By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
In the spirit of ‘Loyalty Month’ and the vibrant tradition of ‘Exchange of Pulpit’ celebrated within the Foursquare Gospel Church, February has emerged as a remarkable time for renewal, unity, and dynamic preaching across districts and zones. On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the congregation at the Foursquare Gospel Church Wuse District in Abuja experienced an electrifying sermon delivered by the esteemed guest preacher, Pastor Damilola Odedina.
His impactful message, “Living by Faith in the Face of Modern Challenges,” echoed deeply, offering profound insights and encouragement to a world grappling with uncertainty. Drawing from key biblical texts, Hebrews 11:1-6, Habakkuk 2:4, and Romans 1:17, Pastor Odedina’s words illuminated the transformative power of faith as a cornerstone for believers confronting the challenges of contemporary life.
An Era of Challenges and Trials
As the congregation gathered, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, they united in anticipation to hear Pastor Odedina’s empowering words, part of the broader “Exchange of Pulpit” initiative observed during this significant month. In his sermon, he acknowledged the pressing challenges that believers face today:
From materialism and doubt to the distractions of the digital age and fears fuelled by a constant barrage of information.
Yet, in this world of adversity, the message of faith emerges as an unshakable pillar, a call to action and a source of comfort. “We are living in challenging times,” Pastor Odedina stated emphatically. “But remember, the just shall live by faith.”
The Essence and Benefits of Living by Faith
The essence of living by faith, Pastor Odedina emphasized, lies in its foundational role in our relationship with God. He drew attention to Romans 10:17, illustrating how faith connects us to God’s promises for our lives. “Without faith, you cannot have a relationship with God,” he affirmed. The congregation was reminded that faith not only activates these divine promises but also requires obedience to God’s will (Proverbs 4:13).
The benefits of living by faith are manifold. Faith unlocks the miraculous power of God in our lives, enabling believers to experience physical and emotional manifestations of His presence. Citing Matthew 9 and Luke 8, he reinforced the idea that faith is crucial for obtaining victory over worldly challenges (1 John 5:5).
Challenges and Practical Applications of Faith
The Challenges of Living by Faith: Pastor Odedina acknowledged the obstacles to maintaining faith in the modern world. He identified materialism, doubt, and the pervasive distractions of the digital age as significant hurdles. He stressed that faith is not passive; it requires active engagement and overcoming the negativity often encountered through external influences.
To encourage practical applications of faith in everyday life, Pastor Odedina highlighted the necessity of consistent prayer and trust in God’s plans. “Communicating with God through prayer is fundamental to applying faith,” he explained, referencing Philippians 4:6-7 as a vital scripture for fostering this communication.
A Call to Prayer and Faith
As the sermon drew to a close, Pastor Odedina led the congregation in fervent prayer, seeking to chase away every contending spirit that might hinder their relationship with God. His passionate call to action reflects within the hearts of all present, reinforcing the belief that living by faith is not just a theoretical exercise but a practical and empowering way of life in the face of modern challenges.
In a world that often seeks to overwhelm, Pastor Damilola Odedina’s sermon served as a beacon of hope, encouraging all believers to hold steadfastly to their faith, to pass through life’s unpredictability with confidence, and to cherish their relationship with God through unwavering trust and prayer.
This uplifting message will undoubtedly echo in the hearts of many, reinforcing the timeless truth that faith is indeed the key to overcoming the modern challenges of our lives. As we embrace this lesson, let us continue to live by faith, affording us strength and hope as we journey together in Christ.
*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.
