THE PATH

It's never too late to turn around and take the better path - Anonymous

Finally, the exam week arrived and with the intense studying, everyone was tensed. The students assembled in front of the ICT Hall for the Computer Based Test. Outside the Centre, students were seen gathered in groups of two’s, three’s or more while others were alone revising.

The first paper was English Language (EGL 001), a general course. The students entered the hall in batches till they all finished the exam. The next day, the departmental courses began. After the scheduled four days, the examinations were over.

When the examination had ended, the school break began. The students were happy to go home. Some went home the same day the exams ended while others left some days later.

Before going, the trio visited Dr. Shiwa to intimate him of all that had happened. He was very happy to see them and admonished them to stay strong and utilize the break to move closer to their dreams. He encouraged them to do their best and study hard in preparation for the UTME. Finally, Dr. Shiwa prayed with them and promised to see them when school resumed. They all exchanged contacts and left.

At the school gate, Kate said happily, “I am glad we all live in Lagos.”
“True, Jessica concurred. “I am glad too.”
Jessica’s parents came to pick her up and Phillip got into the car too while Kate went with her parents.

Ogba, Lagos.
Jessica found herself at a ceremony. There were a lot of guests and everyone was dressed up except Jessica. She had a bag filled with clothes yet she was undecided on what to wear. Seeing everyone dressed up and gorgeous, she finally decided to do same, not wanting to be the odd one out.

She walked down the stairs of the building to the last floor intending to change her outfit. But on the way, she met an old man who looked like he had been waiting for her to arrive. He called her name and she moved closer to sit in front of him.

“Jessica,” he called softly. “I need to introduce someone to you.” Immediately he said that, a lady came into their midst. She looked beautiful and classy. Jessica looked at her closely but she couldn’t recall where they had met.
The old man continued, “She became part of us not too long ago. Jessica, I want you two to work together, you are really going to need her help.”
The old man turned to the lady and told her, “Don’t worry, I will tell you more about Jessica.” Jessica stared in confusion as the lady walked away.” You will meet her soon,” the old man said to Jessica.

Immediately, Jessica woke up from sleep. She looked at the clock and saw the time - 2am. She sat on her bed reflecting on the dream she had. She was confused so she took out her Bible and started reading. Her sister rolled on the bed and dropped her left leg on Jessica’s feet. Jessica smiled. She had not seen her sister in months. Before she fell asleep, she had been talking to Jessica about her new collections and how Jessica had grown old-fashioned and uninterested in fashion stuff. Jessica mouthed a short prayer that her sister should find Jesus soon. She heard a voice in her spirit, “influence.” She recalled the mystery of the white bulb. “How do I go about this Lord? God help me.” She prayed.

                                  

Phillip sat on his bed later that morning reminiscing over his chat with his then secondary schoolmate Tobi, a day ago. “Phillip you’ve really changed. You don’t even look like someone studying at all,” Tobi had said smiling. Phillip had smiled too before answering, “Well, I must say, it’s God. He is the one making me look handsome.”
“Come on Phillip, don’t give me that.” Tobi had replied.
“Everyone tends to attribute everything to God. I must really appreciate your sense of gratitude and humility but know you can’t actually fool me.”
Phillip looked up incredulously.
Tobi continued, “Personally, I know that this handsome face I’m seeing is the work of two magical hands from a beautiful girl. She must be the one taking good care of you, man.”
“Phillip shook his head in disagreement. “Tobi has not changed one bit,” he thought.
“Tobi, you are wrong this time,” he began. “You don’t need a girl to look good. I can take good care of myself and someone is already doing that. That’s why you see me in a different light,” Phillip explained as Tobi looked at him, obviously bewildered.

As if Phillip could read his mind, he continued, “Well, you might not believe me Tobi but I just want you to know that I have found Jesus and I really hope you’ll do the same.”
Phillip went on to recount his experience with God. He reminded Tobi of the time they had snuck in pornographic videos to watch when everyone else had gone out.

“Tobi, we became slaves to porn. That’s why the only thing you think about now is girls, girls, girls. That’s lust playing out. I’m no longer living that kind of life and I have promised myself this – I will ensure that I don’t escape alone. I will take others with me by God’s grace. I will also do my very best to ensure that the activities of those porn industries are completely shut down in this country!” Phillip concluded vehemently.

Tobi looked down sorrowfully then he clasped his head in his palms and burst into tears.
“No wonder you look so free and pure, Phillip. I can’t remember the last time I felt like that. I’ve lost my sanity. I feel so filthy and empty. I don’t even enjoy watching it again but I can’t stop, man! I’ve tried, it didn’t work. I had to go back. I can’t help myself Phillip!" Tobi continued in tears. “I want to look like you. You look so joyous and satisfied. If Jesus will help me and set me free, why should I reject His help?" He asked.
Philip was so happy and he gladly led Tobi to Christ just as Dr. Shiwa did to him. They spoke for a while afterward and Phillip assured him that with Jesus, he was more than a conqueror.
“Tobi, you need to burn those discs. If you have any in your phone, delete them too. Anything that ignites the desire for porn, remove it."
“Okay. I’ll do that now.” Tobi said as he picked up his phone.
“You’ll need to constantly feed your mind with God’s Word and read good books that will help you. Stay away from immoral relationships. You are now part of God’s family. Don’t stay idle. Always, be engaged in something meaningful”, Phillip advised.
‘Okay. Thanks so much man!”
Later, Phillip took it upon himself to intercede for Tobi. He prayed that God will help him draw closer to Himself and that God will grant him strength to overcome temptations.

...the path is the way...