By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
Good morning, beloved. As the sun rises on this first Sunday of September 2024, the congregation at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, comes together to marvel at God’s boundless mercy and grace. It’s a day of reverent worship, spirited singing, and divine words, led by none other than the Senior Pastor and District Overseer, Rev. Dr. Babatunde A. Idowu, PhD.
The service began with a 30-minute, spirit-filled choir ministration that set hearts aflame with joy and gratitude. Rev. Dr. Idowu then took to the pulpit, declaring the theme for the month: “Divine Enlargement & Deliverance,” drawn from the powerful Scripture of Esther 4:14-17.
His message, “Don’t Hold Your Peace,” urged each individual to seek God’s will fervently and courageously.
Delving into the Book of Esther, particularly Esther 4:14-17 and 5:3, Rev. Dr. Idowu spoke with conviction about the importance of speaking out and taking bold actions, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
He intertwined his message with the Scripture from Acts 3:1, reiterating why we must not hold our peace, especially in times of trouble.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS SERMON:
Approaching the King: Rev. Dr. Idowu reminded the congregation that only those summoned could approach the king in Esther’s time. He urged them to do something significant with their faith, as Mordecai understood the looming danger and acted courageously.
Divine Enlargement: He emphasized that in every trial we face, there should be a vision for enlargement and growth. Allowing the word of God to work mightily within us is crucial for overcoming obstacles.
Connection to the King of Kings: Today, unlike Esther’s era, we have direct access to the King of Kings through prayer and faith. This connection empowers and emboldens us to seek God’s intervention.
The ministration was deeply prayer-based, drawing upon Isaiah 62:1-4, emphasizing why we must persistently pray until God’s promises are fulfilled. Rev. Dr. Idowu proclaimed visibility and glory for all believers, assuring them they would no longer be forsaken.
Focusing on Esther 4:1, he highlighted Mordecai’s public and private mourning, a reflection of the dangers he perceived. Through prayer, Rev. Dr. Idowu declared deliverance from every form of mourning, calling for divine intervention.
Additional prayers included rejecting any situation leading to mourning, offering intercessions for children, and dismantling any destructive authority over our lives.
He prayed for the removal of obstacles to divine enlargement, citing Esther 4:11 and Psalms 91:3, and celebrated God’s deliverance from any snares.
The service seamlessly transitioned into a communion service, providing the congregation an opportunity to renew their strength and faith in God. It was a moment to refill their anointing and immerse themselves in grace.
Rev. Dr. Idowu’s message was a clarion call to action, faith, and unwavering trust in God’s promises. As we move forward this month, may his words inspire us to hold not our peace, to seek divine enlargement, and to walk boldly in deliverance.
*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.
