Our author today is Pastor Sam from Nigeria. His insight into his background is so interesting as he invites us into his behind-the-scenes life and interests. (His article for this week “From Story to Glory”  follows .. Ed).

ASK THE AUTHOR

Ed:       When did you first start writing?
Pastor Sam: I started in 2004, writing church bulletins for ‘Dominion Today’ which was published quarterly and later became ‘Assurance Today’.

Ed:       Do you remember what sparked this interest?
Pastor Sam: Yes – I give the credit to my former senior Pastor, Rev. Kola Emiola who encouraged us to put our thoughts into black and white. Another person who helped me to up-skill is Pastor Bill Joukhadar. I learned by reading his articulated and well-presented articles. I’m inspired by these servants of God.

Ed:       Where do you get your ideas?
Pastor Sam:  The Holy Spirit has taught me never to read my bible without notes or having writing materials by my side. Sometimes words will be dropped into my spirit, with an immediate follow up into a deeper search or study into the Bible. This enables me to hear what the Lord would have me know from His inspired Word.

Ed:       What are you passionate about?
Pastor Sam: I’m passionate about encouraging the believers through

the preaching of the word of faith, which is demonstrated by the outpouring of love. This passion has helped me to author a few books to encourage my fellow believers in Christ Jesus. These books are all available on Amazon store. ‘Securing Divine Help’, ‘We All Are Jews: A Ministration To The Saved!’  are a couple of samples.

Ed:       What types of books do you enjoy reading?
Pastor Sam:  I enjoy reading Christian books and articles. My favourite local authors are Bishop David Oyedepo and Bishop David Abioye, who are the two ministers of Living Faith World Outreach Ministries. My favourite international authors are E.W. Kenyon and Kenneth E. Hagin both of whom bring blessed memories. And lastly, the Tommy Tenny books – my favourite among them being ‘The God Chasers!’

Ed:       How do you handle tough times?
Pastor Sam: My secret in enduring tough times is my faith in God as well as speaking out words of faith.

Ed:       What would you describe as your greatest accomplishment so far?
Pastor Sam: Following God’s leading to start Assurance Pentecostal Church Int’l. I didn’t believe in my ability to lead a new assignment BUT thanks be to God, this is our 10th year and we are still moving forward by His grace. We are seeing our vision of soul-winning and equipping the believers being fulfilled.

Ed:       What are your current priorities in this season of your life and why?
Pastor Sam: My main priority is to equip believers according to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission within Assurance Pentecostal Church Int’l as well as further afield. This priority has also opened doors for ministry outside my nation Nigeria.

Ed:       How has your upbringing influenced your worldview?
Pastor Sam: I was raised by a single Christian mother and grandmother but went to live with my uncle when I was 7 years old. He was a Christian in name only, as we never attended a church service. I lived with him all my life and when I was 19, I miraculously came to know Christ.

Before my conversion, my life was influenced negatively by my upbringing. I struggled with self-centredness, had great difficulty in living in harmony with others and didn’t know how to form close friendships. I lived with an unforgiving spirit, but now, thanks be to God, all of that is dead and buried as the Holy Spirit helped with the renewal of my mind.

DOW would like to thank Pastor Sam from Lagos, Nigeria  for his willingness to share a little bit about himself apart from his Bio which you can view on our website: www.dancing-on-water.com

Lesley Mathews, Editor

Everyone has a story whether it be hardship or filled with joy … today, Pastor Sam from Nigeria shares how our story is not our final destination … God has so much more for us …Ed.

“Be still, and know that I am God…”Psalm 46:10a (NLT)

Stories are a sequence of events, or situations in one’s life. They happen every day. We don’t often look at our stories in the reality of black and white.

These events could be enjoyable or sad, but does it take the person to where they wanted to end up?  That the story is sweet doesn’t mean that the desired destination has been reached. We can say that a story is a journey, while glory is the destination.

Our God is still in the business of turning stories around to bless His righteous people. It doesn’t matter how difficult the case or situation, or how long you have been waiting, it will inevitably turn around in your favour. This always brings glory and honour to God.

There are many rivers to cross, many hills to climb and several obstacles along the way, but God, according to our opening Scripture, says: “Be still, and know that I am God”. Be still, which implies to be calm. Be at ease for God is working in your situation.

As mentioned earlier, your story isn’t your final destination. Your final destination is Glory.  People are not usually interested in where you are coming from, until they see which direction you are heading and where you are going to end up. It is the glory that makes others want to hear your story.

But you see, there’s no glory without a story!

Stories often tell about difficult times, times of pain and disappointment while waiting for miracles or changes.

Everyone has a fair share of stories to tell. Mine is different from yours and yours is different from your neighbor’s. Stories are a normal part of life but, thankfully, it ultimately ends in glory.

And the good news is that hard times are not permanent. They are not designed to destroy you. Like Rev Robert Schuller said: “Tough times never last but tough people do”. It’s where our character is developed; it’s a testing time of your faithfulness and trust … in the God of faithfulness.

That’s why I have the confident assurance in God that your story, too, shall change into glory. Every story needs a conscious spiritual effort on our part. This effort is faith, prayer and fasting – waiting upon the Lord for a positive change – “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

Pastor Sam
November 20, 2024