₦airaland Forum

OLAFIMIX:
God bless you sis, this your story is a message to my life. Something I have asking from Holy Spirit, he used this story as this answer. More anointing. The Spirit of the living God won't depart from you.

Wow! This is amazing! Amen and may he grant all that you desire!

Thanks for the update ma'am
May God's grace be sufficient for us

swankmee:
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11



TWELVE

Six months passed swiftly with no word from Ike. Just like that, he stopped keeping in touch. At first I thought I wouldn’t have been able to handle the pain that came with it but then as time went on, I found myself, in less pain and gradually, I felt no pain. I was almost tempted to go in search of him in his company when Kara asked about him but I knew better.

So much had happened within those space, asides from the fact that Kara became a millionaire under 24 hours with fixed properties at home and abroad assigned to her name made me realize that God could change anyone’s situation in minutes. Lekan had WILLED, 80% of his properties to Kara, wrote me a long apology note he planned giving me before he died mysteriously. Yemisi had cursed his cold body saying that he would rot in hell for willing just 10% of his properties to her. She almost pounced on me, saying that I was bad luck to her, she even threatened to make life miserable for me and my daughter but the family lawyer held her by her threats.

“Eyah, so he travelled with his family to the U.K.” mum commented, her eyes pinned on the 18 inch screen TV. We were watching our favourite family soap that evening. Kara was fast asleep, leaving mum and I.

I rose up and walked to the kitchen, grabbed a drink and then walked back to the sitting room. I emptied the contents of my cup, thinking I would feel at ease with whatever was going on with me but then, it seemed my uneasiness just began.

“Ehen, that reminds me. Ike’s mum and I spoke few days ago, and she told me her son had gone back to the states again.”

My heart skipped a bit, I glanced at her briefly. Thoughts of the possibility of Ike travelling and never coming back filled my mind. “Are you serious mum? You mean he travelled? What about his company?”

Mum had a puzzled look on her face. “Are you asking me? You should know better now. I thought you both speak to each other at least. He still runs his company here but from abroad. According to his mum, he has been gone for three months now.”

I shrugged, my heart still skipped another beat. I forced my eyes on the TV but my thought was far off.

“his mum has been pestering me to speak to you to sort out whatever happened between you and her son. She doesn’t want him married to those women with no culture like she said.” Mum chuckled.

Pictures, imaginary pictures began forming in my mind about Ike, getting married to a white woman? Well, if it was God’s will for him to, then so be it. the uneasiness continued, my attention was no longer on the programme as I suddenly felt a sense of urgency. Mum noticed my uneasiness and turned to me.

“Are you okay?” worry laced her eyes.

“No, I feel like there’s something I need to do.” I was tensed.

“Abi you need to talk to God again?”

That was it! prayes, I needed to pray like mum had rightly deciphered. I jumped to my feet and rushed to the room. The first few worship songs I took, got me reeling in the amazing atmosphere of the presence of God. I spoke in tongues all through, even though I didn’t know why and what I was praying for, my prayer intensified until I felt a relief. It was after I was done, that I got to understand that, my uneasiness had been the holy spirit nudging me to pray. I smiled absentmindedly, my Christian walk was really going interesting and more amazing than I thought. That night, I went to bed in peace, with no trace of worry whatsoever.
***************************************************************
Several times, we’ve been taught in Sunday school or the preacher had preached in his sermons that our Christian walk will sometimes be characterized by trials, temptations, persecution and it is our decision to choose if we want to stand rooted in the faith like Job, who despite the misfortune that befell him, loved God despite it all and at the end, got more than he had in the beginning.

The scripture James 1:2-3; my brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

This, rang severally in my head as I stood, stuck to a spot and watched the black smoke from the Plaza rise up to the sky, the plaza where my shop space was located was burnt beyond recognition. Shop owners wailed, kicked and scratched, some talked about their multi million naira that had now become ashes. My eyes found my shop space again, the whole building was pitch black, my cake supplies were all gone, my cake machines, deep freezer were all gone in 24 hours.

Tears welled up my eyes. I felt for my phone in my bag, dialed my pastor’s line. He picked on the first ring and I asked if he was in the church. My ride to church which should normally take about thirty minutes, seemed like an hour drive to me. By the time I saw my pastor, I busted into fresh tears. My whole body shook with sobs.

“I don’t understand what went wrong?” I said between sobs. “I thite to keep my heavens open, I give to the needy and to the church, I pray everyday and I believe I have a healthy relationship with the holy spirit so what is wrong!” I yelled, I didn’t understand. Was this the way Job felt when misfortune befell him?
Pastor allowed me wallow in self-pity for a while until I was calm and then he spoke.

“sister Diane. I want you to know that God doesn’t do evil.” He paused as if, waiting for that to sink in. “I hope you know that God didn’t cause Job’s misfortune? The devil did and that was because the hedge around Job was opened for the devil to strike! And since Job wasn’t the one who let the hedge around him open, God doubled all he lost at the end. I want you to search your life, have you broken the hedge? Perhaps through fornication, lieing, stealing or what have you. And If you haven’t I want you to know that ALL things, work together for the good of them that love God.”

I wiped my face with the back of my hand. I was sure I hadn’t broken the hedge in anyway. “it’s just that, I’ve been through a lot. I loosed my husband at first, the other man that looked promising, left me just like that and now, my only source of livelihood is gone…..just like that? This is all too much for me Pastor.” Tears trickled down my face.

Pastor patted his blue tie, as if lost in thought. He soon sat up in his chair, hands clasped together, he put it out on his desk. “for God to walk with and through you, he would check if you truly love him. will you love him if you loose everyone around you? will you still love him even if he demands your life and time?”

He pinned me down with his gaze. I stopped crying now. “I would be sincere. It was quite hard to still love God after this. This was exactly how I felt when my husband disappeared suddenly in our first year of marriage. I was bitter and I shut God out for five years. So in as much as it’s hard, I’m not willing to let go this time.”

His mouthstache expanded just as his lips pressed into a smile.

“I’m happy to hear that sister Diane. Through it all, no matter how long it will take, keep your faith alive in him. remember, he owns the whole world and even your own very life so go home rejoicing instead of wallowing in sorrow and self pity for you can’t even add a cubit of life span to your life.”

I nodded my head, satisfied with his counsel, I took my bag and headed home. Even if I wanted renting a new shop, I couldn’t touch Kara’s money or properties until she was eighteen. Like the pastor had said, I decided to fix my mind on something else, rather than remembering the black smoke that rose from the building to the sky.

“Holy spirit, I need more grace….i need strength!” I mumbled. Just as I sat at the back of the taxi that day, I heard the holy spirit, still and clear my grace is sufficient for you.

Beautiful piece madam, I doffed my hat for you. You are blessed and highly FAVOURED in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update ma'am
May God's grace be sufficient for us

Amen! Thanks for reading

Dfrenzy:
Beautiful piece madam, I doffed my hat for you. You are blessed and highly FAVOURED in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Amen! Bless u too and thanks for stopping by

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5


THIRTEEN

By the end of November, exactly five months after the unfortunate incident, I continued my business at home only that, it was so difficult for me with mo cake mixer or other work free machine that could aid in my business. The issue got worse when mum travelled back to Lagos to visit one of my brothers who was recently involved in a ghastly motor accident. I was left alone with Kara to do my daily run arounds and still have to drop her at school. Sometimes in the evenings, we did my cake delivery together.

Recently she clocked 6 and an unexpected parcel had arrived that day from the postal office. It was a beautiful pink dress with a small hand card with happy birthday, with love from Ike.

She had been elated and had put on the dress the following Sunday what baffled me most was when she told her friends in the children’s church that her second daddy had bought her a beautiful dress from abroad.

“Ike is an uncle to you not your second daddy” I chastised her that evening.

“But can I get a second daddy like uncle Ike please?” she purred.

I didn’t reply her, instead I told her to ask God. I wanted to focus on my business and my relationship with God first and I was sure like the bible had said, seek ye first, the kingdom of God and his righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you. Everything would certainly fall into place at the right time.

“Kara get up, we have a cake to deliver” I took one last look at the dark jeans and blue peplum blouse I was clad in. I smoothened my cornrows and walked back to the sitting room where Kara hovered around the cake.

“Hey, relax. I have your own stashed away in the fridge. When we get back we will have a cake feast okay?” I winked at her.

“Yay!” she busted into fits of laughter.

The drive to Macky’s restaurant didn’t take up to thirty minutes. The uber we took dropped us right in front of the exotic restaurant located right in Maitama. I knew the interior of the restaurant was a beautiful one, going by the sight I saw. It had transparent glasses, that made it possible for one to see the people on the inside, golden lights shimmered through the glass, as if calling for attention.

Kara couldn’t hide her surprise by the time we stepped in. I reached for my phone in order to dial my client’s line but then, I realized my client already told me where he was seated.
By the time we drew close to the table number, my jaw dropped as soon as my gaze met his familiar ones. Kara wiggled free from my hold and lunged towards Ike, throwing her slender body at him.

“I’ve missed you!”

He laughed and hugged her in return, he told her he missed her too. Ike ordered some food for her which kept her busy, leaving us to talk.

“So you’re Mr alinghton my client? The one I’m supposed to deliver this cake to?” familiar feelings swarmed through my body.

He nodded, stifled a suppressed smile. “I’m sorry I had to come under such guise. You may not want to see me or pick my call so I had to deploy that means.” He explained.

His face shone under the lights, my hearts skipped more beats. I wanted to tell him he looked more handsome what had the states done to him?

“It’s fine. So long as I get my money for delivery. This was purely business from the onset.”

“Right. I will get your delivery money ready ma’am” he chuckled and I found myself relishing the sound of it.

“So, when did you get back?” my face turned serious.

“Uhm, two weeks ago. You know I run a business like this in the states so I travelled to see how it fared.”

There was sincerity in his eyes only that he looked like he had more to say.

“Okay, that’s good then.” My eyes darted towards Kara who was busy with chicken and chips.

“So, I heard about the unfortunate incident and am sorry your shop was a part of it.” he rubbed his palm.

“It could have been anyone so there’s no need to be sorry about something you never caused.” I stated curtly. Anger gnawed at my heart, I remembered he had hurt me before leaving and I wasn’t willing to make things easy for him.

He had a bewildered expression and then he said. “Okay,” he gave a short laugh “Let’s order, I’m guessing you’re hungry?”

“Oh, no I’m totally fine. I came here to get a cake delivered not dine with my client!” I whispered harshly. A good thing Kara wasn’t seated at our table only that she was few feet from us, face stuffed in her food.

“I’m sorry Diane. I know, I’ve hurt you but please give me this one chance.”

“No, you blew it all up.” My voice shook. “You think you can simply leave and then warm back yourself into my life like you never left?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose Diane. It was for our good.” His gaze intensified, his eyes glassy.

“You hurt me Ike. But I was glad that after you left me, I found more solace in the holy spirit.” I concluded.

“That’s the point.” He resigned.

“What?”

“You finding Jesus. You were meant to find him first, love him first not me. I was so in love with you, well I still am. But God had to deal with my selfishness because he wanted you to know him and rely on him first not me. He wanted you to know that he is always and will always be first in your life and that is why, after Lekan died, I struggled with the holy spirit on not telling you what I’ve always wanted to tell you since I fell in love with you. He told me to take a trip for six months to the states and not contact you which I did not until recently did he ask me to come back.” he held my hands.

Sparks flew across my body, my stomach melted at his hold. I held his gaze and asked. “What did you want to tell me all these while?”

“Marry me Diane. I don’t know what made me accept mum’s matchmaking from the onset and I’m glad I obeyed. I’ve prayed about this and I know strongly that I want this.” He added with a strong resolution.

My mouth opened slightly, I was about drawing back my hands to myself but he held me still.

“I won’t let you go, I promise” he whispered.
My eyes darted towards Kara who had fast fallen asleep, with her head on the table. We couldn’t continue our conversation as Ike carried her to the car. He drove us home, neither of us spoke to each other until we got home. After he laid Kara on the bed and was about leaving he turned to me.

“Think about this please?”
I nodded. “I will. I have to ask the holy spirit if his hand is really in this because I don’t want to be hurt again.” I lowered my gaze, averting his face.

“Diane, I really do love you and I won’t let you down by the grace of God.” He smiled and wished me a good night.

That night, I slept dreaming about myself in a wedding dress and saying I do to Ike.

God is wonderful

Hmm, Holy Spirit, a great friend and mentor who we have so much ignored in our earthly race.

2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.



FOURTEEN

Cool breeze swept across the shores of the beach, raising particles of dust and spewing it into the ocean. The water rose up again from far and then it collaspsed by the time it got to the shore. It was November, sea tides were mostly common during this period and even though my skin prickled from cold, I didn’t just feel like moving my legs yet. It was dark, yet not so dark to see another tide forming from afar off.

Droplets of rain was beginning to fall on me, I wrapped my kimono jacket tightly round myself for ear of cold. We were currently on our honey moon and I would be a fun spoiler if I fell sick.
As soon as I got a go ahead from the holy spirit, Ike and I courted for two months before we decided to make things official. Kara was excited. Her wish for a second daddy came through. According to her, she had prayed for God to join mummy and uncle Ike together so that he could be her second daddy. Mum did her tribal dance as soon as she heard the news and when we decided to go for our honey moon in Lagos, while we waited for our visas to be processed so we could travel to Dubai for the second phase of our honey moon, mum volunteered to babysit Kara until we got back.

I glanced at the husband of my youth again, Ike. He had worn simple shorts and black t-shirt for our rendezvous that evening. And even though I enjoyed every bit of our evening, I wasn’t so bothered when an old school mate of his, a white guy who also came to Lagos for vacation, sighted him and have been speaking to him for minutes now.

Tired of stalking the budding tides, I walked over to a bored Ike, who was standing with his white friend, hoping I could deliver him with my crafty skill.

“Excuse me gentlemen,” I smiled sweetly. I turned to the white man, who was now red on the face. I didn’t know what it meant for a white person to blush until I saw it now. He looked like he was embarrassed? Perhaps surprised? “Well, I’m sorry to cut you short but I would like to steal back my husband.”

Ike nudged me slightly and gave a long throaty laugh. “Tschkowoski, please meet my lovely wife, Diane.”
Confusion gripped my mind. What did he just call his name?

“Nice to meet you Diane, well I must say, you’re very pretty. Ike must have worked hard to get you” he winked and I smiled,

“He sure did.” I patted Ike’s arm. “Nice to meet you again Ts-ch-ski?”

Tschkowoski threw his head backwards in laughter, his black hair shook alongside.

“What’s funny” I looked into the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. They were as green as the grasses I’ve seen on the way side while travelling.

“You pronounced my name incorrectly! It’s Tschkowoski, I’m Russian.” He laughed.
Ike and I joined in the laughter. We chatted briefly, left the white guy alone and retreated to our room.

***Safe again within the confine of our suite, Ike wrapped me in his arms, I looked away from his intense gaze. He tilted his face to look at me properly.

“Hey, look at me” he whispered softly, raised my chin with his finger. “I’m glad I married you and am happy you said yes to me. You made me a happy man again.”

He grinned genuinely. I smiled shyly, relief flooded my mind not even when I married Lekan did I feel this way. My heart fluttered at the intensity of his gaze, warming its way through my heart.

“I'm glad I did too. I’m just all grateful to God and his grace saw me through.” I concluded.

“Yes his grace, really saw us through.”
He kissed me fully on the lips and this time, I didn’t withdraw because the timing was right!


THE END

WRITER'S NOTE
God's Amazing Grace, is ever so sufficient for us. scriptures says while we were yet sinners, Christ loved us. I want you to know that there are so may Diane out there… .so many men and women who have encountered problems at the beginning or middle of their Christian walk with God but I want you to to know that Christ still loves you and he still longs for you to return to him.

Zechariah chapter 1 verse 3 says; but he will turn again and favour you if only you return to him. When you read FUTHER to verse 5 it says; your fathers and their prophets are now long dead but remember the lesson they learned, that GOD'S WORD ENDURES! it caught up with them and punished them. Then at last they repented.
Just keep hanging on the the word God has told you about your situation and even though you feel like your strength cannot carry you, speak to the Holy Spirit to supply you strength. The Bible says he daily loads us with his benefits. you can draw more strength by reading the word of God daily and by consistent fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Build an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit today and your life will never remain the same.

once more, my name is Funmi Akintade author of @30s, and you can reach me on 07062617316 ,on facebook @funmiakintade.

MAY THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE SWEET FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH US FOREVER AMEN!


New series will soon be out. Meanwhile I am modifying 'at 30s' into a book, and in d process I will be adding a lot of things. If you want a copy of this book, it is currently available on okadabooks or u can order for one directly. Hope to meet with u again!

Thanks so much and God bless you real. Nice story you got

God bless you richly. This is worth reading, full of deep and meaningful lessons. I’m not surprised, it’s evident that you’re enjoying your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

It was really worth reading, thanks for thia wonderful piece. God bless you

Thanks and God bless you, this story just made my day with all it's spirit filled quotes.more Grace

Great piece, may the grace and favour of the Lord continually increase in every area of your life in Jesus mighty name. Amen. Please, I would really appreciate if you can mention me when starting your next piece. Thanks and stay blessed.

OLAFIMIX:
Thanks so much and God bless you real. Nice story you got

Thanks a lot stopping by dear

bigbauer:
God bless you richly. This is worth reading, full of deep and meaningful lessons. I’m not surprised, it’s evident that you’re enjoying your relationship with the Holy Spirit.

I'm glad u learnt alot from this. God bless u dear

Ann2012:
It was really worth reading, thanks for thia wonderful piece. God bless you

Thanks for stopping by Ann. Thank u!

PrincessSheris:
Thanks and God bless you, this story just made my day with all it's spirit filled quotes.more Grace

Wow! Awesome! Thanks for stopping by. Amen!

Dfrenzy:
Great piece, may the grace and favour of the Lord continually increase in every area of your life in Jesus mighty name. Amen. Please, I would really appreciate if you can mention me when starting your next piece. Thanks and stay blessed.

Amen! I will certainly do that! God bless!