YOU WILL NOT SEE SHAME
Beloved, it is with great joy that I come your way this morning. Thank God for His faithfulness towards us, indeed it is of His mercies that we are not consumed. What a time of refreshing it has been on this mountain of BIAZO, this is most assuredly a fast with a difference and I’m sure you will attest to it. The testimonies have already started rolling in because God has said yes and we say amen. I have no doubt that each and everyone of you will testify. This journey we embarked on right from the very first day of October is not an effort in futility.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 (KJV)
Child of God, I don’t know what you are hoping or believing God for, but one thing I’m sure of, is that you will not be disappointed. Do you know why? It’s because God loves you. The New Living Translation paints a clearer picture for us. It says “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Oh, I’m so excited! Imagine the kind of love that God has for you; irrepressible, unconditional, irrevocable, ironclad, blood-bought love, that gives you the assurance that your hope in Him will not turn to disappointment. In other words, you can stake your life on it. The scripture says in Romans 8:32 (KJV), “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? As He has freely given you all things, how can you be disappointed? Beloved, that is not your portion; all things are yours.
Beloved, we’re in the final phase of the fast, and weariness can set in, especially if after having waited this long, you’re yet to see the physical manifestation of your desires. However, I have a reassuring word from God for you, despite the lies of the enemy. Don’t give in! Rather, use this time to praise God like never before, because you know that His Word will not fall to the ground, that which He has promised, He is able to perform. Let God be true, but let every man be a liar (Rom. 3:3-4).
Refuse to pay attention to the pictures the enemy is painting, rather press into praise because you know God loves you, and therefore there is no disappointment for you. This is not the time to talk carelessly, or to change your confession; rather, choose to praise and magnify God because you know that you will not see shame.
Child of God, it is your responsibility to cast down every imagination, and every thought that tries to exalt itself above the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Don’t give it any room to take root and grow in your life, especially at a time like this. Counter it with the word of God.
The other day, God was speaking to Abraham in Genesis 17:15-19, that He would make him the father of many nations, but then Abraham laughed. Why did he laugh? In that moment, he probably considered his and Sarah’s ages, and the deadness of their bodies to reproduce, but thank God the story did not end there. Rather than God listen to His plea for Ishmael, He gave him the name “Isaac” for their son. What an assurance! I declare that this same God will prevail in your life, and silence the voice of the naysayers. You will not see reproach.
We are in the final week of the prayer sessions, and so I want to encourage you to take out some time to attend these last few days. Remember we will be having the close of fast service on Thursday October 31st at 3pm in the Cathedral of His Glory, so make sure you are in attendance.
I declare that you will surely testify. I bless you in Jesus name.
Maranatha!
In His Royal Service,
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
