“So Elijah moaned and mourned for his misery. Inside him still was the anointing that made kings, impacted on Elisha and divided Jordan, and brought down chariots of fire from heaven. But, he asked for an early retirement and God accepted his resignation letter. God can accommodate his servants who make mistakes, but when any opts to resigns he accepts, because the kingdom work is predicated on love, willingness and sacrifice.”
The arena for the fair lay in deep darkness. The chiming, chirping and shrill sounds of unearthly beings sent shivers down their spines. Surprisingly, items on display were seen despite the darkness. They toured the ground .Shop one had on display instruments of moral decadence- sex toys ,pornographic materials. Likewise shop two displayed wares for power puzzle, tussle and oppressions. Each store spoke volumes of human weakness and the instruments of control.
More worrisome are the prices of items on display. Heavily rated sins carried smaller price tags. Murder for instance sells at three dollars. Ritual and occult activities sold for just ten dollars. Abortions, witchcraft, seduction, lying, cheating etc, all sold for peanuts. Of all the equipment on display, only one worn – out, over used and ragtag instrument was priced out of reach. It was valued at millions of dollars.
My world flashed before me as I sat down under that Iroko tree. Should I be a fugitive after causing such a national religious re-awakening? I have seen rain and seasons suspended for years because I said so. I have eaten of heavens dinner, raised the dead, called down fire from heaven, should I really be on the run. I wandered at how quickly fortunes can be reversed. At the last count, the whole nation in unison chorused the supremacy of Jehovah, why will this daughter of Baal put me to flight.?The more I pondered on my present misery, the angrier I became.
For days I had been on the run, no food, water, change of neither clothing nor shelter. Blood splatters of slaughtered Baal prophets have caked all over my body. I am stinking, I am hungry, rejected and dejected, God where are you.? Should this be the reward of the righteous? The last I remembered before drifting into sleep, ” God take my life, since I am not better than my fathers.”
The instrument with the highest price tag brought question to their lips. Why must this unattractive piece be the center stage of the fair?
Well, Satan smiled, “you see, this instrument is my master key. It opens the door before any other vice can operate. It is the pathfinder that beckons on others. Without it my job will be too difficult to achieve. This mighty instrument is called DISCOURAGEMENT. Once it opens the door, it locks grace out, and instantly kills the potentials as well as the destiny of the individual. This instrument dries your present and future testimonies, while cutting you off from the strength of your past exploits. If you are in my shoes wouldn’t you value such an asset “
So Elijah moaned and mourned for his misery. Inside him still was the anointing that made kings, impacted on Elisha and divided Jordan, and brought down chariots of fire from heaven. But, he asked for an early retirement and God accepted his resignation letter. God can accommodate his servants who make mistakes, but when any opts to resigns he accepts, because the kingdom work is predicated on love, willingness and sacrifice.
Thus the fair ended, and Elijah went home. I don’t know how many of God’s children whose hearts have been or are being unlocked by the devil’s master key. Rise up and get going. Heaven is your destination not the Iroko tree. If the devil doesn’t try to stop you, then heaven is not worth it. The God of your past testimony has not gone bankrupt. He still has the capacity and will surely see you through.
Pastor Onyema Duruigbo, is the General Overseer of The Gospel House (TGH) Okota, Lagos.