THE PATH

Straight roads do not make skillful drivers - Paulo Coelho

Phillip got to his abode – Comfort Hostel which was situated outside the campus. He entered his room and quickly munched the bread and beans cake he had bought earlier like a starving man.

“I need to finish up this assignment quickly so I will have something to present to Jessica tomorrow.” He thought as he grabbed his phone and began to search for gynaecologists. He searched for the top ten gynaecologists in the world and read about them one after the other. He noted that they had common values of hardwork, patience, commitment and focus. “Wow! I have to imbibe these same values if I must tread this path and succeed”, he nodded with understanding. He noted their flaws too and planned to do better.

Phillip worked and researched till 12:00am. He realised that he needed to sleep if he was to be ready in time for the morning class. Just then, a thought came to him to check out the details of the job of a gynaecologist and he resumed his research. While still on the net, a video with the inscription, ‘18+’ popped up. He was battling with himself whether or not to open it. Unable to resist, he clicked to watch.

Thirty minutes later, the video was completed. Philip burst into tears as he never thought he could fall into such a temptation after many months. “Aahh God,” He cried. “I am so ashamed of myself. Aahh!" He had promised himself that he was never going to engage in such a thing before but, in a few minutes, he had reneged in that promise. Phillip realised that he needed help and he was determined to find it. After bouts of weeping, he went to bed hopeless and empty.

Dr. Shiwa was in his study. He had an apartment close to the market. It was a 5-minute drive from the school gate too. He was used to waking up at 5:30am for his quiet time. But today, he had woken up earlier. He quickly knelt to pray as usual but he felt a stirring in his spirit to spend more time meditating. Without ado, he reached out for his Bible and set down to read. He flipped through and opened to the next chapter in his reading plan – II Kings 6.

Dr. Shiwa started reading and continued till he got to verse 27. The verse resonated within him and he stopped reading and started praying on it, trusting God for clarity and guidance.

Phillip completed his morning rituals and packed his books for class. He ensured he picked up the jotter where he had written his assignment so he could show Jessica. He walked out of his hostel, heading for the school gate. As he moved closer to the school gate, he heard a car honking behind him. He adjusted to the pedestrian lane continued his walk to the school while rummaging over the event of the previous night.

As he looked at the road, he noticed Dr. Shiwa’s car. Dr. Shiwa smiled and beckoned him to enter the car. Phillip did so quickly and Dr. Shiwa continued driving. “How are you?” Dr. Shiwa asked good – naturedly.
“I’m good sir. Thank you.” Phillip replied.
“What class are you having this morning?”
“Oh… I was going to attend my Biology class until I got the text that the class was cancelled because the instructor is not available. So, I decided to go to the pavilion where my friend Jessica and I planned to meet.”

“Hmm…” Dr. Shiwa mused. “Why don’t you come with me to the office for a chat then you can meet your friend later?”
“That’s okay sir. I would like to share something with you in respect of the assignment you gave us.” Phillip replied heartily.”
“Good. Let’s go.” Dr. Shiwa replied.

When they arrived at Dr. Shiwa’s office, they launched into a discussion immediately. Phillip began by narrating everything he had learnt about the top gynaecologists, their values, work detail, weaknesses and all. When he was done, Dr. Shiwa applauded him and encouraged him to trust in God and be focused. As he continued motivating Phillip, the verse he prayed on in the morning began to ring in his mind. He felt something pushing him to say the words so he spoke them out immediately. “If the Lord does not help you…”

Phillip heard the words and burst into tears. Dr. Shiwa couldn’t believe his eyes. He recalled Hebrews 4 verse 12, “The word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword … is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Dr. Shiwa sat and watched as Phillip confessed.” I’m so sorry sir. I feel so ashamed of myself. As I was doing my research online, I came across a video rated ‘18+ , I really didn’t want to but, I was unable to resist. After promising myself not to do it again, I did. I kept my promise for months but, this morning, my wall was broken and penetrated. I watched porn. Now, I feel so empty. I had resolved to tell Jessica about it later till I met you. Perhaps, God planned it so and had me in mind when He spoke those words through you.”

Dr. Shiwa was still sitting and watching Phillip. He sighed as he felt Phillip’s pain. "How did all these start?” He asked quietly. “It started on this same date, a few years ago. I was in the sitting room at home, watching the television when my father came in. He asked me to go get his food from the kitchen and I went to do so. When I returned with the food, I saw that my father had removed what I was watching and inserted a pornographic movie. I was so scared that I dropped the food. My father quickly removed it and asked me why I dropped the food. I told him I slipped and unsuspectingly, he nodded and walked out without  knowing I had seen what he was watching.”

Phillip sighed and continued, “Sir, I began to thirst for such movies since then. I fished out the discs from where my father kept them and watched them all. It affected my communication, my relationship with people and even my thoughts were affected. I began to have lustful thoughts. Sometimes, I masturbate. My grades were affected and they reduced drastically. It continued till I went for a Christian programme I was invited to. There and then, I confessed to God and promised Him that I would no longer watch porn. But I failed today. I am tired. I really need help sir.” Please concluded sorrowfully.

Dr. Shiwa took a deep breath and prayed in his heart for God’s grace to help Phillip.
“Phillip,” he called softly.
“Sir,” Phillip responded.
“Are you saved? Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour and Lord? Phillip, do you know God? It is only those that know their God that will be strong, Phillip.
“Hmmn…” Phillip began. “Well sir, I attend church and I do my best to follow what is taught in church. I also pray but I have never actually asked God to save me. I need help sir…”
‘Okay … let us pray” Dr. Shiwa cut in.

Dr. Shiwa led him to Christ and read out a few Bible verses to him. He also gave Phillip a new Bible and asked him to read up the book of Galatians before he will instruct him on what to do next. Phillip thanked him and left for the pavilion a changed man, happy and at peace.

...the path is the way...