case you fall into, there is something you can do rather than resign to fate.
Matt 9:15 KJV And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Yes, fast and pray. When it looks like you’ve done all you know how to do, yet your spouse is not forthcoming, you go into fasting. Why fast?
God will not just create your spouse the moment you begin fasting. Fasting will not change God either. It will humble your soul. It will discipline your flesh. If you are sincere with it, God begins to show you areas you need to work on. God begins to open your eyes. Your spirit man comes alive. You get downloads straight from above. You suddenly realize your partner has been hanging around ever since.
So what are some of the things I think you should know before you march down that altar to say ‘I DO’?
1. Marriage is a Covenant
“Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the COVENANT MADE AT YOUR MARRIAGE] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the WIFE OF YOUR COVENANT [made by your marriage vows].” Malachi 2:14 AMPC
Did you see that?
Marriage is not just something that is carnal or merely physical… marriage is deeply spiritual and a serious business, with serious implications.
So the first thing you must understand about marriage is that marriage is a covenant!
Having this understanding will give you some ‘sense’ so that you don’t just handle your marriage matter, ranging from the choice of a marriage partner to the marriage itself, with a light hand.
You understand that you’re entering into a covenant with anyone you marry, so you can’t afford to just marry any Tom, Jerry, or Jeff that comes your way! Or any Cinderella, Queenette, or Jessica that comes along your path! You choose wisely, by the Spirit.
Why?
Because you know you’re entering a covenant!
Having this understanding will even help prepare your heart way ahead of your marriage to remain faithful (in thought, word, and action) to your partner. So you start knowing that infidelity is not an option… like your heart gets locked on the matter way before you start your marriage.
Listen. You don’t prepare for battle in the midst of battle! What majorly keeps us in the face of battle are the preparations we made before that battle!
So pondering on these things right now, before you ‘I DO’, will help give you the right posture to have a successful marriage when YOU DO.
Can you talk to yourself now? Say:
“Ogbonnaya (of course you put your name there), marriage is a covenant! You have to be deliberate about it.”
Everyone is looking for where the grass is greener. And subtly, somewhere in our minds, we keep our eyes on other people’s lands. But remember the 10th commandment?
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Exodus 20:17 [KJV]
It’s easy to look at other relationships and think they have it better. Whether single or married, the temptation to keep looking at other people’s lives, believing that something “better” is out there, can creep in. But the truth actually is:
The grass isn’t greener on the other side; it’s greener where you water it.
For singles, social media can make it seem like everyone else is in a perfect relationship, while you wait. And you may start thinking, “Am I a spoon?” But don’t let comparison push you into desperation. Rushing into the wrong relationship because you feel left out can lead to heartbreak. Instead of searching desperately for the “greener grass” of a change of relationship status, focus on making yourself greener—growing yourself emotionally, spiritually, and mentally—so that when the right person comes, you’re ready.
For married couples, it’s easy to become dissatisfied when you start noticing flaws in your spouse. The excitement of the early days fades, and you might be tempted to think, “Maybe I married the wrong person.” Or worse still, you look at another marriage and begin to fall in love with another person’s spouse. But remember, we don’t fall in love like that, rather we fall in alignment with the angel of our destiny. (Laughs)
Every great marriage you admire was built—not found. Instead of looking outside, invest in what you already have. Communicate, forgive, appreciate, and keep nurturing your love.
Dear couples, let me even add another thought for you to ponder: the grass always looks greener on the other side until you come close. That person you’re now lusting after, whether subtly or overtly, has flaws too—maybe even greater than those of your spouse. The difference is that you’re close to your spouse but far from the person—so you see all your spouse’s flaws and not one of the other person’s. It’s easy to admire a person from afar, but when you come close, you find that there are flaws.
Listen, don’t destroy your marriage thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. Fight that distraction destroying your marriage. Stop looking at another man or woman. Focus on your spouse. Stop comparing. Focus on your marriage. Make it work.
Finally, dear singles and married, the devil thrives on making us believe that joy is always somewhere else. But true fulfillment comes from gratitude, contentment, and commitment. So, be grateful and content with where you are and what you have. And learn to water the grass in front of you—that’s where the greener grass is.
There are different stages of life that man may experience a wait. This wait could be for a job, a spouse, the fruit of the womb, a breakthrough, relocation, or an answered prayer.
The in-between season is never easy, it can be frustrating and uncertain. But in God’s kingdom, waiting is never wasted.
One thing you have to understand first is that your journey is different. Do not let comparisons or complaints enter your conversation with God or man.
The likes of Abraham, Joseph, Hannah, Moses, David, etc… experienced waiting seasons, so yours isn’t the first.
Meanwhile, the waiting season is not just about patience, it’s about preparation, transformation, and deep trust in God.
Below are four ways to maximize your waiting season:
1. Seek God Intentionally
The waiting season is the perfect time to draw closer to God. This season is to deepen your prayer life and meditate on His Word. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:25, The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Instead of complaining, cultivate a heart that seeks God daily.
2. Develop Yourself
While you wait, invest in personal growth. Learn new skills, read, and become the best version of yourself. Isaiah 40:31a says “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” This means waiting is not passive. It’s a time of renewal and preparation.
3. Serve Faithfully
Your waiting season can be a time of impact and blessing. So, engage in service to God and others. When Joseph was in prison, he didn’t waste his time, he served and interpreted dreams. This ultimately led to his elevation in Genesis 41:14.
4. Hold onto Faith
Waiting often comes with doubts, but remind yourself that God’s timing is perfect. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.” Have a strong belief that God is aligning things in His divine way.
Waiting season isn’t punishment, it’s preparation. So, embrace the process, trust God’s timing, and use this season wisely.
Affirm with me: Every waiting is working for my good! (Romans 8:28).
Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it also brings its own unique set of experiences and lessons that singles might not fully comprehend until they embark on their own path. While being single provides freedom and opportunities for personal growth, married life introduces new dimensions of love, sacrifice, and collaboration. Here are five things couples may be aware of that singles might not yet fully grasp:
1. The Beauty (and Challenge) of Compromise In marriage, two people become one, which means learning to give and take on everything from chores to where to go on vacation. Singles can make decisions all by themselves, but in a relationship, both partners have to think about each other’s needs and wants. This can be tough sometimes, but it also makes you and your partner closer and more united. Through compromise, couples grow together and learn how to put their goals first over their own wants.
2. The Depth of Emotional Intimacy
Singles can have deep friendships or romantic connections, but there’s something special about the emotional bond between spouses. Marriage takes a lot of vulnerability, trust, and being open with each other. Over time, this intimacy grows as couples share happy times, tough times, and even the little things that happen every day. It’s a level of closeness that really makes your heart and soul feel strong, because you both promise to love and support each other.
3. The Power of Grace and Forgiveness
Even if you’re head over heels in love with your partner, disagreements are bound to happen. What makes marriages truly special is the ability to show grace and forgiveness over and over again. Singles might find it easier to let go of grudges because their relationships aren’t as deeply connected. But in marriage, patience and mercy become superpowers that keep the peace and harmony flowing. As the Bible says in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and forgiving to each other, just as Christ forgave you.””
4. The Selfless Act of Marriage Marriage is a beautiful journey that teaches couples to prioritize each other. Whether it’s staying up late to comfort a loved one or giving up a hobby to spend quality time together, selflessness becomes a natural part of their lives. For singles, life is all about personal goals, but marriage shifts the focus toward serving and supporting another person. This act of surrender is a powerful reminder of Christ’s example of sacrificial love.
5. The Joy of Building a Legacy Together Marriage is a beautiful journey of creating a legacy together. It’s not just about building a family, a home, and a community, but about creating something meaningful that stands the test of time. From raising our little ones to serving others, we find immense joy in co-creating God’s plan for our lives. And let’s not forget the dreamers out there! While they may dream of this future, married couples live it every day, knowing they’re part of something extraordinary.
Singleness has its perks, but marriage is like a treasure trove of experiences that mold your character, strengthen your faith, and show you how God meant for us to connect. Both life stages have their ups and downs, but marriage shows you the true meaning of love, the sacrifices we make, and the beauty of unity that only those who’ve been on this journey can truly appreciate.
Valentine’s day has come and gone. Some people are smiling, some others are still wailing. Some people received multiple gifts, while others waited till midnight, yet got no gift. Now, you know exactly where you stand.
Some people had their innocence taken away, while some gave it out cheaply. Now that the adrenaline rush is over, and you are back to reality, let us talk.
Now is the time to take an inventory of whatever happened to you on Valentine’s Day, and make some decsisions.
If you feel you messed up, don’t stay there. Don’t sit down, sulk, and cry over what has happened.
Hos 6:1 [NIV] Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
Rise up from your pain and regret. It is not the end of the world. Mistakes have been made, but they do not define you. What defines you is what you choose to do next. Rather than sit in self-pity, rise, learn, and move forward.
For those who feel used, unappreciated, or broken, take a step back and reflect. What led you to this point? Were you too trusting? Did you ignore the red flags, I am sure they were there. You must answer these questions to prevent a repetition of what just happened.
For those who had a wonderful Valentine’s Day, filled with love, gifts, and attention -be grateful. However, do not let one day of affection blind you to the reality of your relationship. Is your relationship built on a firm foundation? Will the love last beyond the chocolates and roses? Feelings are fickle, they do not last, so ensure your love is rooted in something deeper and more meaningful – in Christ.
No matter what your Valentine’s Day looked like, today is a new day. Pick yourself up. Make wiser choices. Seek healing, and most importantly, like the prodigal son, return to the One who loves you unconditionally. His love is not seasonal, it does not waver, and it will never leave you empty.
In the journey of life, whether you’re single or in a relationship, it’s easy to get caught up in our own desires and expectations.
We often find ourselves asking, “What do I want?” But as followers of Christ, we must also ask, “What does God want for me?”
The difference between these two perspectives can shape the direction of our lives, relationships, and spiritual growth.
For singles, there may be moments when loneliness feels overwhelming, leading to impatience or even compromise. You might think, if only I had someone now, or why isn’t God moving faster? Yet, God’s timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t align with ours.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When we surrender our plans to Him, He uses those seasons of waiting to refine us, deepen our faith, and prepare us for His best.
Couples, too, face challenges where personal desires conflict with divine will. Perhaps one spouse prioritizes career over family time, or both partners struggle to agree on major decisions like finances or children. In such cases, seeking God’s guidance becomes essential.
Ephesians 5:21 encourages mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. This means putting aside selfish ambitions and choosing instead to honor God through love and selflessness in marriage.
Ultimately, what God wants transcends fleeting pleasures or temporary satisfaction. He desires intimacy—both with Him and within our relationships.
For singles, this means cultivating a deeper walk with Christ during times of solitude.
For couples, it involves nurturing unity rooted in a shared devotion to God. By aligning our hearts with His purpose, we experience lasting joy and fulfillment that worldly pursuits can not provide.
So today, take a moment to reflect: Are my choices reflecting what I want or what God wants?
Let us pray for discernment, patience, and trust in His sovereign plan. As we yield our wills to Him, He promises blessings far greater than anything we could dream for ourselves.
In our journey through life, relationships are one of God’s greatest gifts. Whether you’re single or married, every relationship—whether romantic, platonic, or familial—has the potential to either build us up or tear us down. Today, let’s reflect on how we can recognize toxic relationships and seek God’s wisdom to navigate them.
The Danger of Toxicity
A toxic relationship is one that drains your emotional energy, undermines your self-worth, or leads you away from God’s best for your life. It may not always be obvious at first, but over time, these relationships can cause deep wounds if left unaddressed. As followers of Christ, it’s crucial that we discern between healthy and unhealthy dynamics so we can honor God with our interactions.
Signs of a Toxic Relationship
Here are some common warning signs to watch out for:
Control and Manipulation: Does this person try to control your decisions, isolate you from others, or manipulate you into doing things against your will? Healthy relationships respect boundaries and encourage mutual growth.
Reflection: Are there areas where I feel pressured or controlled? Am I allowing someone else to dictate my choices instead of seeking God’s guidance?
Lack of Respect: Is respect absent in words or actions? Name-calling, belittling, or dismissing your feelings are red flags. True love honors and values each other as equals created in God’s image.
Reflection: Do I treat others with dignity and kindness, even when disagreements arise? Do they do the same for me?
Emotional Unavailability: A partner who consistently avoids vulnerability, refuses accountability, or shows no interest in understanding your needs creates an imbalance. Communication should foster connection, not distance.
Reflection: Am I being heard and understood? Am I listening attentively to their heart?
Spiritual Disconnection: If a relationship pulls you away from God or discourages spiritual growth, it’s important to evaluate its impact. Our faith must always remain central because it defines who we are in Christ.
Reflection: Does this relationship draw me closer to God or further away? Am I prioritizing my walk with Him above all else?
Abuse – Physical, Emotional, or Verbal: Any form of abuse is never acceptable. If you experience harm, seek help immediately. You deserve safety and peace.
Reflection: Have I ever felt unsafe or threatened? If so, have I taken steps to protect myself and reach out for support?
God’s Heart for Us
Jesus modeled perfect love by laying down His life for us (John 15:13).
Jhn 15:13 (KJV) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
His example teaches us what true love looks like—it gives freely, serves sacrificially, and seeks the highest good for others. When we encounter toxicity, whether in ourselves or others, we must remember that transformation begins with repentance and reliance on God.
Steps Toward Healing
If you identify toxicity in your relationship, here’s what you can do:
Pray About It: Bring everything before the Lord. Ask Him for clarity, strength, and courage to make wise decisions.
Set Boundaries: Protect your mental, emotional, and spiritual health by setting clear boundaries. This might mean stepping back temporarily or permanently.
Seek Counsel: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or pastors about your situation. Professional counseling can also provide valuable insights.
Choose Forgiveness: If possible, extend grace and forgiveness without condoning harmful behavior. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t mean staying in a harmful situation; it means releasing bitterness to God.
Trust God’s Timing: Let go of fear and trust that God has something better planned for you. He promises restoration and redemption (Jeremiah 29:11).
Singles
For those who are single, know that waiting on God’s timing is an act of faith. Don’t settle for less than His best. Instead, focus on growing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally during this season. Pray that God would prepare both your heart and the hearts of those around you for meaningful, godly relationships.
Couples
For couples, remember that marriage requires constant effort and communication. Be intentional about nurturing your relationship with God together. Lean on Scripture, prayer, and community to strengthen your bond and overcome challenges.
Waiting is never easy. Whether you’re waiting for a job, a breakthrough, the right person, or even clarity on what to do next, it can feel really exhausting. You pray, hope, and wonder when things will finally change. But here’s the truth: God’s goodness isn’t on pause just because you’re in a waiting season. He didn’t bring you this far to just leave you, you are never alone, He’s still with you. He is just as faithful in the process as He is in the promise.
Lamentations 3:25 – The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
If you’re single and waiting for the right person, it’s easy to feel discouraged, wonder if God sees your desire, or even be tempted to compromise. In this season, the waiting can feel endless and uncertain. But your waiting isn’t wasted. It’s the place where God is shaping you, preparing you, and strengthening your trust in Him. What may feel like a delay is often His way of protecting you or getting you ready for something far better than you can imagine.
The truth is, you can’t rush God’s timing.
Though it may tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3.
If it’s not the appointed time, no amount of force will make it happen, but when the time is right, nothing can stop it. As Isaiah 60:22 says, “I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.”
So don’t give up in the waiting. Don’t force what isn’t ready. Keep trusting, keep growing, and keep believing because when God moves, it will be worth every moment you waited and more!
Valentine’s Day is here again—the season of red roses, candlelit dinners, and grand romantic gestures. Everywhere you turn, social media is flooded with sweet messages, couples showing off their love, singles showing off their bae/boo, and businesses selling the idea that love must be proved with expensive gifts and intimate moments. But here’s my candid advice for you—something to chew on even before the day goes far.
What is true love? This is the question that should stay in your heart throughout today. Judge everything that comes your way with this question.
Many [young] people feel pressure on this day—pressure to be in a relationship, to impress, and, most sadly, to compromise their values. The world has painted a picture that love must be expressed through physical intimacy—and we are buying it, simply because we want to “belong” to the world—but God’s Word tells us otherwise.
The Bible tells us what True love truly is. True love is patient. True love honors. True love waits.
Any acclaimed love that buys you a gift and wants to unwrap you as you unwrap the gift is not true love. A straight warning here: Don’t carry yourself and go to places where it’s easy to compromise—his house, her house, lowly lit joints, etc. I saw a post recently by a pastor that made sense to me. He said that it is those who go close to a pit that have a greater tendency to fall in!
The Bible is clear: Flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). It doesn’t say “walk” or “resist”—it says flee! Why? Because sexual sin is not just another mistake; it affects your body, soul, and relationship with God.
Don’t go to strange places. Be overly careful, because the demon of lust will be operating strongly today, and compromising will be easier. So, take my advice, whether single or married: flee from every appearance of evil.
If you’re single, don’t let loneliness push you into something you’ll regret. If you’re in a relationship, don’t let the expectations of the world override God’s standards. If you’re married, what exactly are you looking for with that man/woman that is not your spouse? Why those chats? Why that expectation/desire in your heart this Valentine’s Day? Like, why? Kill it now! It will burn you!
Singles and couples, our strength to say no to nonsense comes from staying rooted in God’s Word and surrounding ourselves with godly friends. Find a church program and attend this evening, and after service, go home—go home with no one! Unless you’re married, then go home with your spouse.
Dear singles, remember that your worth is not in a relationship status but in Christ. Don’t be pressured today. This Valentine’s Day, choose to celebrate love the right way—pure, honorable, and pleasing to God. Instead of falling for worldly pressure, why not show love in a way that truly matters? Serve, encourage, and remind others of the greatest love of all: God’s unfailing love for us. Preach the love of Jesus to someone today!
God’s love is the foundation of our faith. It is not just an abstract concept but a reality that He constantly reveals in our lives.
His love is evident in everything He does because love is an action word.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The love of God comes with actions each time He expresses it to us. He’s so intentional about you and I that He gave us dominion and access through His son (Jesus Christ) whom He made our advocate.
How does God demonstrate His love for His children?
God demonstrates His love for His children in many ways, and the Bible is full of examples of His deep and unchanging love through:
1. Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice
God’s greatest demonstration of love is sending Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus Christ is His only begotten son and the second in trinity yet He gave Him out for the atonement of our sins. (Romans 5:8)
2. Adoption after Redemption
After the redemption Jesus Christ brought to us, we were now called sons and daughters of God which is an incredible access to God. God doesn’t just love us, He adopts us into His family.
1 John 3:1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.
The day we give our life to Christ is the signage of our adoption.
3. Provision for our Needs
God cares about every detail of our lives, including our daily needs. The word of God says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) He is ever ready to show up for us in time of need. All that we need is to ask so we can receive from Him.
In conclusion, no matter where you are in life, single or married, employed or unemployed, trust in His love, it is always present, always faithful, and always enough.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the world often glorifies romantic love with images of passion, intimacy, and physical attraction. While celebrating love is beautiful, Christians must remain vigilant against the pitfalls of lust and sexual temptation that can overshadow God’s design for relationships.
This day can become a minefield for those who are single or in relationships but lack biblical boundaries. However, with prayerful preparation and reliance on God’s strength, we can navigate this season with purity and integrity.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of lust in passages like Matthew 5:28, where Jesus says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
These words challenge us to guard our hearts and minds from wandering into areas that dishonor God and ourselves. On Valentine’s Day, when society emphasizes physical affection and romantic gestures, it’s crucial to remember that true love aligns with God’s will—it prioritizes respect, self-control, and commitment.
To protect yourself during this time, start by setting clear boundaries. If you’re single, avoid placing yourself in situations that could lead to temptation. Surround yourself with accountability partners who encourage you to stay focused on God’s plan for your life. For those in relationships, communicate openly with your partner about what honors God and establish mutual expectations for how you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day without crossing inappropriate lines.
Additionally, fill your mind with godly thoughts. Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely—think about such things.” Replace worldly narratives about love and sex with the truth found in Scripture.
Meditate on verses like Song of Solomon, which celebrates marital intimacy within the context of covenantal love, or Ephesians 5:25, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church.
Lastly, lean heavily on prayer. Ask God to strengthen your resolve and give you the wisdom to resist temptation. Remember, He provides a way out of every trial (1 Corinthians 10:13) and desires for you to experience freedom from sin.
This Valentine’s Day, let your love reflect God’s holiness and purpose. By guarding your heart and mind, you honor Him and prepare yourself for the kind of love He intends—for eternity.
The Bible warns us not to conform for a reason—it’s because conforming is easier. The pressure to fit in is constant. There’s pressure to get married, have kids, build a career, start a business, travel the world, and so on.
But God has given us a way out: the renewal of our minds.
Romans 12:2 (AMP) And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
One of the key ways to experience transformation is by growing spiritually. If you’re still struggling with the basics—fasting, tithing, praying, meditating—how will you stand firm when the pressure comes?
Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s a journey worth taking. The more you grow in your walk with God, the less pressure the world will have over you. Instead of being swayed by expectations, you’ll stand firm in God’s will for your life.
Battles are won through strategies. No military man would go to war without a strategy in mind. Things may change on the battlefield, but he would never go there with a blank mind.
Joshua had a strategy.
Jos 7:2-3 [NIV] Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth Aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the region.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary the whole army, for only a few people live there.”
Gideon had one too.
Jud 7:17-18 [NIV] “Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”
David, Samson, and every other war veteran in the bible had a strategy they used.
Strategies are meant to be improved over time. You don’t stick to the same old plan you’ve been using. Even if it works for you, there is always room for improvement.
You’ve approached that marriage with the same strategy for years. Yes, you might have had some results, but there are still more grounds to conquer.
You’ve approached that ‘babe’ with the same game plan over the years. This Valentine’s Day, why don’t you change your strategy?
That business hasn’t yielded as expected. It’s time to try something new.
The Israelites had a winning strategy I would love to recommend to us this morning. It can be applied anywhere – business, family, career, finance, and so on.
Jdg 20:18 [ERV] And the children of Israel arose, and went up to Beth-el, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.
In all you do, let praise take the lead. I know you are a prayer warrior. I know you are a master strategist, with a doctorate in strategic planning. Let Judah go up first. Read through the scriptures, anywhere they applied this strategy, it worked.
Ps 149:6 [CEV] Praise God with songs on your lips and a sword in your hand.
When you allow praise to take the lead, it translates to a sword in your hand.
By now we all know the scripture God gave us and are standing on it for manifestation. The little we know is all that is needed.
While meditating on this scripture, the Holy Spirit told me that this scripture also relates to the family.
Isa 60:22 (KJV) A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time
When we become truly united in the family, ‘our little’ becomes a thousand. God has designed it so that our interdependence with each other will produce far more than our individual effort, grace, anointing, strength, influence, and productivity.
In God’s arithmetic of marriage, one plus one never equals two. One Plus one equals three. It goes on and on until our one plus one equals ten and multiples of ten. It will always start with the little – husband and wife.
When husbands and wives walk in unity, bringing their unique ideas, graces, and anointing to the table, we don’t have a better idea, we have a completely new idea that is better than either the husband’s or wife’s initial idea.
Unity is not just sameness but complementary. You don’t have to be the same but complement one another. That’s humility and preferring one another to ourselves.
This is the atmosphere for thriving, blossoming, and flourishing. There is a powerful principle in the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. That’s the power of effective listening, first seek to hear before you are heard.
Effective listening brings unity which is necessary for us if our little is going to become a thousand.
Let’s work towards agreement in our marriages. The devil will challenge our agreement and unity. We should be wiser than the devil and not let go of the unity in our marriage. Our fight should be against the devil, for ourselves to defend ourselves.
How beautiful would it be if all marriages could strive and work at attaining this stage where they truly become a thousand?
Great victory will be won for the kingdom of God and great disaster done to the devil’s kingdom.
The victory of the Cross is not a one-time event but a daily reality for every believer. The scripture reminds us that God’s divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.
2 Peter 1:3 (NIV) – His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
To consistently enjoy this victory, we must embrace two fundamental principles:
1. Knowing Who You Are in Christ
Before we can truly celebrate the victory of the Cross, we need to understand our identity in Christ. This revelational knowledge is the key that unlocks our freedom. When you grasp that you are loved, redeemed, and empowered by God, every life’s battle becomes an opportunity to live out that truth.
In our marriages and relationships, this truth comes into play. Instead of seeking approval or validation solely from one another, we learn to ground our worth in who we are in Christ. This mutual understanding transforms conflict into growth and challenges into stepping stones toward a deeper, more resilient love. Just as the Word nourishes our spirit, a clear knowledge of who we are in Christ becomes the sustenance for every aspect of our lives.
2. Faith
Faith is essential to experiencing God’s victory. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Our belief in His promises like Romans 8:32, which reminds us that He gave His only Son for us builds an unshakeable foundation. Faith is the anchor that holds us steady when life’s storms arise.
Consider the simple yet crucial question: “What are you feeding your mind?” The thoughts we nurture shape our identity and our destiny. In every relationship and marriage, feeding our minds with the truth of God’s Word and meditating on the scriptures, enables us to overcome difficulties with confidence. Even when challenges seem impossible, faith assures us that Christ has overcome the world.
Victory in Christ isn’t about never facing struggles. It’s about knowing that no matter what comes your way, you’ve already won through Christ. Life will test you in every way possible but don’t lose sight of what the cross secured for you. See yourself with the lens of the cross!
Stop picking up what God has already taken away. It could be fear, doubt, or past mistakes. Keep feeding your mind with His truth, trust His timing, and hold onto faith even when things don’t look like they’re changing.
God’s victory should be your everyday reality. Live in it, walk in it, and never let life convince you otherwise.
The situation in Israel was terrible, so terrible that MOTHERS entered into an agreement to have their children for lunch. There’s an emphasis on “Mothers” because mothers have a special bond with their children.
And the king said to her, “What is troubling you?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son so that we can eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.’ So we boiled my son and ate him. And the next day I said to her, ‘Give your son so that we can eat him.’ And she has hidden her son”. 2 Kings 6:28-29
If mothers could slaughter their sons for lunch, then the situation was really terrible. And it also reveals to us that a man, if he doesn’t receive grace, can do ANYTHING in his vulnerable seasons.
This is actually a very disturbing story to read, but sometimes life can throw dirty and hard curveballs at you that will make you begin to justify barbaric acts. You can “kill” anyone just to survive, and you can even justify it as “God’s provision.”
“If I’m alive, I can give birth to another son. If I don’t boil my son, I and my son will still die of hunger. It’s better I sacrifice my son so I can live and give birth to another tomorrow. Thank You, LORD, for this wisdom.” One mother would have said, out of severe hunger, justifying the sin she was about to commit and slapping the name of God on it.
What are you currently trying to justify? This is God’s call for you to stop!
One of the moments you have to be extremely careful and double-check every action is in times of dire need… in your low moments. In such times, it will do you good to stay real close to God—to really enquire of God before taking any action—so that you don’t do anything you will regret and pay for later. Many have “boiled their sons” to satisfy their needs. I hope you don’t do so.
After they boiled the first woman’s son and ate, the hunger cleared, and the second woman began thinking well.
“How on earth did we agree to do this?”
So she went and hid her son.
You see that hunger was really the driving force of the barbaric act. Hunger can mess up your life. Hunger can make you do terrible things you couldn’t have imagined yourself doing. So, I counsel again:
In your times of dire need, stay close to God. Allow God to purify you constantly. Don’t take actions hastily—sit on decisions and allow God to direct you.
Finally, come to the throne of grace and receive grace.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 [NKJV]
There’s Grace available for you. You can receive grace for the season you’re currently in. You can receive grace.
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough for God? No matter how much you pray, worship, or try to live right, there’s always a lingering feeling of guilt, doubt, or spiritual failure. If so, let me break the good news to you that you’re not alone.
Many believers struggle with the thought that they are not truly godly and that they’re somehow a disappointment to God. That feeling doesn’t come from God, it’s the enemy messing with your mind.
One of Satan’s greatest strategies is deception. He knows he cannot take away your salvation, so he works hard to make you think you’re not worthy of God’s love. His goal is to make you believe a lie so that you live in defeat rather than the victory Christ has already won for you.
That’s why the Bible admits to us
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
If the enemy can make you doubt God’s love, he knows he can weaken your faith.
You see, your mistakes, struggles, and doubts can not separate you from God’s love. God’s love is constant, consistent, and unchanging.
Romans 8:38-39 that: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Now that you know the enemy’s tactics, here’s how you can fight back:
1. Renew your mind with God’s word daily
The enemy thrives in ignorance, but God’s Word is your weapon. (Romans 12:2)
2. Reject condemnation
Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit to lead you back to God, but condemnation comes from the devil to push you away from God. Learn to recognize the difference.
3. Guard your thoughts
When negative thoughts come, don’t entertain them. Instead, do what is in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Counter lies with truth. When the enemy says, You’re not godly, remind him: I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
4. Stay in a community
Isolation makes you an easy target for the enemy. Stay connected with other believers who can encourage and uplift you.
5. Pray and resist the enemy
Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s also spiritual warfare. Fight negative thoughts in the place of prayer.
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
So the next time the enemy tries to bring guilt and mess with your mind, remind him: I belong to Jesus, and nothing you say can change that truth.
Most of the time, our immediate actions have futuristic consequences, which is why we have to be careful about what we do or what we don’t do. Our choices – whether good or bad, transcend us.
David, for example, chose to go for another man’s wife after murdering him. One would think God’s silence on the matter for over a year meant He approved David’s actions. Well, his choices threw his family into problems as the sword never departed from his house.
What about Abraham, the father of faith? He wanted a permanent solution to his issue of childlessness as the supposed promise of God was taking too long to manifest. Of course, we know he eventually had to send Ishmael away.
I could also talk about Samson, Joseph, Gehazi, Saul, and a host of others whose choices outlived them.
What is my point this morning? It doesn’t end with you. That 5 minutes of pleasure doesn’t end there. That subtle text doesn’t end there. Yes, it is taking longer than you thought but compromising has never solved any problem beforehand. Ask everyone who has compromised in one way or another. It never ended there. More often than not, the moment you are done compromising, then the issues begin.
Jos 24:15 [NKJV] And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Before you take that decision, think about your children. Think about your assignment. Think about your purpose. Jesus could have easily turned the stones into bread. He not only had the power, he was hungry, but he knew better. He knew his work on earth was more than bread.
Like we say in Nigeria; the food you do not have plans to put in your mouth, do not bring it close to your nose.
It is amazing how we can overlook the power of the little.
God has the capacity to create anything out of nothing. It is the attribute of the divine.
But for man, there has to be that little to work with. God will never leave you with nothing. It could be gifts, talents, substance, relationships, or even the seed of the word, but there will always be that thing you have to get you to where you ought to be.
That is the principle of the kingdom.
In our scripture for the year, it says,
Isa 60:22 (KJV) A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
Can you see that? What will become a thousand is the “little.”
That little is always needed.
What is the little that you have but have neglected because you are looking for the “huge” capital to get started?
What is the little gift you have but have simply refused to appreciate?
Well, whatever is not appreciated will depreciate.
You must not only identify and acknowledge your little, but you must be thankful, praise-full, and grateful to God for it.
Do you remember the five loaves and the two fishes?
John 6:5-9 (KJV) When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? [6] And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. [7] Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. [8] One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, [9] There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
Andrew despised and dismissed the little lunch of the little boy, but hey, that was exactly “the little” that Jesus needed to demonstrate God’s wonder on supernatural provision!
Be thankful and grateful for the little this morning, put it in the hands of Jesus like that lunch, and watch a glorious miracle of multiplication unravel in your life! May God open your eyes to see the little!
