THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES



"and ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you"____ Acts 1:8

The above scripture resounded through my earphones at the right time. I was beginning to entertain doubts about this venture. It was starting to look like my rash decision was actually an unwise one, rather than an instruction of God. I was walking along a deserted pathway, with my audio Bible as companion. I was presently meditating on the books of Acts. A book that I have come to see as an action packed movie directed by God. I have not always thought about it this way but recently I have had cause to change my mindset. That's a story for another day.

This venture I am talking about? Let me give you a little background. I live on a notorious street jam-packed with all forms of bad guys ranging from petty criminals to cultists. It's quite surprising that I decided to stay on this street. I actually didn't decide. I had no choice in the matter. It was either "red light" street or open air as a roof. I chose the former. Actually, I had been able to keep a low profile on the street. The bad guys just ignored me and went about their dealings. And me? I minded my business and cut down on activities that could take me out after 8pm. So that included, no champions league football for me. That pained me the most but it was a sacrifice I had to make. I became an indoors person because of the state of my street…..

Until today. I had felt the nudging of the Spirit to attend a worship concert. Which was quite funny because I wasn't a fan of concerts of any sort. After a lot of debate with myself, I set out for the concert. An overnight program, so I didn't really need to worry about returning to my lodging late at night. At the concert, I felt a move of God within me in a way I had never felt before. A speaker came outside and gave a brief exposition on the acts of the apostles. He said something important. He said, "these are the acts of the apostles of old. What are yours? Will anything be written of you except that you lived and died?". This struck a chord in me. I have always a lingering fear of going through life without leaving a mark.

It was during this section that I felt the nudge of the Spirit again. This time, I felt it was time to go home. I checked my watch. The display showed "11:00 pm". I rebuked the nudge instantly.. but it kept on coming. So I decided to follow the leading of God….. until I decided that it wasn't God but I was already close to my street. I looked back and forth for a motorist that could take me back to the concert. Alas, the whole street was empty.

That was when I started using my audio Bible...and listening to the book of Acts.

I felt a little bolder and moved with more confidence as the tales of miracles got me excited. I began to imagine myself doing those same things. I imagined my whole street being covered by God's glory and presence. I was still in this mood when a rude voice slashed into my euphoria. "Stop there", the rough voice said. I stopped, trembling with fear. The owner of the voice stepped closer and materialized into one of the roughest entities on the street. He wasn't alone. He had his minions behind him. Think of the hordes of hell. I briefly considered running. Then I felt that peace again. "Lo, I am with you even unto the end of the days". I felt confident again.

I didn't wait for him to talk. I said, "you are Lekan, the last born of two children. Your dad is a pastor but you stopped believing in God when your mother died even after you prayed. Right now, your sister is sick and you are distraught because the doctor said it's cancer". Lekan and his minions were speechless. Then he said, " how do you know all these?". I smiled and said, "God wants to touch you and your sister. You think she needs healing but you need healing more". I reminded him of those things he learnt in Sunday school, then I prayed for him.

Lekan received Jesus without even waiting to see the evidence of my prayer. He and his gang members escorted me home. That night, I hardly slept. I couldn't believe what just happened to me. I had given accurate word of knowledge to an unbeliever in a dangerous situation and he had been saved. I wasn't sure his sister will get healed. In fact, I felt like expecting that would be pushing my luck. The next morning, I stayed at home all day and studied the book of Acts. I had no visitors that day….

Until in the evening. I was sitting outside enjoying the fresh breeze when I spotted Lekan and his gang approaching from afar. Damn! This guy has found out that I am scam Sha. I was about running in the opposite direction when he shouted my name and ran to me. I stood rooted. I knew running was no longer an option. He ran to me and grabbed me in a bear hug. He shouted, "my sister is healed… thank you so much sir". His gang members had arrived already.

They shuffled their feet and murmured together untill one of them looked at me and said, "Pastor, please pray for us too"….




THE BEGINNING
HURRICANE DAVE

Following.