EXODUS

9

The pastor steps up to the pulpit and claps rent the air as the man of God dressed in a navy blue suit, black shirt and grey tie picks up the microphone with calculated movement of his well built left arm. He looks into the congregation as if looking for a particular person and Grace shifts uncomfortably. He raises up his right hand as if waiting to collect something from heaven and shuts his eyes close. His lips begin to move with fevour and the crowd close their eyes too.
   "Heaven father we appreciate you. We say be thou exalted. We say thank you for this great opportunity you have given us to be among those that will hear your word today and bear fruits from it. Accept our praise and thanks in the name of Jesus. Join us holy Spirit, work with us and interpret this words in out hearts. In Jesus name we pray."
  A loud echo of AMEN resounds as the congregation open their eyes and almost immediately everyone brings out their writing materials. Not wanting to look odd, Grace opens her blue beaded black and brings out a black encased jotter and blue pen. She opens to the next blank page and lifts up her head as soon as the man of God begins to talk.
  "Welcome family. The word of God we'll be treating today is REVIVAL and as the lesson indicated, we are looking at 2 Chronicles 7:14. Revival is the process whereby a lukewarm or should I say a relented Christian gets fired up or awakened due to the words and actions of the holy Spirit and returns to a right relationship with God. It is the mode of spiritual reawakening and renewal that follows genuine repentance. This means that without genuine, quote, genuine repentance, there is no revival. Why Revival? Why do we need revival? We need revival today so as to overcome our spiritual laxity, lack of passion for God's things, our moral and spiritual immoralities, our prayerlessness due to belief that God doesn't answer our prayers, our lukewarmness and every other thing. End time Christians need revival. If you're a Christian on lip service, this is high time for you to know what you're doing. If you're yet to be a Christian, get Christ and have a relationship with Him. Having a relationship with Trinity entails letting go of your past self and consecrating yourself to Him. You see, death in Christ is not instant, it is a gradual process and when you finally die, it takes Grace. Now that you're not finally dead, be revived. If this word has been duely interpreted to you by the holy Spirit and you feel the need to rededicate your life to Christ, please come forward. Remember, this is not evangelism, you have already given your life to Christ. This is just you getting renewed, revived and reawakened. Come forward please. Thank you holy Spirit." The minister of God says and gets on his knees. As if controlled by a remote control, Grace gets up on her feet and immediately runs to the front tears spilling out of her eyes. She goes on her knees her body vigorously shaking and extremely sweaty. She bows her head on the tiled floor and her lips move with rushed emotions.

Overcomer holds Grace's right hand playfully as they exit the auditorium used for the revival. They wait for Mr and Mrs Olaonipekun to finish their meeting and Overcomer stylishly engages Grace.
  "So, do you feel different?"
  "Ah! I can't even measure it. I feel revived. Just like I'm carrying 10 bags of cement and they removed four from it."
   "Really? So you've always felt that weighed and never bothered to tell me? Oga oo."
"Please don't be annoyed. It's not really my fault. I will start being honest now. At least I now know I need help. Thanks for inviting me for this program."
  "You're welcome oo. You should come over on Saturday. I must hear the story."
  "Sure I will. Looks like I have to go without you guys. My regards to Mom and Dad."
  " I will deliver your message. So they have turned to Mom and Dad like that.
  "Yes ooo." Grace smiles and waves at her friend as she crosses the main road.

My people my people. Happy New year to us all. How was the celebration though I didn't see any chicken with my name hanged around the neck. Don't worry ehn, I didn't vex. How have you been?
   You see, revival is essential for a true Christian it makes us extra serious. And once again thanks for checking out this book and Biko, tell that your friend na😉. Thanks a bunch for doing just that. And don't forget to hit that 🌟 below and leave a comment too. What do you think about Grace actually opening up? Have you ever experienced this?
Yours in Ink; Bethel ™