Thankful Thursday- God came to my RESCUE

 I called You Answered

And You came to my Rescue!

Today I have two testimonies. Testimonies are meant to be shared to encourage each other and also to share the awesomeness of God. I want to give all thanks to him! You all know how I love God and if I had a chance I would talk and blog about him all day long! Hehe!

So I hope this doesnt turn out to be a long post as I am not a fan of long posts but here goes:

Testimony 1- A few months ago I went in to my GP to get a simple procedure done ( I won't bore you with the details). As in simple go in and go out type procedure but the devil thought otherwise. The GP (general practitioner) tried to do it and said it was looking complicated and didn't want to risk any more complications. He said he would have to refer me to the main hospital for a scan and I may need general anesthesia (GA) and surgery. Gene what? Surg- what? I have never been put to sleep before or had surgery so I was like "huh, you kidding right".

Anyway I had to go on a waiting list for about a month and a half. I got a letter to come in October but I called them to move it forward, as I was some time in pain and wasn't even sure what it was. I wanted to get this whole thing over and done with. Thankfully, I was called in to come in Sept 27th.

I went in to the hospital, and waited for like 2 hours. Gosh see loads of women waiting to be seen. Anyway, the registrar I saw did some checks and also confirmed I would need the GA/surgery and depending on what they find I may have to come back for another surgery and what not. He got me to sign a form after telling me all the risks of infection and things getting ruptured inside of me. He told me I would be sent a letter for surgery date which would be in late Nov. I was just dazed, confused and upset.

Now during the time I was on the waiting list, I called in to another clinic to see if they could get the procedure done. My appointment for the second clinic was Oct 1, this Monday that just passed. So Thursday when I got the news, I told Baale and my SIL (sister in law) who is my sister from another mother. They were both like wow! are you serious? nawa o! but why? and what not.

Anyway SIL who is in Nigeria suggested we fast and pray about it all on Monday before I go in. So that was what we did, I told God my heart desire- I didn't want to do a surgery for something that was suppose to be simple. I told 2 other friends and they agreed to pray along.

Monday came and a lot of drama happened just a few hours before I had to go to the clinc in the evening. Work was hectic. Baale was getting on my nerves. Also our car which I took in for repairs during the weekend wasn't ready.  So I decided to walk to the clinic , I didnt realise it was that far. 45 mins walk! Phew. All the way I kept telling myself not to allow my fasting and praying be a waste because of all the drama.

Anyway I got there and saw the nurse, I didnt mention anything about the surgery and all so as not to get her worked up. She tried to do the procedure but found it difficult. All this time I was just praying it will be done and that I am not leaving here without getting this thing done. She then said she needed to call the doctor on duty to do it. I said no problem.

She went out to get the doctor from the other room. People, guess who turned up? The first doctor who tried and sent me off for the scan! Immediately I saw him I hid my face (I was lying down). He came in and got to work. Before I knew it procedure was over! Done and dusted.

OMG (that means Oh my goodness btw) I started to laugh! I was laughing!!!! I was given the clear- no GA, No surgery, no nothing! I laughed and danced all the way to the train station (ok I was dancing in my mind) but laughing out loud like a crazy chic.

GOD IS AWESOME!!! and he has a sense of humor! I called SOS style and he came to my rescue! He used the same doctor to get this simply stuff done.

I have heard stories of women going in for this same procedure and end up with all sorts of complications. I was and still humbled because God decided to be merciful towards me. My people, please bless God with me!!!

A friend said to me recently in light of all these and also her own trial- "Do not let your reality question the might and power of God Almighty".

I challenge you with these words. Your reality has nothing on God's awesomeness. 

God hears us, and I want to encourage anyone who is believing God for something- healing, financial breakthrough, a child, a husband, a job, whatever. He hears and he will answer you just in time! JUST IN TIME! If you just believe and hold on to him. Tell him as it is, He will answer. His name will be lifted high in your life.

I leave you with this song I love so much. Stay encouraged




 Oh I said two testimonies ya? I'll share the second one next time. Another mind blowing one - well for me! I am one special child of God ;)

God bless you all

Aloted

Prayer Challenge #IPray4U - Day 3

Yesterday, Day 2 was going well till the devil try to steal my joy and divert me back to my issues. But my God, merciful God is ever faithful. Even though I felt weak I continued to pray for the people on my list.

Today, people have smsed and called just to pray with and for me. I am overwhelmed by the love I won't lie. I didn't think anyone would even consider praying for me as that wasn't even the aim of this challenge but I am grateful.


A few people have also emailed to share their testimonies with me. I just keep getting words of encouragement from people. The comments from my main post are also blowing me away. It's as if my post was just a confirmation of what people were already hearing in their Spirit. God is awesome.

Please let us keep praying. We have 4 more days to go. Our testimonies will start rolling in. God is doing wonders.

Remember, if you want me to pray with you, send me a message through the contact form.

God bless you as you obey.

Prayer challenge- IPray4U

1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”

source: google images

On Saturday 7th July, I attended a women’s conference called Real Women, Real Issues and it was phenomenal to say the least. We had a choice of attending any of the small sessions after the main session and I read through the list.

There was a session on yummy mummies and coping with work, family and spiritual life. I thought to myself yes perfect, what I learn in this session would help me with my Super Working Mum website. So I went to the designated room for this session and waited. As the session was just about to start I skimmed through the other sessions and I read the last one “What cancer taught me about prayer and interceding for others”. I was like hmm. Then I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to attend that session. I hurriedly went to the room for this session.

Ok I must admit when the lady (lets call her P) started talking I was bored initially. The previous speaker was more vibrant, funny and engaging…so one part of me was like maybe you should sneak out and go back to where the yummy mummies are but I didn’t and I am so glad I stayed.

P’s testimony was beyond awesome- she had stage 4 cancer of the womb for 4 years. It had spread all over her insides and she went through HELL. In the end she was completely healed (Praise Jesus!) after they tried about 3 times to remove her womb. I don’t want to go into her main testimony as I need to get to what my post is about.

P mentioned how during her trying times, God led her to pray and intercede for other sick people in the hospital and many of them got their healing long before she got healed. And that just blew my mind away. The fact that this lady who was completely sick, in utter pain, hair falling out, couldn’t bath herself etc could overlook her pain and pray for others; IT COMPLETELY BLEW ME AWAY. I was in awe.

For some months now Baale and I have been going through a challenge that I considered a big issue but suddenly my issues looked minute compared to what P went through.

Coincidentally, I have been learning about trusting and obeying God more and seeking his Will in all I do and P’s testimony just took it to another level for me. Interceding for others. Hmm I knew about interceding and yes I pray for others but umm not often and usually after praying for myself.

Listening to P, I knew in my deepest of heart, it was time to take my prayer life to the next level. Forget about my issues and pray for other people. For a few months now, a few people have told me about their issues and I believe God is calling me to pray specifically for these people.

To further confirm what I heard, I visited a friend’s church yesterday and the preaching was also about prayer and we were even asked to hold hands and pray for/with the person sitting next to us. I was like God ok I have heard you, I cannot deny this anymore. I know you are calling me to pray for others and forget about my issues for once.

***Side Bar****
I remember Geeconnect on twitter did something called Prayer Thursday (I think). She offered to pray for you if you send her your prayer requests. I have respect for this sister.

I think I DM-ed her twice to pray for me and on both occasions God answered. Whether it was Geeconnect’s prayers or a collection of all the prayers all I know is God ANSWERED. In fact I should share one of the testimonies with you...some day... 

So my dear friends, there is POWER in praying for others. Sometimes we are too weak to pray for ourselves so the prayers of others lift us to God and he hears their cry for us. Just like the Holyspirit intercedes for us
***end Side bar***

So I want to invite you to join me in a prayer challenge called IPray4U. This challenge may not be for everyone, but I have an inclination that a number of people (or maybe it is just 1 person) reading this already felt a nudge in their spirit to pray for someone else. It could be a friend, your husband, your child, your pastor, anybody else apart from yourself.



The IPray4U challenge:

Write down the name of at least seven people you know needs your prayers.

Now for a week starting from tomorrow 10th July or the day you read this, pray for at least one of the people you have listed above per day. So this should mean you will be praying for at least seven people this week. The challenge will end on 16th July if you start tomorrow.

It could be someone who has come to you in recent times with their issues, it could be a friend seeking the fruit of the womb, it could be your pastor, it could be a friend in financial crisis, or one seeking to marry, someone in a troubled marriage, someone who is sick, it could be someone who needs salvation, it could be your wife or husband or children.

Now here comes the hard part- During this week you will not be praying for yourself. Yes you heard me right. Yes forget about your pain, sickness, needs, wants! Put them aside for one week and concentrate on praying and giving thanks for others.

(Of cuz God wont strike you down if you pray for yourself during this time, this is simply just a sacrifice you are offering on behalf of your loved ones and maybe enemies!)

To help you stay committed, set a reminder to pray at specific times of each day on your phone for a week. Once you compile the list of people you are praying for, put their names in each reminder. This will only take a few minutes of your time so do that now or sometime today.

I believe testimonies will come out as a result of your prayers. Breakthrough upon breakthrough. People you pray for will share their testimonies with you. And to top it up your own breakthrough will come as a result of your prayers and sacrifice. People will rise up to pray for you and God will listen to them.

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

On another note, if you want me to pray for you, please send me your prayer request here and by the grace of God I promise I will pray for you this week.

I have never done anything like this before i.e. decide to go on a marathon prayer session for others and not even pray for myself. How terrifying! In fact I was hesitant about writing this post (I still am) but I know God wants me to share this with you as he would love to perform a revival in our lives if we OBEY. He wants people to rise up and PRAY. It is not about us, it is about HIM.

I know after our week of praying, testimonies will abound in our lives and in the lives of people we pray for. It may not be immediate but I hope when the testimonies start rolling in you will come back and share with us here.

Let’s do this challenge for a week (or as long as God leads you to) and then let us make it a habit to pray for others and not just ourselves.


Please share this post with your contacts, so they can join this prayer challenge if they wish too. If you are on twitter you can click here to tweet about the challenge.

Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit

So is anyone with me on this IPray4U challenge?? Let me know in the comment section. If you choose to do this anonymously that's totally cool as well.

I hope you will join me to pray. Let God surprise you!

I am so excited!

God bless

Aloted

Life and Warfare (2)

If you have not read Part 1, please do so here

Friends, without a shadow of doubt, our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. We need to understand that every one of us has a God given purpose in life and the enemy will seek out ways at destroying our destiny. But these are some four things I have practiced and for which I am confident to let you know worked so well for me at overcoming life’s warfare. I am happy to share these with you and you may apply them as well;
 
1.      Do Not Be Afraid: When life troubles come your way do not be afraid or disoriented. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” KJV. Remember that Jesus already took your pain and shame away on the cross of Calvary and so all you need to do is stay strong and focused on His promises (the word of God). Satan prides himself in making you feel sad, dejected and low. If only you could remind yourself that you are precious to God in every way and so the enemy has no audacity to touch you. Zechariah 2:8 says “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; after the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye” KJV. So stay strong always. Ephesians 6:13 exhorts “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” KJV.
 
2.      Pray to God: Ephesians 6: 8 reminds us that what we wrestle against is not physical to the naked eyes. There are powers of darkness constantly surrounding us and though we are often oblivious to this, it is a constant fact that will remain till Jesus returns. We however have an effective weapon as children of God. It is called PRAYER. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without ceasing” KJV. James 5:16b also reminds us that “….The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” KJV. You will notice I underlined the word fervent; this is because you cannot overcome without a consistent prayer life. Prayer is a spiritual weapon and when done with reverence to God, the devil will flee. Jesus never promised us trying moments would not come, but he promised to be with us through it all.  Psalm 91: 15 confirms this “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”KJV.

Google Images

 
The topic on prayer is a very extensive one and will not be dealt with in this text. I will however advise that prayer should not be done based on pressure from any persons as it can sometimes be of little or no meaning to the person in the picture when coercion is applied. I have been to places where certain modes of prayer are challenged and seen as weak, non-aggressive and baseless purely because you would not shout out. Well, based on Gods’ word in Matthew 6:6, you are permitted to pray quietly and behind closed doors; some term this “the simple and earnest prayer”. The bible makes reference to inward silent groaning which can be a form of prayer. This does not undermine other forms of prayer but none should be regarded as more effective than the other so far it is done in sincerity of heart and with pure undiluted reverence to God.
 


 
3.      Praise God: I love the song that says “overcoming every trial begins with a thankful heart”. I learnt this song when I was in my secondary school but it only made more meaning to me in very recent times. The bible tells us in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice.” KJV.  Rejoicing always will mean always. In the good times and the bad times. He is God of all times and would take control where His praises are rung. You are more inclined to helping a child who is always thankful for everything you do for him or her, than for a child who stays mute every time you go out of your way to do something special for him or her. So is our relationship with God. He knows when things are not right in our lives but still appreciates it when we value His awesomeness in every situation. Horatio Spafford the writer of the song, “It is well with my soul”  (You can check Aloted's post on this by clicking the link) had only just lost his only son, four daughters and entire estate and empire to the great Chicago fire. Despite all of these traumas, he still found strength within to sing his heart out to God. With God, it is not about doom and gloom. He works wonders when we praise him. Take time to worship God and sing his praises. Remember, when the children of Israel praised God, the walls of Jericho fell. It still can if you believe.
 
4.      Relax, The Battle is the Lord's: Every time the enemy comes to make waste of everything you hold so dearly, think of it this way….he is trespassing unto Gods property. You are God's own and all that are yours are God's. God will fight anything and anyone who comes to make a ridicule of his very own. Malachi 3: 11 reminds us “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.” KJV. I have applied this passage in the scriptures not only to my finances and my career, but to every single aspect of my life; my marriage, my wife and daughter, my health, my family and friends and my church. He holds all these things in my life so dearly to him. Exodus 14:14 admonishes us “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” KJV. So I entirely leave the battle to God to fight and I relax in His unfailing love and presence for evermore.
 
Can I implore you that if you have not given your life to Jesus, you still can. He loves you just the way you are. Regardless of where you have been, what you have done and who you are…Jesus simply loves you unconditionally. The only way to fight the enemy and have more meaning to life is by knowing what Gods’ purpose for your life is and what he expects from you when its spiritual warfare time. It’s a relationship. He so much longs for you and He can’t wait for you to turn a hundred percent to Him. Honestly, if you ask me, there are no short cuts anywhere. I have tried so many and yet failed to find an effective one. Jesus is the Way, The Truth and The Life and no one comes to the Father (of Life) except through him. 

All you need say is this ;
“Lord Jesus, I know that despite all you have done for me, I have turned my back on you every time. I have not lived the kind of life you want me to live for you and I am deeply sorry. I recognise that you are my Saviour, the Lover of my soul and the Lord of my life. Forgive me of my sins and come into my heart today. Give me a brand new life and the joy of  your salvation. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.”

Source

 Perfect, this is first grand step you have taken into a purpose driven life. I admonish you to find a good bible believing based church where you can be part of a living Christian family and grow to be the man or woman God intended you to be. On my part I want to say, welcome to the fold and I love you.
 
I know this has been another lengthy write up from me but I appreciate your reading and I don’t take it for granted. More importantly, I hope you have been blessed just as I have.
 
Love you. 
Zing

Waiting on God...

I have been meaning to blog about this particular topic for a while now but when I got the opportunity to be a guest blogger at the latest blogsville mum's blog- Chichi of From Now Till I Do I thought it would be an apt post to do there.

Thank you Chichi for having me. :)

Here's an excerpt-

source

Some time ago, I was in the midst of a group of ladies and the conversation steered towards waiting and how hard it is to wait for anything.


Someone now asked the question- “which is easier- to wait on God for a husband or a baby?” A single lady in the group quickly shouted “Oh it is definitely harder to wait for a husband than a baby; at least a married woman has one out of the two- a husband, while singles have neither”. One married woman shook her head and said “hmm I think it is harder waiting for a baby, at least there are plenty single men around and you can easily pick one to marry, but when you don’t have a baby everyone especially your in-laws start staring at you wondering why you don’t have a child”. Another single person chipped in- “well you can adopt a baby not a husband or do IVF”. The argument kept going back at forth with everyone trying to defend their corner as they deemed fit. I sat there listening, not contributing, considering I have a husband and a daughter and didn’t think my opinion mattered anyway....


Please head over to Chichi's blog to read the full post. Cheers.

Merry Christmas to you all!!!

source

Matthew 1:21

New International Version (NIV)

²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Christ is the reason for the season. He came to die that I may have eternal life. I am forever grateful.


May the true meaning of Christmas be made known to each and everyone of us.


God bless! & Merry Christmas!!!!!


PS- I am braving myself to make that Christmas Chicken Roast. :)

Everything is Working Out for your Good

Last week was a very very challenging week for me, I stood for what was right but it appeared to backfire. My faith wavered and I doubted God. On Sunday a friend prayed with me and asked God for mercy. Yes mercy, that was what I needed. By Monday morning, God turned my situation around with just 1 text message and now I have a completely different story. He came through! He surprised me! Woo hoo!!!!!

This post is simply an encouragement to someone out there trusting God for something.

You feel pressured to do the wrong thing because everyone is doing it

You speak the truth but discomfort, pain and rejection follow suit

You pray and pray and that thing you so desire isn't coming forth

HOLD ON!

Do not be discouraged

Everything is working out for your GOOD

Just HOLD ON and TRUST in HIM who knows you and loves you

God is bigger than any mountain or trouble you may be going through.

Even in good times or bad times- HE is STILL GOD. He is Unchangeable, Unshakeable, Unstoppable!!!!!

Cast all your cares on him

He will SURPRISE you much more than you can ever imagine!

Stay STRONG.

Below is the song I am loving now. Heard it in Church this Sunday and it reassured me of God's love. It is all about God..only God.....

Hope it blesses you.

Thots!

Aloted

Re letter to Nigerian Parents and #wePray275

Hi People! Hope you are all doing well? Thank you all for your comments on my last post i.e. the article “A letter to Nigerian parents”. Unfortunately I do not know the author so couldn’t get her to respond but I thought I could share my own views. People made a lot of valid points in the comments so will try not to say much.

Someone mentioned to me the writer should have titled the letter- "A letter to Affluent Nigerian Parents" and then maybe her article will be completely justified. I tend to agree. I don’t think all the examples she provided are valid or would resonate with a large group of Nigerian parents but I agree with the underlying message she was trying to pass across.

As parents we are accountable for how we raise our kids. I read in a book by Dr Robert Anthony- “the greatest gift any parent can give their children is to help them to become self confident by making them self-reliant. Children should be given as much responsibility as they can handle at any age level. Only through independence will they learn the joy and privilege and human dignity of standing on their own two feet”. This I think is one of the points the writer was trying to make. “Overpowering, over permissive or over possessive parents are usually the ones who can turn their child into an emotional cripple.”
There are so many examples one can give but I will go back to my first point. We are accountable for how we raise our kids. The bible tells me if I bring up my child in the way of the Lord he/she will not depart from it. This doesn’t only mean spiritually but mentally, emotionally. Teach them with love and encouragement on how to move from a state of dependency to a state of self reliance. This would help their confidence as they grow up. So by God’s grace I am doing my part and I am holding God to his words to do his part. My children will turn out just right.

Ok moving on to other things, is it me or have you all noticed that there has been a tremendous number of young people dying recently. I started noticing it last year and this year the number has grown exponentially. Almost every week, I hear of a young person’s death. Personally I have lost two friends, I know friends that have lost friends, siblings or partners. This is not right!!! It is not our portion to die young so why is this happening?? I don’t know but I know I can pray about it, stand on and declare God’s word that this would stop. To this effect, a fast as being declared on May 27th, Children’s day to pray against the spirit of untimely death. I got to know about this through someone who lost his cousin recently. I would like to invite you to please join in the fasting and prayer on that day. Let us stand as one and pray this untimely death away. If you can’t fast for whatever reason you can still join us in praying on that day. God says he will hear us if we repent and call on his name. Please spread the word. Pray for yourself, your family, husband, wife, children, partners, siblings and every young person. PRAY as the spirit leads! Prayer is the only way I know so I will PRAY.



Please if you feel led too, you can blog about this to so others can join the fast/prayer. I noticed that Zoe Believer tagged this on twitter as #wepray275. So for those twitter gurus, do your thing- tweet about it with the tag. Who knows it just might trend!

Thanks and God bless.

Deo Volente*

Growing up, my mum trained my siblings and I to always say “By God’s grace” any time we wanted to say something futuristic. For example “I will be going to the market tomorrow by God’s grace”. Most people that know me, will know that I live (or I conscious try to) by this golden rule because I strongly believe that whatever I do, is by God and not my power.

I have been meaning to blog about this but reading Temite’s post on death, re-inspired me so I have decided to stop procrastinating.

James 4:13-16 says-

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.

As human beings we plan, we strategise, we deliberate over our future. However we should remember that our lives is in the hands of God. A number of people sleep at night and do not wake up in the morning. What becomes of all their plans? No one can boast of tomorrow as only God knows tomorrow.

Remember the story of the rich fool who thought he had arrived but God told him he will die that night and he would not be able to enjoy all he had worked for. The problem was not that the man was rich but he thought he was invincible and could enjoy his riches anytime and all by himself but alas death came knocking.

This is just a short post to encourage us that as we wake up each day, let us be thankful for another opportunity to be in the land of the living as it is by the grace of God. Let us be a source of blessing to others and ensure God is directing our every step.


Have a great weekend and a Happy new month!

P.S-I have no internet at home as Baale and I just moved, so I shall be back on blogsville next week, by God's grace :)



*Deo volente means God Willing in Latin