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ALLOW YOUR FAITH ENDORSE IT

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike “I don’t know how to pull this off in two weeks,” I vented to Hazle, seated across from me. Her demeanor was so calm that it probably upset me more. “I…” She started to say something, but I cut her off. “The apartments I have seen so far were listed in the upper eight hundreds to thousands. Yet, they looked debilitated when I saw them in person. How could anyone list something uninhabitable at such prices?” “Have you looked at the Zillow website?” She asked calmly. “Yes.” “How about Craigslist?” “No, I could look there, too,” I replied, wondering whether Craigslist would list apartments in the area that other websites haven’t. “The crux of the matter is that I don’t have much time. I fear I won’t meet the deadline to resume my new job.” Hazle paused for a moment while maintaining her gaze on me. “I recall your words last night while we prayed. You reminded me that God is faithful. Surely, that hasn’t changed, has it?” “I…I…did say that,” I stuttered and blushed. I recalled that our emotional conversation about life situations had led us into intense prayer the night before. The prayers led to scriptural exaltations recounting God’s faithfulness. I spoke with such conviction that I must have boosted my companion’s faith, but here I was the following day, fretting about finding a new apartment. I drew a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re right. God is faithful, and that hasn’t changed. He will provide.” In the days following, I maintained that posture of faith, especially after realizing that someone was watching and looking up to me. I continued confessing that I would experience God’s provision. Later that week, I received an email from the pastor of a local church in the area where I was looking for an apartment. He was responding to one of the emails I had sent to several churches asking for recommendations. He listed the names and contacts of a few people who had told him they had available spaces to rent, and I immediately messaged the contacts, hopeful. Two weeks later, I was ready to move into an apartment that had all my specific stipulations, including being located close to my new workplace and at an affordable price. Reflecting on my experience, many of the emails I sent were never returned, and the man who responded had no obligation to respond to my email the way he did. Besides, what were the chances that people just told him they were looking for renters before he saw my email?The experience re-awakened me to the truth that the Lord provides, but oftentimes, we need faith to possess it. “Consider the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the pagans pursue all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” Matthew 6:26-32 Until next time. Stay lifted! See an interesting short story here

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike Esther’s eyebrows burrowed into a frown as she reread the passage. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” “What are you reading?” Jibu spied from over her shoulders. “It’s the Bible verse I was assigned for the Youth conference.” She replied without looking up from her iPad. “Cool! Are you supposed to memorize it for recitation? If so, reading from different translations like you have done will not make it stick.” He said as he took a seat beside her. “No, I am not reciting it. I am supposed to prepare a sermon on it, but it doesn’t make sense.” “What about it doesn’t make sense?” “Joy and trials in the same sentence!” Her frustration was evident in the inflection in her voice. “How do I tell people in good conscience to be joyful, happy, and feel privileged when facing difficult times? It just doesn’t feel natural.” “You didn’t write it, and it’s not your job to make it feel natural. Just preach it!” Jibu shrugged. Esther gawked at her brother in amazement. “Jibu, I was unhappy when I lost my job last year. And you, when you had your bad tooth back in June, were you joyful? I recall that you cried nonstop until it was removed. I will feel like a hypocrite telling people to be joyful and blah blah blah when I don’t do the same.” “Sheesh! Then don’t do it. I was only trying to help.” He got up and walked to the kitchen. “Oh, Hi, Mom.” “What are you two going on about?” Jibu’s mother, who heard their argument but stayed out of it, asked. “I was helping Esther with her presentation, but she didn’t appreciate my genius idea. She never does.” His mother chuckled. “What do you know about her job to help her with her presentation?” “It’s for the coming youth conference, not her job.” “Oh, should you not be preparing for the conference too?” “I’m not a preacher. I’ll just be gracing them with my distinguished presence that weekend.” Jibu grinned and moved away from the kitchen before he was unwillingly conscripted into a task, but his mother called after him. “Call your sister and come back here with her. I’d like to hear your brilliant ideas that she doesn’t appreciate.” While she waited for them, she turned down the stove. “Yes, Mom?” Esther spoke first as soon as they entered. “Jibu said you’re struggling with your presentation. What is it about?” Esther first eyed her brother for tattling on her. “I was asked to prepare a sermon on James Chapter One, but I can’t even get past the second verse.” “Why is that?” “Because it doesn’t seem honest!” She exclaimed and went on to share her dilemma. Their mother opened the verse on her Bible app and read it for herself. “Hmmm, I see what you mean; it does sound counterintuitive. Jibu, what was your idea?” “I told her to repeat what was written in the verse to her audience and not stress about it. Half the time, I don’t understand what is taught from that pulpit anyway.” “That was your bright idea?” His mother was half embarrassed for her teenage son, but she sighed. “Okay, Let’s break it down together, shall we? Do you remember when I started teaching you how to prepare my favorite fish stew?” Esther nodded. “How many times did you get it wrong?” “Oh, I don’t recall.” Esther smiled shyly. “At least two times?” Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Alright, maybe three?” Her mother chuckled. “Six times, to be exact, but each time was an improvement from the last. I remember how frustrated you were and would have given up if I hadn’t forced you to keep trying.” She paused and smiled at her daughter. “Today, you make it effortlessly and have even improved the recipe. In simpler words, James said challenges are opportunities to grow if only you can view them from that perspective. With such a mindset, you will rejoice when trials come your way instead of being sad about them.” “Mom, how sure are you that is what he was implying?” “He wasn’t implying it. It is what he said. Did you read verses three and four?” “I might have, but I was too hung up on verse two to pay attention.” “Well, do it, and read them out loud.” “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Esther read it twice, the second time much slower than the first. “So you mean if I believe that difficult situations allow me to learn something new and mature, then I will choose not to complain but be patient instead?” Her mother did not respond; instead, she fondly watched her interpret the verse and draw her conclusion. “What if it is a harrowing situation like losing my job?” “Or a tooth?” Jibu chipped in. “Losing your job was not harrowing, Esther, but I understand you felt that way. However, after losing your job, you worked hard to get another one. In the process, you mastered interviewing and communication skills, learned how to write good resumes, and became more social and outgoing. Would you say you are the same person you were while you held your previous job?” “Of course not. Mom, you’re so right! I have matured so much in one year.” “Good. And Jibu, you lost a bad tooth, which is good, or do you want it back?” “Nah! I am good.” Jibu waved dismissively. “Okay, so in summary, a mature mind will rejoice when difficult situations arise, not because of the situations themselves but because it will be a test of their character, the strength of faith, an opportunity to grow, and they know they will come out of it as a better person. Is that clearer?” “Absolutely! Thank you so

Sorrow that Heals

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike Half an hour before midnight on the night of her weekly prayer. Nozi was seated on her bedroom floor with her laptop open and facing her. She has been watching a movie on it since 10 PM. At first, she wanted something to keep her awake until her quiet time at 11 PM, but the movie’s storyline got captivating. The protagonist, Dave Addison, was tricked out of his inheritance after his father’s death. He served and relied on financial support from his wealthy aunt, who he thought was doing him a favor. However, he was about to uncover the truth. At 10:45 PM, Nozi felt a nudge in her heart to stop the movie and prepare to start her quiet time, however, when she glanced at the time at the bottom of the screen and noted that she had 15 minutes more, she shrugged off the nudge and continued the movie. At 11 PM, the gentle nudge repeated but the movie was nearing its climax and Nozi could not pull away. “I will start at 11:30. Thirty minutes should be enough. It is also closer to midnight so I can start praying right after.” She convinced herself. After recognizing the peculiar circumstances surrounding his life, Dave began seeking the truth. However, his pursuit was cut short when his Aunt suddenly passed away, leaving him feeling depressed about losing his benefactor. The son of the wealthy deceased woman arrived in town to mourn his mother and take over her estate. After the funeral, he planned to dismiss all staff, including his cousin Dave, liquidate all assets, and move away with the money. He was succeeding until it was time to sell the mansion that had previously housed his mother. He couldn’t sell it because the house was in his uncle’s name, not his mother’s. This realization led to the unraveling of the truth about the estate ownership. When Nozi looked at the time again, it was 12:15 AM. She felt a pang of guilt that it was past midnight and she had failed to observe her quiet time nor prayed. While wallowing in guilt but still unable to pull herself away from the movie, she continued until the end. At 12:45 AM, Nozi closed the laptop and knelt beside her bed to pray, but the guilt of disobedience and disappointment in herself for indiscipline clouded her mind. Scenes from the movie replayed in her mind too. She considered giving up on praying and going to bed, but in that dilemma, she whispered. “Dear Lord, I have sinned. I am sorry. I didn’t mean to choose a movie over time with you. Forgive me.” She started the first song that came to mind. “What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” As she sang, she felt her heart flood with a strong sense of sorrow. She cried, repented more, worshiped, and ended praying intensely for the next hour. * * * Dear reader, I wanted to remind us that “The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Nozi’s illustration above is considered sinful because she did not yield when prompted by the Holy Spirit, although to some people it may not appear sinful. The key point is to promptly return whenever the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin in our journey with Christ. Till next time, stay lifted! Read other uplifting posts here

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Faith’s Check

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike —- “Faith! Where is Faith?” Ben called. “Faith? Who is Faith?” The librarian asked. “The teenage girl in glasses and a yellow backpack. She just came up the stairs.” “Oh! She walked to the fiction aisle to find a book. She should be around the corner.” “Thank you!” Ben waved as he walked away. “Faith.” He called in a near whisper when he found her. “Hey, What are you doing here?” Faith asked, surprised to see her father’s assistant. “I have something for you.” He unlocked his plastic file and removed an envelope. “Your father asked me to give you this.” Faith collected it from him and opened it. She quickly read a note contained inside and her countenance changed. Ben, on noticing her sadness, collected the note. Dear Faith, I am so sorry I had to hurry away on short notice. I have included a check to buy the things you requested. I promise to go with you to the science fair when I return on Tuesday. Love, Dad. He glanced back at her confused. “What is wrong? Why are you looking sad?” “I asked him for money. He gave me a check.” She said with her head lowered. “Isn’t a check as good as money? Let me see the check.” Ben collected the envelope and retrieved the check from inside. “Whoa! What exactly do you need this much to buy?” “Doesn’t matter. I asked for money, not a check.” “Okay, come let’s take a seat. There’s something I need to explain to you.” When seated, Ben asked, “Honey, what is your name?” “Did you forget my name or do you have sudden amnesia?” Faith was still upset. “Silly girl! Just answer the question.” “Faith! My name is Faith.” She answered reluctantly. “And what is the meaning of your name?” “It is to have confidence in something according to my dictionary, but my dad said it is the evidence of something someone hopes for.” “Excellent! Do you understand it? I mean your dad’s definition.” “No. Why would I hope for something I already have? It makes no sense.” “Great question! You hoped for money, but your dad gave you a check. When you take this check to the bank, because it is signed in your father’s name, the bank will exchange this piece of paper for the amount of money written on it.” “What if it is declined?” “Declined? Why would it be declined?” “I don’t know?” She shrugged. “Do you know who your father is?” Ben looked at the girl, stunned. “Do you know your dad can purchase this town, including your favorite library? And I mean this building you like to visit.” Faith was quiet momentarily as she gazed at him thoughtfully. “That means this check is evidence of the money I hope for?” “Yes, princess. It is the evidence you can present at the bank.” “Wait! If this check is my evidence like you said, then am I a check? Is that why I am called Faith?” Ben chuckled. “ You will have to ask your father. I am almost certain he has a good explanation” * * * In the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews, the new King James version defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” ‬ while the New International version words it as “[the] confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Whichever version helps for easier comprehension, I still like to describe faith as a check on which is written God’s promises that we can hold on to until we see the manifestation of what is promised. While the young girl in the story above can take her ‘check’ to the bank at any time, I understand that our check of promise (AKA faith) is cashed at the timing of God’s will. For instance, Abraham waited for 25 years but Manoah and his wife only had to wait for about nine months. Nonetheless, if God has promised it and you believe it, it will surely happen. Since the Almighty God is the account holder, your check will never bounce. Till next time, stay lifted! You can read another encouraging post here.

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In the Waiting Room

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. “Where is your wife, Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So, Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh. (Gen 18:7-15) * * * Physically, a waiting room is a place provided for people to wait for their turn for something, and everyone has used one at some point; either at the doctor’s office, the bus station or public restroom. In life, this waiting room translates to a stretch of time a person waits for something they desire to happen. It could be for a job, a baby, a spouse, residence permit…the list goes on. For a Christian, the place of waiting is also a stretch of time to wait for something but in this case is believing God to do that thing of desire which he/she cannot do for themselves. I do not know a Christian who has not waited. Examples are also abundant in the scriptures. The waiting room can be dark and lonely. Dark because you usually do not know when the waiting will end and lonely because You may have kept it a secret, so nobody knows you need support Some friends, family or acquaintance are privy to your situation but don’t know exactly how to help so they physically or emotionally distance themselves Some people are quite supportive but are fighting their own battles Some do not understand at all or may want to help but just end up hurting you with their actions or words (Remember Job’s wife?) People at their best can only support you in those times. The deal is still between you and God. Can I tell you why God makes us wait? Absolutely not! I don’t know. Infact, I sometimes imagine there is a long line of requests in heaven with all the prayers that go up from here, but I don’t really know the answer. Besides, Job’s reason of waiting was different from Joseph’s. Here’s something I have learned though; with God the process of waiting is just as important as the desired goal or destination. If we allow it, the waiting period has the power to build, change, and teach us something valuable. In the meantime, to survive the waiting room. Pray. I mean never allow the coals on your prayer altar to grow cold. Jesus recommended that himself in Luke 18:1-8 Always remind yourself that Jesus already won the battle. Regardless of your troubles, He won! Finally, believe that Jesus will come through for you. Isaiah 43:31 says: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Till next time, Stay lifted. See other posts here

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The Secret Place

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike — A quick glance again at his wristwatch and Philip realized the time was already 7:45 PM. He has been waiting for over an hour. He had been rehearsing how to present his problems in one breath that he lost track of time. “Where could Dad be? He has never been late to our meetings.” A cool chill ran down his spine making him shrug an ominous shiver. “Could he be angry that I canceled our last meeting? Or was it two? Wait, it was two, three, four…I can’t keep track! Oh no! How did I let that happen? Well,” He shrugged. “Shouldn’t he have understood I would not cancel without a good reason? I have been so busy at work that I ended most days exhausted.” He glanced around the park. His father was still nowhere in sight, and it was getting darker and colder. Philip pulled his sweater together to keep out the cold, but the cool air persistently penetrated the sweater to grip his heart with such expounded loneliness that he felt like calling out for his father. Suddenly, in what seemed like a vision in a quick flash, He saw his father standing right there waiting for him to show up to no avail, not once or twice but so many times. Philip started to feel the weight of his selfishness. He had been ignorant on how his behavior must have affected his father. He doesn’t even remember notifying him of his meeting cancellations. “How did I get this callous? Only several years ago, I started meeting with dad because I was neck deep in trouble and needed help.” Philip soliloquized. “He did not shy away from me. He met with me regularly until my troubles were resolved. We built a wonderful relationship as a result. Our meetings might have mutually benefited us but me a greater deal. Yes, our fellowship provided him companionship but through them, I learned insights into business strategies that won me major contracts; I learned how to manage relationships and hitched my beautiful wife and so much more. So, why did I get careless?” * * * * * * Dear child of God, the 91st chapter of Psalms says that “Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Do you know that every child of God ought to have a secret place? Which is a place where you meet to fellowship with God regularly? Our God values relationships, particularly, relationships with you and I, His children. His children are those who believe and call on Him. A secret place with God is not something dark or sinister, far from it! Think of your closest friendship. Did you build that bond by just giving instructions and being a boss? Or do you make time to do something of mutual interest together or at least talk and listen to your friend? I think you do the latter and call it friendship! With God, it is called fellowship and your meeting time or place is called a secret place. It is ‘secret’ because it is just you and God. Besides, the benefits of such fellowship to any person are a long list. Believe it or not, you can draw strength, know secrets, ask questions, report enemies, find rest etc. from fellowshipping with the all-knowing God. Do you know what else is true? The devil knows how beneficial this communion with God can be to you, so he will try to prevent it. Preventing it could be physical by keeping a person ignorant, busy, distracted, careless etc. or spiritual through sin and disobedience. Jehovah, the Almighty, is holy and by nature cannot condone sin. Sin therefore can set up a barrier that can keep one away from their secret place just like it did to Adam and Eve, the first couple. However, anyone who confesses their sins to Jesus and stops the sinful behavior will be restored. To go another day without a secret place is like denying yourself of the benefits attached to your citizenship. Don’t be like Philip! Thank you for reading! Have you read my short stories yet? Click here to read.

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GOD HEARS…

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Written by Jennifer Azubuike It must have been a normal day in heaven. Angels taking orders; YAHWEH, maybe, reviewing orders; the twenty-four Elders and the Seraphim worshiping; Jesus advocating… Just a regular day – when all of a sudden there was a stand still because The Most High ordered a hush! Angel Gabriel turned around to see what the sudden hush was about and found The Father with Christ by His side looking intently down into the earth. Something big must be happening down there to call such attention. He leaned to another angel and asked, “What did I miss?” “Uhm…I am not sure.” The Angel replied. Gabriel moved closer to see. In Babylon there were three young men standing in front of a crowd. This large crowd were all before a magnificent man-like image of earthen gold. He could see a furious King huffing and puffing at these young men. By divine supernatural knowledge, Gabriel could see that these three men were righteous. Who are they and why are they drawing so much attention from us? Gabriel thought. Curiously, he listened intently to the conversation among the men as he could hear it. At that time, everyone in Heaven could hear it. “We serve a living God and will not worship your golden image O King.” The three men chorused. * * * Let’s rewind to how it started. Earlier that year, there had been rumors in the capital city of Babylon that the King was working on a big project. Shadrack was sitting in his office one day when the Chief engineer brought in a budget for approval. “What?! What kind of project would require such big budget?” “Well, it’s a new god for Babylon and the King wants it to be grand. In fact, it is being made entirely of gold that is why the budget is big. I just need you to sign here.” Shadrack shook his head as he signed off on the budget. There are so many gods littered around Babylon, what difference would this one make even if was made of gold? It won’t speak or do anything helpful besides just being a new center of attraction to Babylonians for another few years. Being of Hebrew descent, the God of his own ancestors has evidence that He is alive and spoke to the people when He wanted. The gods in Babylon do not do such. Personally, he thought it was dumb to invest so much in something so useless, but he was only an overseer, and does not really have a say when it directly involved the King. Afterwards, Shadrack did not think much of the incident again except for mentioning it in passing to his friends – Daniel, Meshack and Abednego – until that fateful day. An order had gone out to have every person that held a leadership position in the country to gather at the temple for an occasion. The invitation read ‘Dedication of the King’s image.’ It was signed by the King was very important. Right off the bat, Daniel declined to attend. Daniel was a man of impeccable reputation and has long established it publicly that he only worshiped one God – that is the God of his ancestors. Even the King knows this and reveres him for it. Therefore, nobody bothered that he did not attend. However, Shadrack was curious to see the project he had heard so much about. Meshack and Abed-nego went out of a sense of duty to the King. Little did they know that they would end up in the precarious position of choosing whether to bow or not to bow to the king’s image. * * * [Back to present] King Nebuchadnezzar laughed hysterically. “Here, I will give you another chance. Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the horn… and all kinds of music and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, very good. But if you do not worship, you shall be thrown at once into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can rescue you out of my hands?” Shadrack, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied without hesitation “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to answer you on this point. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!” Gabriel smiled. So that is what is drawing the attention of Heaven. They are men of incredible faith. He looked on. The King was aggravated by their response and immediately commanded that the burning fiery furnace be heated seven times hotter. He had to appease his injured pride. These three Hebrew men will be a public example of what happens to anyone who tried to make mockery of him. He will destroy them by burning them alive. At that moment, there was a great stir in Heaven. What will The Father do? Will He let these men be martyred? Gabriel laid a hand on his sword still sheathed and looked at The Father. His thoughts were clear, “At thy command my Lord, and I will go.” But The Most High raised a hand to calm the stir and turned to Jesus. “Son, will you go?” “But Father, it is not my time to manifest on earth, yet.” “I know, but Nebuchadnezzar challenged Me, so I want him to see Me.” “Hmmm…Okay, I will go, My Father, I will keep them safe.” Heaven rejoiced and continued to watch as Jesus descended to earth. When King Nebuchadnezzar followed through with his threat and threw the young men into the furnace even the henchmen that took them to the furnace died from the heat. But

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