In the Potter's hand 2

Helen dropped the knife in shock at the sound of her name. Hannah rushed to meet her granddaughter and held onto her tightly “Please don’t kill yourself, don’t add to your sins and perish in hell” cried Hannah. “What is in this life to live for, I have messed up everything, I have destroyed my life and brought shame to the ones that love me, I am a disgrace to the body of Christ and I have crucified my saviour the second time. I know you are disappointed too and it’s only a matter of time, before you also send me out. I can’t bear this shame, death is a better option right now, and I can’t just bear to live with this shame all my life.” Hannah prayed silently as Helen spoke trusting God for the right words to speak to her granddaughter, suddenly she began to sing.

In case you have fallen by the wayside of life

Dreams and visions shattered, you‘re broken inside

You don’t have to stay in the shape that you’re in

The potter wants to put you back together again

In case your situation has turned upside down

And all that you’ve accomplished is now on the ground

You don’t have to stay in the shape that you’re in

The potter wants to put you back together again

You are broken stop by the potter’s house

You need mending, stop by the potter’s house

Give him the fragment of your broken life

My friend the potter wants to put you back together again.

As Helen listened to the words of the song, she broke down into tears, she saw the Love of God and she knew there was hope for her again and God was willing and able to pick up the broken pieces of her life and make her a vessel unto honour for Himself again. “Lord, I am sorry for all I have done, for attempting to take my life and falling into the sin of fornication, please forgive me Lord. I surrender the broken pieces of my life to you, you are the Potter and I am the clay, please remould my life again, use it for your glory, I surrender to you Lord” Helen cried to God. She felt the presence of God as she prayed, His love and peace filled her soul, the joy of her salvation has now been restored unto her and all she could do was to worship, she knew that months ahead won’t be easy but she was sure that God was with her and for her and all will be well. “Welcome home, my child! Welcome back to your father’s house! Your sins have been forgiven and for your shame the Lord will give you double! Helen, I want you to know that I love you and as long as I live, I will be right by your side” Hannah reassured her. “Thanks Grandma” said Helen as her grandma gave her a warm hug.

“Congratulations, my dear! You have made us proud” said Helen’s mother. Helen could see the pain in her mother’s eyes. Her parents have always looked forward to her graduation day, knowing she would be graduating with a distinction and not only had she graduated with a distinction she also was the best graduating student for that session. “Thanks Mum, I am glad you are here” Helen said trying to force a smile. “How is dad?” she asked. “Helen, your dad is fine and he is very proud of you” said Dorcas. Dorcas knew this was far from the truth, she remembered the argument they had before she was allowed to attend their daughter’s convocation, she still doesn’t understand why her husband has refused to forgive their daughter, even though they were hurt by her actions but she still remains their daughter and their only child, she needs them more now. For more than three months Helen had been staying with her mother in-law, despite her pleadings and her mother’s he has refused to set his eyes on his daughter. His actions baffles her, he seems to be more concerned about his reputation in the ministry than his home. Over the months she had to sneak over to his mother’s place to check on their only child and today, when they are meant to be by her side, he decided not to come.

Helen looked at her baby, he looked so much like Charles. The thought of Charles brought tears to her eyes, since she informed him of the pregnancy he had refused to pick her calls, this morning she tried calling him again about the birth of their son, but his phone was switched off. This wasn’t the future they desired, she remembered while they were courting he said he was going to be in the labour room with her and his children will be delivered into his hands. But all their dreams have gone with the wind. “Why are you crying, dear?” asked Hannah. ”You should be grateful to God you know, you had a safe delivery and through you the gift to this generation has been born” said Hannah. “But, he might not get the privilege of meeting his father” sobbed Helen. “You don’t worry about that, The Lord will take care of him and will sort out every of your fears and concerns, so give Grandma a smile” Hannah said. Helen smiled at her grandma, she always knew the right words to say to her, she had been a source of strength to her and she admired her faith in God, she always reassured her that at the end her mouth will be filled with laughter and she shouldn't see the baby as a mistake but as a gift from God, created for signs and wonders.

“Helen it’s been six years since you had David, don’t you think it’s time you settle down, I mean get married” said Hannah out of concern. “Get married? Grandma, I waited on God for His perfect will in marriage and I got engaged to Charles, we fell into sin and he put the blame on me, leaving me all alone to bear the consequence, oh no, I will rather stay single” said Helen. “Yes dear, you prayed about Charles, in fact that was your first relationship but even though he was God’s will for you, you had a responsibility to make it work, you opened the door to the enemy through sin, remember he that breaks the edge shall the serpent bite. It was not God’s fault that it didn’t work out, God in His infinite mercy forgave you of your sin, took up your mess and turned it to a message, through your mistake souls have been worn into His vineyard and He also established you in your career, so why then are you hindering Him from completing His work? Why are you still holding onto the pain of your past?” said Hannah. Grandma was right, she had been holding unto the pain of her past, she has actually refused men who had wanted a relationship with her, and she didn’t even bother to pray about them. She had made up her mind to stay single, focus on the ministry God has called her into and raising her son, David. “Helen, you really need to start praying about your marital life” said Hannah bringing her out of her thoughts. “Ok Grandma, thank you for your love and support over the years, you have really been a source of strength to me” said Helen, hugging her Grandma.

Helen looked through the invitation at her desk at work, her secretary informed her that it was dropped by some delegates from The Living Wine Church; she had come in late, because she had an appointment earlier in the day, though their pastor had initially informed her about it, he had been a source of inspiration and strength especially during her trying time. They were having a youth convention at the end of the month, the initial speaker wasn't going to be available and they were led to invite her, which was the reason for the short notice. She was going to speak on a topic so close to her heart “In The Potter’s Hand”. “Lord, you must have a purpose for this, I pray that you will use me as your mouth piece” prayed Helen. Suddenly, Isaiah 41:19.”Behold I will do a new thing…………….” flashed through her mind. “Lord, are you talking about my upcoming ministration or my marital life?” said Helen. After her discussion with her Grandma, she had given herself to fasting and praying, trusting God to guide her concerning her marital life and she had been waiting on Him for a word but now she is confused. She doesn't know if God is speaking to her about her marital life or her ministration in The Living Wine Church, the word seems to fit into the two circumstances. “Lord, I just trust you with my life”.

“Can she be the one?” Charles kept asking as if he was speaking with someone. When he heard her name, he was taken her aback, seeing her confirmed it. She hasn't changed, though she has gained a little bit of weight. All of a sudden, he felt so ashamed. “I left her when she needed me most” thought Charles “By now we should have been married with kids”. A couple of months after she informed him about her pregnancy, he relocated to Chicago through the help of his Brother who resided there. His first year was the most frustrating year of his life, things where not just working out for him. He kept blaming Helen for his downfall until he had an encounter with God in a church his friend invited him to and he rededicated his life to God. Ever since, he had committed himself to the work of God and he made up his mind to live for God all the days of his life and God indeed blessed him in Chicago. After rededicating his life to Christ he tried getting in touch with Helen, but he couldn't get through to her, he tried calling her parents but he wished he never did as her father called him so many names, he also tried some of her friends but he was informed that they had also been trying to get through to her but her phone was always switched off. He ensured he kept praying for her, knowing what she might be going through, especially after his last conversation with her Dad. God had not led him to any relationship, he kept saying “he makes all things beautiful in his own time”, he was transferred by his company to Nigeria a month ago, to be the Operations Manager and he was invited by a colleague to this programme. “Praise, Jesus!” Helen’s voice jolted him out his thoughts and he listened to her preach.

Helen, thought she saw a familiar face among the congregation but she discarded the thought because she didn’t want to be distracted. But after the programme as soon as she was about to drive off, she heard a familiar voice call her name then she turned to the direction of the voice. “What, Charles?” said Helen in shock and she drove off in anger. Charles looked all around to ensure he hadn’t made a scene, “what was he expecting anyway, after what he had done to her he deserved this or worse” he said to himself.

Seeing Charles brought back memories, Helen couldn't hold back the tears as she drove home, she was lucky not to have had an accident. “Imagine, after having a spirit filled ministration and every one had encountered God, she is going back home in tears”

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To be Continued

In the Potter's Hand

"You are such a disgrace, I will rather go childless than have you as my daughter" Craig said in disgust. Helen had been his only child, due to the complications Dorcas, his wife had during her birth, she had been unable to conceive. After so many years of waiting and trusting God for a miracle, they gave up trying for another child and were grateful for what they had. Helen had been a delight to them, she had always made them proud and she had been an example to the youths in the church. She was brought up in the ways of the Lord and she was receptive to such teaching, over the years she had shown her consistent zeal for the things of God. Apart, from her love and zeal for the Lord, Helen was an outstanding student of one of the prestigious universities in the country, he was looking forward to her graduation which was in a few months.

When she informed him about her engagement to Charles, he was so excited, knowing that he was a spirit filled child of God and had done great exploits for the Lord, despite his age. He thought his daughter was in safe hands and he will eventually handle the mantle of the ministry to him when he is no more. But he was wrong after all.

He looked at his daughter with disgust. "Helen, I raised you in the way of the Lord, sent you to the best schools and ensured you never lacked anything but all you could do in return is to bring shame to this family and to my ministry. Now listen, I can't bear this shame, I can't stand and watch you destroy the reputation I have built over the years and I wont allow you to make mockery of me. I want you to leave my house this minute" said Craig.

Immediately, his wife knelt before him holding his feet crying "Craig, please she's all we've got, she is our only child, please Craig, please". He was moved by his wife's tears, she was right, she is all that they have got but what will the members of his church say, he has been known for not condoning sin among his members, now his daughter has fallen to the act of fornication and now she is pregnant, pregnant out of wedlock. He never thought this could happen to him.

Helen walked down the road, with tears rolling down her eyes. She had failed all those that loved her, she had failed God, her parents, her church members, her friends and herself. She remembered the look on her father's face, all through her life she had never seen her Dad cry, he wished he never had her as a daughter and she can never forget the wailing of her mother as her father sent her packing, she cried as she though she had just lost her daughter, this brought tears to her eyes. She really wished she was never born, she had brought so much sorrow and pain to her parents. And Charles, the thought of him brought sorrow to her heart. She was shocked at his response, after she broke the news of her pregnancy to him, he called her so many names, he said she was an agent from the kingdom of darkness who had been sent to make him fall and destroy his life and ministry. Charles blamed her for what happened to them. She can remember that day vividly when they both fell into sin. She had traveled to Lagos from school after her final exams to give him a surprise visit. He was "surprised" to see her at his office and he couldn't hide his excitement, he introduced her to everyone at his office as his fiancee and she received a warm welcome from everyone. After the close of work, they headed for his place, where he made dinner for both of them. They talked about their future over dinner, after which Helen informed him that she was returning back to school. Charles advised against this and pleaded with her to stay behind since it was late already. At first she was hesitant, but after checking her wrist watch and discovered it was 8:30pm, she decided to stay behind. Everything, went well at first until when their emotions got a better part of their discussion and they where both in each other's arms and "alas" the deed was done. They both cried and asked God for mercy and promised God it will never happen again. She left early the next day, but she noticed Charles was withdrawn after the incidence, he stopped calling her and sometimes won't pick her calls and if he did, he gave excuses of how busy he was at work. She was shocked at his response, after she informed him that she was pregnant, he blamed her for the incidence. She felt so betrayed, Charles was her first love, she was never into the teenage "puppy love", she believed in waiting on the Lord's timing and seeking His face before entering any relationship. When Charles proposed to her she sought the Lord about him and He gave her a go ahead. But now she has destroyed everything, the Lord had promised them a great future together but they had allowed sin to destroy the home the Lord intended to build.

Hannah was awoken by the knock on the door, she wandered who that could be at that time of the night. Suddenly, she heard her grand daughter's voice calling out to her to open the door. Hurriedly she rushed to open the door. "Helen, what are you doing here at this time of the night, did you come alone, where are your parents and why are you crying?" she asked in fear. Helen sobbed as her grandma, asked those questions, she didn't know what to expect from her, she wasn't sure if she will send her away, like others did. Realizing they were both still at the door, Hannah asked her to come in but yet she was full of fear, she hoped the worst had not happened. Suddenly, Helen went on her knees crying "Grandma, Please don't send me away, if you send me away there is no where to go, everyone has left me, my Dad has deserted me because I brought shame to him, please don't leave me too". Hannah was startled by what she said "Craig disowned you, what happened?" Helen told her grandma all that happened.

After Helen told her all that happened, she lost her sleep the best she could do was toss on her bed, She was her first Grandchild and she loved her, of a truth she had disappointed everyone by getting pregnant but that doesn't mean she should be left alone to bear the consequences of her actions. "Lord, I need you to give me wisdom to handle this matter, use me as your instrument of your love for Helen" Hannah said. She kept praying till she fell asleep. Suddenly she woke up, looked around but no one was knocking this time, but she could hear footsteps, she knew it was Helen but she had a nudging in her spirit to check on her. At first, she wanted to ignore the nudge but she decided against it and went to check on her. Hannah, wanted to check her in her room but she felt led to go to the kitchen first. "Helen!!" Hannah screamed when she saw her grand daughter"

To be continued 

Oh! Not Again!! 2

I am sure you are surprised, said Tanye's Pastor. After taking a deep breath, he spoke again.I know exactly how you feel, Tanye. I have been there before but God gave me total victory, I have good news for you, as the Lord delivered me from masturbation and other ungodly habits, you also will be delivered in Jesus name.

Amen! said Tanye 

Scriptures says in the book of Romans 6:14a "Sin shall no longer have dominion over you"  and that is the truth and you can experience it. Infact, that is your inheritance in Christ Jesus, because you have the seed of God in you. But you need to cooperate with God to experience total victory.

Let me share with you what the Lord taught me.

1. The Word of God: Scriptures says "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". Tanye, the Word of God has the power to transform the life of a man. Romans 12:2a says "Do not be conformed to world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Psalms 119:9 says "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to your word" Also verse 11 of that same chapter says "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you" I know you said you study the Word of God but there is a need for you to continually meditate or ponder on his word too, so that his word gets rooted in your heart and forms your thoughts.
2. Guard your heart:  Sin starts from the heart of a man, the root of every habit  is a thought.That is why, scriptures says "Guard your heart with all dilligence,for out of it comes the issues of life" What do you think about, what are the things that occupy your mind, what do you feed  your mind with, I mean what books do you read or movies do you watch,what music do you listen to. Galatians 6:7 says "Be not deceived God is not mocked:for whatsoever a man soweth , that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting".  Avoid things that stir up this ungodly desire.You can never outgrow guarding your heart, this is very essential.
3. Prayer: Tanye, we don't only get our needs met when we pray but we also get empowered to live godly lives. Hebrews 4:16 says "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need" Grace not only means divine favour but it also means divine help. We need the help of God to overcome every ungodly habits and live holy lives, we can't do it by our own strength or setting up rules for ourselves. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says "My grace is sufficient for you and in your weakness is my strength made perfect"
4. Walk in the Spirit: Scripture says "Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh"  There is a need for us to continually yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, so that Christ's character might be formed in us. Do not be deceived  Tanye, you will be tempted but God requires you to yield yourself to his Spirit and he will surely help you.
5. Do not stay idle: Avoid idleness,a wise man once said an "Idle man is the devil's workshop" When we are idle the devil begins to bring different suggestions. Give no room to the enemy, always engage in an activity during your free time.
6. Maintain your deliverance: Tanye, your deliverance is a continuous process. You have to consistently study God's word, meditate upon it, give yourself to prayer including fasting, keep walking in the Spirit and giving no room to the enemy. This will enable you to have constant victory over sin.

Finally, as I said earlier, sin shall no longer have dominion over you. This is the will of God for you, stand fast therefore in this liberty and you will see the salvation of the Lord.

Whaoh! exclaimed Tanye. I have seen where I have missed it.

Let us pray, said his Pastor.

Are you like Tanye struggling with an ungodly habit, it might not be masturbation and you have given up or about to. I have a good news for you, Christ has purchased your victory on the cross and you can experience total liberty from every ungodly habit. "For whosoever the son of man has set free, is free indeed"

Oh! Not Again!!

Oh God, I have disappointed you again....Oh, no. cried Tanye. I know, I promised you, it will never happen again, but I can't just help myself anymore, Lord. I know it's a sin but I just keep falling into it, again and again. Oh, how i wish I can experience total freedom from this sexual act that has become an hindrance to my walk with God, it's a torment to my soul, Lord. sobbed Tanye.

Tanye had been involved in masturbation as a teenager, he thought since he was too young to be in a relationship with any girl, the only way he could satisfy his sexual urge was through masturbation and most of his friends were doing it too. Years has passed and what seemed to be a means of pleasure as become a great "monster" he can't conquer.

Three years ago, Tanye gave his life to Christ during a youth convention in his church and he has been committed to his relationship with God and he has also been active in church but this "monster' seems to be an hindrance to his christian testimony. He seems to be experiencing temporary victory over this sinful habit. Now, should he give up the fight and allow himself to be devoured by this sin or should he keep fighting till he experiences total freedom. He took a stock of his life, he is baptized with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, he studies the Word of God and also gives himself to prayers. In addition to these, he ensures he never misses church services and he's also a member of the worship team. He had prayed and fasted for total deliverance from masturbation but his freedom had always been temporal,after a few temptations he falls right back on the floor.

There must definitely be a way out of this.Tanye said to himself. There must be something,i am not doing or should be doing,he said. Suddenly it dawned on him, he has never confided in anyone about his struggle. But to who? he asked. Everyone sees me as a spiritual brother, alot of my peers and even the teenagers look up to me, wont they think I have been an hypocrite all this while....Oh God, please help me, teach me what to do Lord. cried Tanye. Then James 5:16, flashed across his heart, he hurriedly looked through his Bible and read...."Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed". He pondered on this bible verse for a while. But who do I confess this sinful act to, who can I trust, Lord? he asked again. After awhile, he decided to speak to his Pastor about it, he wore his shirt and hurriedly went to church hoping to see his Pastor, since it wasn't a church service day.

Good day Sir, greeted Tanye.

Hello Tanye, how are you today, you came in just in time, I was about leaving for a meeting. his pastor said.

His Pastor took a close look at Tanye and he noticed he had been crying. Have you been crying? What is wrong, Tanye? Tanye was a bit hesitant and he finally found his voice. He told his Pastor about his hidden sin and was expecting his Pastor to rebuke him and tell him how disappointed he was. But he was taken aback when his  Pastor smiled, after he had finished pouring out his heart.

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To be continued next week