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AGONY OF WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
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Author: Pst. Adekunle Isaac Adesanmi
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Chapter 20: The Crossroads of Obedience
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Ezekiel's tears flowed profusely as he spoke to Pastor Emmanuel, his spiritual father, over the phone. "Daddy, the Lord has confirmed it to me tonight..." he said, his voice breaking with emotion. The fear of where to start overwhelmed him, like a heavy fog settling in his mind.

Pastor Emmanuel shouted, "Praise God, Hallelujah!" He could sense Ezekiel crying on the phone, the anguish palpable even through the distance. He understood the situation and everything. "Dear Son, I want to encourage you today as you stand at the crossroads of obedience. The Lord has called you into full-time ministry, and I know it's not an easy decision to leave behind a well-paid job and start from scratch. But I want you to remember that God's ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the bigger picture, and He has a plan to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11)."

Remember the story of Abraham, who left his comfortable life in Ur to follow God's promise (Genesis 12:1-3)? He had to trust in the unknown, just like you do now. And God blessed him abundantly, making him the father of faith. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus promises that anyone who leaves behind their old life for His sake will receive a hundred times more in return. That's a promise you can hold onto!

Starting from scratch may seem daunting, but it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation - your faith in God. As you take this leap of obedience, remember that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). You're not alone in this journey. Many have gone before you, including the apostle Paul, who left behind his prestigious life as a Pharisee to follow Jesus (Philippians 3:4-8). And God used him mightily!

So, my son, take a deep breath, and trust in the Lord's guidance. He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your sacrifice will not be in vain. You're sowing seeds of obedience, and God will bring a harvest of blessings and fruitfulness in due season. Remember, the greatest reward is not in what you leave behind but in the eternal impact you'll make for the Kingdom of God. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). You got this, son! You're not alone, and God's got your back!

"Thank you, Daddy," Ezekiel replied with a faint voice, his words barely audible through the tears.

Pastor Emmanuel asked, "Do you still remember our favorite hymn?" "I will love us to sing stanza one with the chorus.... Let it sound as a reminder and at the same time a warning for you as you make this decision."

O brother, life's journey beginning,
With courage and firmness arise!
Look well to the course thou art choosing;
Be earnest, be watchful, and wise!

Remember two paths are before thee,
And both thy attention invite;
But one leadeth on to destruction,
The other to joy and delight.

Refrain
God help you to follow His banner,
And serve Him wherever you go;
And when you are tempted, my brother,
God give you the grace to say "No!"

They both sang the hymn wholeheartedly until Emmanuel's airtime got exhausted. The melody lingered in Ezekiel's heart, a gentle reminder of God's faithfulness.

The next morning, Ezekiel attended church service, still grappling with the weight of his decision. He hadn't been that active in church lately due to the demanding nature of his job, but that day, he made a conscious effort to attend the morning service. The worship team's harmonious voices and the sweet fragrance of incense filled the sanctuary, creating a peaceful atmosphere that soothed his troubled mind.

As the worship team concluded their set, Pastor Gideon mounted the pulpit, a warm smile on his face. He greeted the congregation, and the church erupted in a chorus of "Praise God, Hallelujah!" The sound of clapping and cheering filled the air, a symphony of joy and praise.

"I bring a message from the Lord to you this morning," Pastor Gideon said, his voice booming through the microphone. "It's a message that says, 'Don't Fail God'."

Brethren, remember that God has entrusted you with great responsibility and privilege. You have been given a sacred trust, and with it comes the expectation of faithfulness and obedience. Do not fail God in what He has entrusted to you. The consequences of disobedience and neglect are severe, and the repercussions will be felt not only by you but also by those around you.

The message was another confirmation of what he received the previous night. He couldn't finish the service, his mind preoccupied with the weight of his decision. He picked up his Bible, the worn leather cover a comforting familiar feel in his hands, and entered his car, the cool air conditioning a welcome respite from the warm morning sun. As he drove to work, the hospital compound came into view, the familiar sight of the hospital's entrance and the sound of sirens in the distance greeting him like an old friend.

As he stepped out of his car, the warm sunshine hit his face, and he felt a gentle breeze rustle his hair. A colleague approached him, and they exchanged pleasantries, the sound of their voices a gentle hum in the morning air. "Doctor Kingsley said you should see him in the office anytime you arrive. Please make sure you see him," his colleague said, his voice laced with concern.

Ezekiel's response was weary, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you... I will." He sounded weak, his words laced with the weight of his emotions. He headed straight to Doctor Kingsley's office, his feet heavy with each step, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor.

As he entered the office, the familiar scent of leather and wood greeted him, the smell of old books and papers a comforting aroma. Doctor Kingsley, the Chief Medical Director, looked up from his desk, a warm smile on his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Dr. Ezekiel, how are you doing today? Hope all is well with you? You looked dull," he said, his voice filled with concern.

Ezekiel took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, the sound of his breathing a soft hiss in the quiet room. "I'm fine, sir... just due to stress," he replied, his voice cracking slightly, the sound of his vulnerability hanging in the air.

Doctor Kingsley nodded sympathetically, his eyes filled with compassion, and brought out a letter from his desk drawer, the sound of paper rustling a gentle accompaniment to their conversation. "The management of this hospital wants to appreciate you for your hard work and all your commitment and dedication to work. You are among the 3 of our staff that the management is sending to Australia for a 6 months training after which you will be promoted. All the expenses will be catered for by the management. Congratulations!" He stretched out his hands to shake Ezekiel's, but his eyes widened in surprise as he noticed tears already rolling down Ezekiel's cheeks, the sound of his sobs a soft accompaniment to their conversation.

The letter felt heavy in Ezekiel's hands, the weight of the paper a reminder of the weight of his decision. He looked up at Doctor Kingsley, his eyes brimming with tears, the sound of his tears a soft patter in the quiet room. "Thank you, sir," he managed to say, his voice barely audible, the sound of his gratitude a soft whisper in the quiet room.

What Next?????

AGONY OF WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
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Author: Adekunle Isaac Adesanmi
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Chapter 18: The Unveiling of the Mandate
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Ezekiel's curiosity lingered like an unquenchable thirst as he awaited his meeting with Pastor Emmanuel. The weight of the unknown hung heavy in his heart, like a dense fog refusing to lift. Finally, the day arrived, and Ezekiel found himself standing before the pastor's office, his heart racing with anticipation. As he entered, Pastor Emmanuel's warm smile welcomed him, like a gentle breeze on a summer day. "Ezekiel, my son, it's good to see you. Please, have a seat." Ezekiel obeyed, his eyes fixed on the pastor's face, searching for clues.

"Ezekiel, how's your job? How are you coping?" Pastor Emmanuel asked, his voice filled with concern. Ezekiel replied, "It's going well, sir. I'm doing my best to serve God in my profession." Then Pastor Emmanuel asked him, "Ezekiel, what is that thing on earth that is so precious to you that you cannot leave for God?" This question sent a kind of fear into Ezekiel's veins. He stammered, "N-no...nothing, sir."

Pastor Emmanuel's gaze pierced through him, like a gentle rain shower on a parched earth. "Can you leave your job for the sake of the kingdom? Can you trade your job for the dying souls?" Ezekiel's mind raced, but he couldn't find the words to respond. The pastor's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Ezekiel's heart wrestled with the weight of the question. He knew that his job was a vital part of his life, but was it worth more than GOD?

"Ezekiel, the Lord has a special mandate for you," Pastor Emmanuel began, his voice low and serious. "You have been chosen to be a vessel for His glory, to bring hope to the hopeless and light to those dwelling in darkness." Ezekiel's heart skipped a beat as the weight of the words settled upon him. "What does this mean, sir?" Ezekiel asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Pastor Emmanuel leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "It means you will be a catalyst for change, a bridge between the divine and the human. You will face challenges, but the Lord will be your guide and your strength."

As the pastor spoke, Ezekiel felt a surge of energy course through his veins, like a river overflowing its banks. "The Lord has revealed to me that you will be a mighty evangelist, traveling far and wide to spread the gospel," Pastor Emmanuel continued. "You will see signs and wonders, and God's grace will be upon you in a mighty way."

After everything, Ezekiel couldn't give him any response. He was totally confused and dumbfounded. Pastor Emmanuel asked him to go and seek the face of the Lord for more clarity. He left confused, with only one instruction echoing in his mind: "Go and seek the face of the Lord for more clarity."

Meanwhile, Darasimi and Esther sat at a cozy restaurant, surrounded by the aroma of savory dishes and the soft hum of conversation. Esther arrived first, her beauty radiating like a sunrise as she waited for over 35 minutes, her patience wearing thin. She finally called Darasimi, who apologized for the delay, stuck in traffic.

When Darasimi arrived, they exchanged warm smiles and pleasantries. Esther had already ordered a refreshing juice, and Darasimi noticed, asking what she'd like to eat. They both opted for fried rice and chicken, their eyes scanning the menu like old friends reuniting.

Esther shone like a diamond in her elegant outfit, her hair styled in a sleek bob, while Darasimi wore a simple yet stylish shirt and trousers, his beard neatly trimmed. They both looked stunning, their beauty complementing each other like a perfectly harmonized duet.

After ordering, they sat in silence, Esther waiting for Darasimi to break the ice. But Darasimi, a spiritual person, struggled to find the right words. Minutes ticked by like hours until he finally cleared his throat, gathered courage, and asked, "Sister Esther, who is your spiritual father? Errrm... I mean, how many times do you fast in a week?"

Esther burst into laughter, taken aback by the unexpected question on their date. "Darasimi, really?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're asking about my spiritual father and fasting on a date?"

Darasimi's face turned red as he realized his mistake. "I... I didn't mean to," he stuttered. "I just wanted to know more about you."

Esther's laughter filled the air....

To be continued..........

What Next?

AGONY OF WASTED OPPORTUNITIES
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Author: Pst. Adekunle Isaac Adesanmi
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Chapter 16: A Divine Encounter
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As Ezekiel knelt down to pray that evening, a warm light enveloped him, and he saw a figure clothed in radiant white. The air was filled with the sweet scent of frankincense, transporting him to a place of reverence.

"Dear Son, I have missed you so greatly," God said, His voice filled with longing. "I miss those times we spent together in the secret place. I came several times at exactly the time you allocated for me during your university days, when we communed together from 4am to 6am every day before you went out. I miss those times you spent with me during your quiet time every night, 8pm-10pm... or was it the weekly three days of fasting? I miss those days too."

Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he remembered the fervor that once characterized his relationship with God. He had been so on fire, so consumed by the desire to serve and please Him. But life had slowly extinguished that flame, leaving only embers of memories.

"Remember the fire that once burned within you?" God's voice whispered, echoing in his soul. "The passion and zeal that drove you to seek Me during your university days and during your NYSC?, you went to villages and cities to preach my gospel and I proved myself in all your programs"

"I'm so sorry, Father," he whispered, his voice cracking with remorse. "I got caught up in the world's demands, and I neglected our relationship."

The gentle smile never wavered. "I know, My son. I know life gets busy, but don't let the world choke out the fire I ignited within you. You were once a bright light, shining for Me, but now your flame has dwindled."

As God spoke, His words kindled a spark within him. The air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, and he felt the weight of his neglect lifting.

"Ezekiel, I have called you to preach the gospel to a dying world. The urgency of the assignment cannot be overstated. Souls are perishing, slipping into eternity without knowing Me, and you have been sent to rescue them. Do not delay, do not hesitate, for the clock is ticking. Remember, the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. I have entrusted you with the message of salvation, and I expect you to proclaim it with boldness and conviction.

"The souls I have sent you to are already perishing, drowning in a sea of sin and despair. They need to hear the Good News, to know that I love them and desire to save them. You are their only hope, their last chance to hear the truth and turn to Me. See their faces, etched with pain and longing, and hear their cries for help. Do not take this assignment lightly, My son. The fate of eternity hangs in the balance.

"I have given you the power to make a difference, to bring life and hope to a dying world. Use it wisely, use it urgently, for the time is short. Feel the weight of responsibility, like a mantle on your shoulders, and know that I am with you to empower you. Go, preach the gospel, and do not stop until all have heard. Together, we can save souls and bring glory to My name. You will be My voice, My hands, and My feet, and I will work through you to accomplish great things.

"Forgive me, Father," he pleaded, his heart breaking with repentance. "Help me to prioritize our relationship again, to make time for prayer and Your Word. I want to be on fire for You like I once was."

God's face shone brighter, and His voice filled the space with warmth. "That's all I ask, My son. Let's start anew. Let's reignite the flame together. I'll be with you every step of the way. This is another opportunity I am giving you."

As the encounter ended, the scent of frankincense lingered, a reminder of the promise made. He rose from his knees, he started singing.....

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

To be continued...

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