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 He became irritable and withdrawn, affecting his demeanor at home.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.
Ezra 3:11 (KJV) And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel.
2. Oh Lord, let there be total recovery of all I have lost in the area of my health.
Jeremiah 8:22 (KJV) Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
3. Declare your healing over that ailment right now
Malachi 4:2 (KJV) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
4. Oh Lord, send your angels with me today and prosper the works of my hands
Genesis 24:40a(KJV) And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way;
5. Ask for the power to get wealth and be a kingdom financier
Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV) But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
6. Oh Lord, bless the works of my hands
Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
7. Pray that God will take sickness away from you and your loved ones
Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
8. Thank God for answered prayers
Psalms 69:30 (KJV) I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
I boldly declare: I am healthy and wealthy. The wealth of the nation is coming to me. I receive the power to get wealth. I walk in supernatural health. I serve God with my all, so no sickness is permitted around my dwelling. I have in abundance. Prosperity is not strange to me. Angels of wealth attend to me this day and beyond in Jesus name, Amen.
Dear precious one, we are still on our wisdom series from the book of Proverbs, and we are looking at how God’s word gives healing today. King Solomon has a lot of wisdom to share with us and lots of secrets to unveil too.
Today we will be learning something new, different from what we have been learning before now.
Let’s look at our focus verse for today.
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. –Proverbs 4:20-22 (AMP)
One of the finished works of Jesus on the cross of Calvary is healing, God desires that we, his children live in good health all the days of our lives.
If you are familiar with the story of Jesus, you will see that he healed a lot of people in the short time that he lived on the earth.
Jesus went about healing the sick and even raised the dead. This shows that God is interested in your health, and that of your family, and friends.
See what the bible says here;
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. –3 John 2 (NIV)
Thanks to King Solomon who has shown us that one of the ways to have good health is to have God’s word in your heart. The bible says the word of God is life to them that find it and healing to their health.
Take out time every day to search God’s word, read your bible stories and learn what God’s word says concerning you and your family. Even if it’s a verse you are able to learn in a month, it’s a good start, as long as you keep at it.
Tell your parents to help monitor you and make sure you are committed, with time you’ll realize it’s fun to learn from the bible.
PRAYER: Father in Jesus name, I pray that I am committed to searching your word every day. Amen
ACTION PLAN: Pick a verse you like and memorize it.
DECLARATION: I am a wise child, I have the wisdom of God.
Let’s look at the power of your faith through the story of Cynthia. Cynthia stood afar watching how the crowd pushed towards the table stand where some girls stood, sharing fliers for a singing audition.
She loved to sing but wasn’t so sure she would make any audition. Her toothbrush was her microphone and her younger brother was no help at all.
She moved towards the crowd, biting her lips and clenching her fists.
“Here goes nothing”, she told herself as she got closer.
There was a lady in the bible who felt just the way Cynthia did. A woman with a long standing health issue stood where Jesus was.
She had heard of how Jesus had been healing people and wondered if He would heal her.
The woman thought, “If I can even touch his coat, that will be enough to heal me.” Mark 5:28 ICB
After much deliberation, she found her way through the thick crowd around Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Instantly she was healed and Jesus knew someone had touched Him. He asked who had, the woman came forward, told Him her condition and He further prayed for her (Mark: 5:29-34).
I am sure the woman too said, ” Here goes nothing”, as she went ahead to touch Jesus’ garment. Just like Cynthia did too.
You never know what will happen if you don’t take that much needed step.
Are you still unsure of taking that step forward to accept Christ as your Saviour and Lord? You think He will reject you or that you are not good enough for Him? Jesus Christ will never reject anybody that comes to Him. He loves you more than you could ever imagine.
So, take a bold step today and touch the hem of His garment, let Him help you.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus, like the woman with the issue of blood, I hold on to the hem of your garment. I receive all that I need right now. In Your mighty name, I pray, amen
Action plan: Reach out to Jesus today and always. Touch His garment daily and as much a stout need to.
What other benefits of gratitude do we have? Let us see more examples from the passage we read yesterday
Gratitude draws us closer to God
As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough — and he was a Samaritan. – Luke 17:12-16[MSG]
Mr. Bamidele has been ill for years. He was so ill that he spent all his life’s savings on his health. He moved from one health center to another, but all to no avail. It seemed as though the more he sought medical help, the worse his case became.
Luck however smiled on him one day, when he met a benefactor. This ‘good samaritan’ not only ensured he got to the best hospital in the world, he also paid for his hospital bills and other medical expenses.
When Mr. Bamidele got back to his feet, he got close to his benefactor, literarily serving him in the process. Who wouldn’t want to get closer to such a person?
Just like Mr. Bamidele, the leper who was healed naturally got close to Jesus.
One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough — and he was a Samaritan. – Luke 17:15-16
The leper couldn’t but imagine the magnitude of God’s kindness towards him. He had to go back to give him thanks.
Little children, let us learn to show gratitude everyday of our lives.
Prayer: Father, help me to show gratitude at all times. Amen
Action Point: Keep showing gratitude.
Declaration: I will not murmur. I will give thanks to God at all times.
