THE PATH

Just because someone stumbles and loses their path doesn't mean they are lost fo

When Jessica got to the pavilion, she saw Phillip sitting on a chair engrossed with something on his phone. He was concentrating so much that he did not notice when Jessica came close and sat beside him.
“Hello Phillip”, Jessica greeted with a smile.
Phillip stopped and faced her, a bit startled. “Jessica”, he called. “How are you? I’m sorry I didn’t realise you were here. I was so busy deleting some things from my phone.”

At Jessica’s surprised look, he quickly added “I have a new life now, Jessica. Some things are no longer compatible with my new life.”
“Phillip, I don’t understand you.” Jessica interrupted. “New life? How?” Jessica asked.
Phillip cleared his throat and narrated his experience since 12am till that time. Jessica was bewildered to say the least. She didn’t want to ruin the moment so she listened carefully and got every detail.

When Phillip was done, he relaxed on the chair, “I am really grateful for this grace, Jessica.”
“I’m happy for you Phillip”, Jessica replied.
She proceeded to narrate what had happened with Kate a while ago and concluded with, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I am so glad for this Valentine’s Day gift."
“Oh that’s true", Phillip began. “I forgot today’s date. Today is really Valentine and I have experienced the true meaning of love. I need to tell others about it.
“That’s true”, Jessica concurred.

“You know”, Phillip continued, “I have been thinking and praying about this since I got here. Jessica, I don’t think God wants me to be a gynaecologist. I am seeing myself in a different path now.”
“Hmmm, what do you have in mind Phillip?” Jessica asked excitedly. “I was deep in thought too on my way here. After my experience with Kate this morning, I had a strong impression in my heart that I need to change my course combination here but I don’t know what to change to.” she added.

“Well”, Phillip began, “Let’s talk to God about this and whatever we receive, we will discuss it with Dr. Shiwa for more counsel.
“Okay, let’s do that”, Jessica agreed. “We’ll talk during break tomorrow then. Please Phillip, I want to bring Kate too so she can be friends with us… really close friends, we can study, pray and help each other. I’ll also want her to be around to prevent unnecessary closeness between us. I hope you don’t mind?” Jessica asked.
“No problem”, Phillip replied. “That’s good. You can invite her tomorrow then.
So they both left the pavilion for the campus fellowship's weekly Thursday prayers.

Jessica returned from church to see an extremely happy Kate dancing and singing at the top of her lungs. She was getting prepared to cook as her hands were filled with spices and there were utensils and other food ingredients close to the door waiting to be transported to the kitchen in the block.

“Jessica!” she hollered excitedly. “You are welcome! I didn’t know you were going to church. I could have gone with you. But I’m happy I didn’t because if I had gone out, I wouldn’t have seen what I saw.” Kate kept on talking and gesticulating.
“Kate, don’t keep me waiting. Please tell me what you saw quickly, please”, Jessica begged anxiously.

“After you left”, Kate started. “I decided to study a little so I picked up my Chemistry notebook. Just then, I heard a voice which I later deduced was that of the Holy Spirit. The voice suggested I read the Bible first so I did that. I began to read Psalm 23 since that is the only passage I’m familiar with.”

“As I was reading,” Kate continued. “I got to verse 3. 'He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for His name sake.' When I read that, I knew that God’s plan, after saving us, is to restore our souls and then, lead us in the path of righteousness.”

“Jessie.. I immediately began to pray for God to lead me in the path of righteousness so I won’t miss out on His plans for my life. As I was praying, I fell asleep and that’s where the real gist starts.”
“Hmmm…,” Jessica interrupted happily.

“I had a dream that I was in a hospital and I was the doctor in charge. Everyone was calling 'Dr. Kate, Dr. Kate'. Then, I saw a man being wheeled into the hospital. I was called to attend to him urgently. I felt so much compassion for him and I was doing all I could to help him. As I tried to look into his face, I woke up.”
“Wonderful.” Jessica exclaimed.

“Yes Jessie! Wonderful!” Kate exclaimed too. “I now know the path God wants me to walk in, on that path lies my joy and fulfilment as I walk according to God’s plans for me. I intended to study Pharmacy but now, I know where I should actually be. Thank God the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination (JAMB) registration is still on, that means I can still change my course.” Kate concluded happily.
“Thank God. Kate, this is amazing.” Jessica added. Just then, she heard in her spirit, “Fashion”. She listened and it came again, stronger, “Fashion”. She ignored the thought and continued her discussion with her friend.
“Uhm… Kate, I will like you to come with Phillip and I as we visit Dr. Shiwa tomorrow.
“Sure Jessie. No problem, just let me know when you will be going.”
“Sure thing dear. I will.”

Jessica sat on her bed, thinking of what she had heard earlier. “Father, why fashion? Why do You want me to return to that? Why not Medicine like Kate?” She asked ruefully. She realised she was questioning God so she quickly dismissed the thought. “Your will be done Lord.”

When Phillip got to his hostel, he ate his lunch and picked up his Bible to read the book of Galatians as Dr. Shiwa instructed. He finished the first chapter and then, decided to go to bed so he could be up early for his midnight study. He decided to read Psalm 23 before going to bed. He believed the passage helped him sleep well and wake up on time. He opened to Psalm 23 and began to read. He stopped at verse 3, “He leadeth me in the path of righteousness…” He meditated on the verse for a while before praying and going to bed.

...the path is the way...