THE STRANGE PROPOSAL
Part 24
©Franca Uwuigiaren
As I held her close, I could feel the warmth of her tears on my chest, and the vibrancy of her smile radiating onto mine. We swayed gently to the rhythm of our hearts, our love song echoing through the room. In this moment, I knew that our bond was unbreakable, our love unconquerable.
The kids were dazed when they returned from school and met their mother waiting for them in the sitting room. Dokubo’s legs almost gave way as he sat on the tiled floor, crying uncontrollably, overwhelmed with emotion. Even though the boils had not completely dried up, the kids hugged their mother tightly, grateful to see her recovering.
I broke the news to my parents, who were full of praises to God, and I called my mother-in-law too, sharing the wonderful news with her. Then, I informed my pastor of the great news, and he prayed, “Affliction shall never rise again in your family, in the name of Jesus,”
“Amen!” I shouted, grateful for God’s deliverance.
As the days progressed, Oroma became stronger, her skin clearing, and her beauty radiant once again. I had no more visits or disturbances from the water goddess, and I knew the Lord had put them to shame. Just like the Lord told me in that vision, everything about us began to change. Like the Bible verse says, “When the Lord turns the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.” Indeed, it was as if I was dreaming, and I couldn’t wake up from this wonderful reality.
In the third week of January, I was in the kitchen with Oroma, preparing lunch, when my phone rang. When I saw the caller, I looked at my wife, and she asked,
“Who?”
“Osayi,” I replied, and she encouraged me to answer the call.
I picked up, and he sounded so irritated,
“What happened to your line, Obiama? I have been trying to reach you for months, and it wasn’t going. I just decided to give it one more try today.”
I explained how he had responded when I called him months ago, and he was surprised, “Me? I will I not know you? God forbid! It’s not my line you called.”
I laughed and didn’t want to argue with him because it was the devil at work then; the most important thing now was that we had reconnected.
He told me he was in Nigeria for a month and then returned to Germany, and we spent a long time on the phone, catching up on old times. Then, he requested my account details, and when he sent the money, it shook my account – six-digit figures!
I couldn’t believe it, and I remembered Isaiah 60:10, where the Bible says, “Sons of strangers shall build up thy walls.” God had indeed used Osayi, a stranger, to bless me abundantly. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, knowing that God had turned our captivity around, restoring my family, health, and finances.
While I was still basking in that blessing, top-notch companies where I had not even gone for interviews began to send emails and calls inviting me to resume work with them. I prayed about all the offers, seeking God’s guidance, and was led to choose one whose branches were everywhere. My salary was too good to believe, and I knew it was God’s provision.
February 19th soon came, and it was our wedding anniversary. I woke Oroma with a kiss, and she sat up blushing like a newly married wife.
“Today is our day, Oroma, and today, you have to choose where you want me to take you,” I said, looking at her lovingly.
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” she replied, “I want to celebrate it with our kids. Let’s celebrate it at home.”
She kissed my hand and looked at me with so much love in her eyes.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, smiling.
“I’m just wondering why you’re so handsome this morning…” she said, getting out of bed.
“Is that why you’re blushing, Oroma?”
“How am I blushing?” she replied, playfully running away from me.
“Why are you running?” I asked, chasing after her.
“The way you’re set on that bed this morning…like a lion…hmmm!” she said, laughing.
I caught up with her and carried her to the sitting room, placing her gently on the chair.
“Isn’t your mum beautiful?” I asked the kids, and they chorused,
“She is!”
They sat around her, talking and laughing, and I stood aside, looking at my wife with so much love and gratitude, thanking God for her life.
We celebrated our wedding anniversary at home, just as she wished. During meals, I sat her lovingly on my legs and fed her as she wanted. The only time she sat down to eat was when she attacked her meat with so much relish and mischief, and we all bursted out laughing.
SIX MONTHS LATER, I was on another level. I have gotten a car and started building my house. God indeed remembered me, and all I lost, I recovered speedily. My family was happy, and anyone who looked at my wife would never believe she had passed through so much. God restored her, and she was radiant.
She wanted to return to teaching, but I refused, knowing she deserved a break. I told her to think of a business to do, and I would set it up for her. She was excited, and we started brainstorming ideas.
The day I shared my testimony in church, the congregation screamed for joy. I couldn’t thank Pastor Moses enough for standing firmly in prayers for me, the advises and the financial supports.
I thanked God for Sarah, who had been so committed to the things of God. She told me she goes for evangelism now, and for her, there’s no turning back.
The devil has nothing good to offer you; his gifts are gifts that will add sorrow to your life. Never accept anything from him.
As believers, we must learn to stand firm in God’s word. Don’t allow situations in life to bend you or make you make decisions and choices that will destroy you.
There are many voices in this world, but choose to listen to only the voice of God. The voice of fear, anxiety, and doubt may be loud, but God’s voice is louder. The voice of temptation and sin may be enticing, but God’s voice is more compelling. The voice of the enemy may be deceiving, but God’s voice is truthful.
Don’t let the voices of others define your path or dictate your decisions. Don’t let the voices of your past mistakes or failures hold you back. Don’t let the voices of fear and doubt whisper lies in your ear. Instead, tune in to the voice of God, who speaks life, hope, and love.
Listen to His voice in the stillness of the morning, in the quiet of your heart, and in the pages of His Word. Let His voice guide you, comfort you, and empower you. Let His voice be the one that you obey, the one that you trust, and the one that you follow.
For when you listen to the voice of God, you will find peace, joy, and strength. You will find direction, purpose, and meaning. You will find the courage to face your challenges, the wisdom to make wise decisions, and the grace to overcome your weaknesses.
So, choose to listen to the voice of God today, and every day. Let His voice be the one that you cherish, the one that you honor, and the one that you obey. For His voice is the voice of love, the voice of truth, and the voice of life.
Be a praying Christian, be a hot Christian. The devil is afraid of a praying Christian.
Seeking help from the river or shrine or dedicating children to the river may seem like an easy solution to problems, but it leads to destruction. The devil’s gifts come with a price, and that price is too high to pay.
It’s better to wait on God and trust in His provision than to seek help from the enemy. Remember, God is a jealous God, and He will not share His glory with any other god. Let’s be careful not to invite the devil into our lives, thinking he will help us. His help is a snare, and his gifts are curses in disguise. Let’s stand firm in God’s word and trust in His goodness and mercy.
Dependence and trust in God are essential for every believer. When we depend on God, we acknowledge that He is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Savior. We trust in His goodness, His love, and His sovereignty. We know that He has our best interests at heart and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. When we trust in God, we are not open to the devil’s attacks, and we are not accessible to his schemes. We are fortified, and we are empowered to live a victorious life.
Don’t be caught between two worlds, serving two masters. Don’t have one leg in the church and the other in the shrine, seeking solutions from both God and idols. This double-mindedness will only lead to confusion, deception, and spiritual stagnation. The Bible warns us in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” And in Revelation 3:16, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” When we try to serve both God and idols, we become spiritually lukewarm and ineffective. We can’t have it both ways! We can’t worship God on Sunday and idols on Monday. We can’t pray to God in the morning and seek solutions from the shrine in the afternoon.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:21-22, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
We must choose who we will serve, and where our allegiance lies. Let us not be deceived by the enemy’s lies, promising us quick fixes and solutions from false sources. Let us not be swayed by the temptation of power, wealth, or success at any cost. Instead, let us trust in God alone, and seek His guidance and wisdom in all we do. When we commit fully to serving God, we can experience the power of His presence, the peace of His promises, and the joy of His love.
Thank God my parents later saw the errors of worshipping the water spirit and dedicating us to her. My siblings have now renounced every connection they have with the water spirit. Right now, they’re holding God firmly.
Grandma called and apologized. She said she did what she did because of poverty and she didn’t want her grandchildren to suffer, so she asked the River goddess to marry me and bless me with wealth, fame, and power.
“I’m sorry Obiama. Thank God that I am wiser now. Thank God for His saving grace.”
“You and my parents will not suffer.” I told her.
With all I and my family went through, I have seen that making a covenant with the water spirit and dedicating children to them in exchange for wealth, fame, and power is a dangerous and deceitful practice. It may promise quick fixes and solutions, but it leads to spiritual bondage, generational curses, and destruction.
The water spirit is a malevolent entity that seeks to destroy God’s creation and lead people away from Him. By making a covenant with it, you open yourself and your children to demonic oppression, torment, and control. Dedicating children to the water spirit puts them in harm’s way, exposing them to evil influences and manipulation. It’s a form of spiritual abuse, causing long-term damage to their spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. Seeking help from water spirits for wealth, fame, and power is a form of idolatry, which God strictly prohibits. It leads to a life of slavery, sin, and separation from God’s love and grace.
Therefore, if you know you’re not a child of God, I invite you to surrender your life to Jesus Christ before it’s too late. He is the only way to eternal life, and His love for you is immeasurable. Don’t let the devil deceive you with his lies and tricks. Come to Jesus, and He will give you rest, peace, and joy that surpasses all understanding.
If you’re tired of living a life of sin and shame, if you’re tired of feeling lost and alone, if you’re tired of trying to fill the void in your heart with temporary pleasures, then come to Jesus. He is the answer to all your problems, and He is waiting for you with open arms.
Surrender your life to Him today, and He will transform you into a new creation. He will give you a new heart, a new mind, and a new spirit. He will guide you, protect you, and provide for you. He will be your Rock, your Refuge, and your Savior.
Don’t wait any longer, my friend. Come to Jesus today, and experience His love, His grace, and His mercy for yourself. You won’t regret it.
“Dinner is ready,” Oroma said, dragging me out of bed. The kids have long taken dinner and are watching a Christian movie. What a joy it was when I replaced the broken television with a bigger one! Anyway, while they’re watching television, my wife brought dinner to the bedroom.
We wanted to be alone with each other. She made one of my favourite meals, Mkpokpo (plantain porridge). It was spiced the way I love it. I complimented her culinary skills, and she smiled.
“You know, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad we went through that difficult time.” She looked at me curiously, and I continued, “If we hadn’t gone through that, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We wouldn’t have experienced God’s provision and faithfulness in such a mighty way.”
Oroma smiled, nodding in agreement.
“You’re right,” she said. “We wouldn’t have appreciated God’s blessings if we hadn’t experienced the struggles. We wouldn’t have known the depth of His love and care for us. And most importantly, we wouldn’t have known Christ and surrendered our lives to Him.”
I nodded, tears welling up in my eyes.
“Yes, that’s the greatest blessing of all. We wouldn’t have known the joy of surrendering our lives to Jesus, of trusting in His sovereignty, and of experiencing His grace and mercy in our lives.”
We both ate in silence for a moment, reflecting on our journey. I thought about how God had taken us through the valley of the shadow of death, but had brought us out into the sunshine of His love. We had come out of the fire refined, like gold.
THE END
© Franca’s Pen ✍️ 2024
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
God is so wonderful