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.
David, a formidable warrior and a field marshal in every sense, fought numerous battles and emerged victorious in almost all of them.
But he experienced moments of intense emotional turmoil, reaching his lowest point.
One such instance occurred when his biological son attempted to seize his throne.
What happened? Did Absalom chase him away from his throne? Yes, he did.
Psa 3:1-2 (KJV) A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. [2] Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
He was down as he attested that many others joined Absalom in the rebellion. He recounted how many people abandoned him, and even some people claimed that God had forsaken him and refused to assist him.
Have you ever experienced situations where it felt like those closest to you betrayed your trust? Have you been disappointed by people you considered trustworthy?
Well, let me tell you about David. He prayed a prayer that I’d like to share with you!
Psa 3:3 (KJV) But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
There are four things in that one verse:
Relationship with God: But thou, O LORD God, My protection: Art a shield for me; God, my glory: My Glory God, lifter up of my head: The lifter up of mine head.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, God will be there for you! Whenever you’re going through a stormy time, pray that prayer and God will show up for you!
Let’s take a look at The Passion Translation.
Psa 3:3 (TPT) But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head when I bow low in shame.
Do you know what part I love the most? You take me and surround me with yourself!”
In the remaining days of this month and the days ahead, God will envelop you with His divine presence! What else would you need apart from that? Walk into the coming days with that assurance that “God surrounds me!”
The most crucial element in relationships and marriages is perhaps direction.
Knowing who to date.
Knowing who to go out with.
Knowing who to get married to.
Knowing where to settle down.
Knowing what kind of career path, job, or business endeavor to pursue.
Knowing how many children to go for.
The list goes on and it’s endless.
The greatest secret of resounding success is the direction and knowing specifically what to do.
We know that there is a template or blueprint that God has for us individually and for our relationships and marriages. Plugging into this specific template eliminates most issues that might arise.
How do we get to a place where God directs our paths?
That is what I want to show you this morning.
Pro 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
The greatest enemy of having God direct us is twofold from the above verse:
~ When you don’t trust God with all your heart
~ When you lean or depend on your understanding.
The next verse tells us precisely what to do.
Pro 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Did you see that? Acknowledge Him in all your ways and the next thing is that He will direct your paths!
How do you acknowledge God in all your ways, especially in relationships and marriages?
Put Him first place in your life. Put His Word first place and honour that Word by reading and studying regularly.
Talk to Him before every decision, both minor and major decisions! Let Him be involved all the way.
When you include God this way, He promises that He will direct your paths.
As I close, let us take a look at that same verse in The Amplified Version:
Pro 3:6 (AMPC) In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
I pray that God will direct your paths indeed! He will give you the wisdom needed to be able to acknowledge Him in all your ways!
From Isolation to Illumination: A Tale of Love and Mentorship
In a bustling Nigerian town, the lives of Adebayo and Yetunde were a testament to the importance of love, community, and the essential role of mentorship. This story highlights how even the most outwardly successful and respected relationships can falter without proper guidance and support.
The town was a lively tapestry of cultures and traditions, with bustling markets, vibrant streets, and a close-knit community. Here, Adebayo and Yetunde stood out, admired for their love and accomplishments, and respected for their contributions.
Adebayo was known for his business acumen, having inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and reputation. He expanded his father’s business, and as a result, he earned a reputation for his sharp mind and ambitious nature. Despite the pressures and expectations, Adebayo was seen as a pillar of the business community.
On the other hand, Yetunde was a dedicated teacher who through love, influenced many young lives. At home, she balanced her professional responsibilities with her role as a mother and wife, providing unwavering support to Adebayo and nurturing their children. In addition, her ability to manage both roles seamlessly made her a revered figure in the community.
Despite their outwardly perfect union, Adebayo and Yetunde’s marriage began to show cracks as the pressures of business and family life mounted. They lacked a mentor to help them navigate these challenges, a significant oversight in a society where pastors and community leaders play crucial roles in offering wisdom and counsel.
In African culture, the concept of community and mentorship is deeply ingrained. Pastors and church leaders provide counsel and support, offering wisdom passed down through generations. Yetunde had suggested many times that Adebayo seek a mentor to help guide their family and business decisions. In contrast, Adebayo, confident in his early successes, saw no need for external advice.
As Adebayo’s business faced challenges, his refusal to seek mentorship took a toll. He became irritable and withdrawn, affecting his demeanor at home. Yetunde, feeling increasingly isolated, struggled to communicate her concerns. As a result, their marriage was slowly unraveling, with financial strains adding to the tension.
One evening, Yetunde confided in her friend, Mama Chika, a respected leader in their church. Mama Chika emphasized the importance of not living in isolation, sharing her own painful experiences of neglecting mentorship. Inspired by Mama Chika’s words, Yetunde convinced Adebayo to seek guidance from Pastor Adewale, a seasoned marriage counselor.
The Transformation
However, through regular sessions with Pastor Adewale, Adebayo and Yetunde began to rebuild their love relationship. They learned to communicate more effectively, address their issues with honesty, and lean on each other for support. The pastor’s wisdom and guidance helped them navigate their storm, transforming their marriage from conflict to mutual respect and understanding.
Consequently, Adebayo’s business began to recover as he applied the principles of accountability and mentorship to his professional life. He sought advice from experienced businessmen in the community, understanding that even the most capable leaders need guidance.
The story of Adebayo and Yetunde highlights a fundamental truth: accountability and mentorship are essential for the success of any marriage. As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Their journey from discord to harmony illustrates that with the right guidance and support, even the most strained relationships can be restored.
Lessons from Adebayo and Yetunde’s Story
1. Importance of Mentorship: Adebayo’s initial refusal to seek mentorship despite Yetunde’s advice highlighted the dangers of pride and self-reliance. Mentorship provides not only guidance but also support during tough times.
2. Community Support: In African culture, community and pastors play a crucial role in providing wisdom and stability. This support system is invaluable in both personal and professional aspects of life.
3. Communication and Accountability: Effective communication and accountability are essential for resolving conflicts and building stronger relationships. Regular sessions with a mentor or counselor can help couples navigate their issues.
4. Impact of Isolation: Isolation can lead to desolation. The story underscores the importance of not isolating oneself, especially in times of crisis. Seeking help and guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness.
5. Learning from Others: Observing and learning from the experiences of others, like Chinedu’s success due to having a mentor, can provide valuable insights and encourage positive changes.
6. Spiritual Guidance: Spiritual leaders provide practical and spiritual support, offering a holistic approach to resolving conflicts.
7. Acknowledgment of the Problem: Recognizing problems is the first step toward resolution.
8. Seeking Guidance: Approaching a mentor can be a turning point in addressing issues.
9. Regular Communication: Counseling sessions help couples communicate openly and honestly.
10. Applying Wisdom: Practical advice from mentors can lead to recovery and growth in business and personal life.
In conclusion, the journey of Adebayo and Yetunde serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of accountability and mentorship. Their story became an inspiration to others in their community, proving that true strength lies in humility, openness, and the willingness to seek help. Finally, their experience underscores the enduring value of community support and the wisdom of elders in guiding us through life’s challenges.
In life, there are moments when it feels like everything is falling apart. Times when doubt creeps in, and it seems like there’s no way out. Marital problems, challenging relationships, and seemingly endless struggles can leave us feeling trapped and hopeless. It’s in these moments that some people give up on hope and stop praying. They start to believe that there is no way out. Job searches become futile, and well-meaning individuals reinforce the idea that there’s no brighter future. But is it the end of the road?
Embracing Hope Amidst Adversity
When multiple voices join in, all echoing the same sentiment that there’s no help from God, what should you do? Even when it feels like God has abandoned you, and others question your faith, there’s a message of hope to be found.
The 3rd Psalm, verse 2 (KJV) speaks to this very issue, “Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.”
When your circumstances push you to the brink, it’s easy to feel abandoned by God. You may have even asked yourself, “God, where are you?”
But, let me convey a message of hope to you today. The very next verse, Psalm 3:3 (KJV), reads, “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”
It’s crucial to remember that God’s perspective is different from human judgment.
Dear Pastor, Is There A Way Out For Me?
The Power of Faith
No matter what others say, with God, all odds can be overcome. The Lord serves as your shield, your source of glory, and the one who will lift your head. When people try to lift your head, they will soon realize it’s a job reserved for Jehovah alone. Men may believe they cannot offer any help, but the Lord is different.
The distinction between “God” and “Lord” is deliberate. If God is your Lord, you can find solace knowing that it’s only a matter of time before He lifts your head. “God” is a universal term, but “Lord” signifies a personal commitment.
When you declare, “He is my Lord,” you are affirming that He is your owner. You belong to Him, and He will lift your head in every area where it’s bowed. In times of struggle and shame, God will intervene.
God is the lifter of your head, and you’re destined for victory.
Just think about Joseph, who went from being a prisoner to a prime minister.
Consider Rahab, a harlot who became the great-grandmother of Jesus.
David, a shepherd boy, and forgotten sibling, rose to become a king.
Jabez became more honorable when God lifted his head. Even an illiterate Nigerian bread seller was featured on CNN after God intervened.
When God raises your head, remarkable transformations occur. The possibilities are endless, and God’s blessings know no bounds.
Dear Pastor, Is There A Way Out For Me?
A New Beginning
What can’t God do? Your life is about to take a new turn. Doors will open, jobs will become realities, and promotions will follow. Your wedding day is on the horizon, and the right partner will find you. Your marriage will be great and beautiful. You will hold your children in your arms. When God lifts your head, no one can bring it down.
Believe it. From today, the hand of the Lord will be evident in your life. Rejoice, for a new chapter is beginning in the name of Jesus.
