Christian Living
A young man called me some day. Someone I knew from way back. We belonged to same fellowship sometime ago and I was priviledge to be fellowship head at the time. He left us after a while; proceeded on a divinely provided internship training to Europe. A few years later he returned to Nigeria and was employed by a multinational company.
We kept in touch, but only when he called or buzzed. We’d talk a little about his faith which he always said was fine. But you know how it is now; social media readily give people away! His pictures on Facebook didn’t suggest a spiritually healthy brother to me. So when he called me, sounding rather too desperate to hold a discussion with me; I knew everything wasn’t right, he needed help!
He was at a crossroad! He’d gotten himself entangled with 2 young women. He must marry only one and I have to help him decide!
In my earlier blogpost; “Pet or Companion“, I narrate how Adam single-handedly identified his life partner, chose her and named her. So ‘hello’ young man, ‘go catch your bride yourself’!!
No!, you’re wrong; I didn’t tell him that. 🙂 Neither did I choose a wife for him. So what did I do? I spent about 30-45 minutes listening to his stories. I scolded him for sinning against our Father 🙂 (He was truly sorry). And then told him I’d get back to him in tops, 48 hours.
Ofcourse I wasn’t in any way confused about which of the ladies would make a good wife. But it wasn’t my place to tell him. The thing is, I believe he also knew the right decision. But his passions and feelings were trying to misguide him. Happens! 🙂
When I called him 48 hours later, having prayed about his issue and also prayed for him, I simply listed out to him, the attributes of a wife, making a clear contrast between his 2 women without calling names. Next, we agreed it was best to end both relationships and start over {Solomon’s wisdom }. I expect the rightful owner of the husband not to give up 🙂 and she didn’t.
Some months later, I received another call from my brother; he was ready to marry. He’s made a decision! Halleluyah. Please believe me when I tell you that all these time, I never asked him which of the ladies he decided on. I didn’t ask him. Facebook didn’t help me either. No pictures and besides, I couldn’t even differentiate the women physically. I trusted the Holy Spirit to sort him out and He did.
Life happens. Crossroads happens. Crossroads are not necessarily death traps. Crossroads don’t have to be negative. Crossroads should be opportunities. Crossroads should bring good change. Crossroads should lead us as Christians to a better place; God destined place.
Some well-meaning secular authors try to tell us how to manage crossroads; (i) accept uncertainties. (ii) watch out for possibilities. (iii) Pray the Serenity prayer. (iv) Pick a rising tide. (v) Be open-minded; not having a goal is a goal. (vi) Practice solitude. etc
But should a Christian go on accepting uncertainties? Should he/She not have a goal; being tossed back and forth by every wind/doctrine? It’s great to expect and watch out for possibilities, but possibilities are everywhere! Which of the many possibilities that stare us in the face as Christians should we accept?
This is where crossroads can seem a challenge or a hard nut to crack because at the intersection of two or more roads, we must make a decision, most times, a crucial decision with far-reaching consequences.
What should a Christian do at crossroads? How do you know which way to turn? How do you know God’s will?
We’ll answer these and more questions in “At Crossroads…: Blogpost 2″.
Stay blessed.
My love always.
