By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On the bright morning of January 5, 2025, the congregation of Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, gathered for a service that heralded the dawn of a new year filled with hope and divine promise.
The adult choir led the congregation through an uplifting musical journey, laying the foundation for a spiritually transformative experience.
This celebration of faith and unity was punctuated by a compelling sermon from Rev. Idowu, who eloquently wove a narrative of “Resounding Victories” rooted in biblical teachings and the empowerment of faith.
The central theme of the service was captured under the sermon topic, “God Grant Us Strength and Peace,” inspired by scriptural passages from Psalms 29:10-11, Isaiah 40:29-31, and John 16:33.
Rev. Idowu’s words radiated hope and resilience, invoking a divine call for inner strength that transcends human understanding. He emphasized the necessity of walking with God by faith, urging his congregation to harness the supernatural strength that God willingly provides.
Unveiling Supernatural Strength
Rev. Idowu’s exploration of supernatural strength was particularly impactful. He described this divine attribute as a power superior to any worldly force, an innate energy gifted by God.
This kind of strength, he explained, enables believers to pass through life’s challenges with grace and favour, drawing parallels with Moses’s story, where God’s supernatural might safeguarded him.
Drawing from Exodus 3:13-14 and 19-21, Rev. Idowu assured the congregation of God’s constant presence and readiness to empower His followers, preventing them from encountering lack, be it physical, spiritual, financial, or marital.
Prayers for a Victorious Journey
The service included a series of fervent prayers, calling upon God’s supernatural strength to confront and overcome adversities in the year 2025.
These prayers were declarations of faith and trust in God’s ability to dispel fear and darkness, embodying the assurance offered in Psalms 27:1-3 and 29:10-11:
1. By the supernatural strength of God, every competing force will be overthrown.
2. Freedom from bondage through God’s strength.
3. The Lord is the strength of my life; I walk in His light.
4. Darkness vanishes as I embrace God’s illumination.
5. Fear will not torment me; enemies shall not prevail.
6. Sustained by the Lord’s strength, I shall not falter.
7. God’s fire will consume adversaries, and His supernatural power will equip me to overcome life’s floods.
8. Habakkuk 3:19 guides me to high places through God’s strength.
The thematic exploration of supernatural strength set the stage for a series of teachings Rev. Idowu plans to continue in forthcoming Sundays, encompassing:
Spiritual Strength
Supportive Strength
Demeanour
As Rev. Idowu concluded with Jeremiah 32:17 & 19, he spurred anticipation for upcoming services, promising to delve deeper into the nuances of spiritual strength, supportive strength, and demeanour.
His message emphasized an ongoing journey of faith and trust, inviting his congregation to continuously seek God’s guidance and strength to face the battles ahead.
The service at Foursquare Gospel Church served not only as a reminder of God’s unwavering support but also as a collective commitment to start 2025 with a renewed resolve anchored in faith and spiritual victory.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Fellow of the Chronicle Business School, Abuja, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
