By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On January 12, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, became a beacon of spiritual vitality and hope as congregants gathered for a communion service poised to infuse the new year with divine promises.
The radiant morning was enriched by the harmonious melodies of the adult choir, creating an atmosphere ripe for Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s empowering message: spiritual strength is a gift from God.
An Empathetic Voice of Faith
Rev. Dr. Idowu, acclaimed for his deep compassion and insightful teachings, resumed his sermon series “God grant us strength and peace,” building upon themes from the previous week. Referencing Isaiah 40:28-31, he elucidated the vital need for spiritual resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.
His discourse highlighted spiritual strength as a divine empowerment beyond human abilities, emphasizing its essential role in overcoming adversities.
Spiritual Strength: A Divine Empowerment
Rev. Idowu urged the congregation to embrace spiritual strength as a sacred endowment from God. “It is obtained and empowered by God,” he declared, referencing Isaiah 40:31, which assures that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.
He drew attention to the timeless nature of God’s power, reminding listeners that while human fortitude may wane, God’s strength is everlasting.
Components of Spiritual Strength
Rev. Idowu identified key practices to nurture spiritual strength:
1. Prayer: Described as a channel for divine guidance, prayer connects believers with God’s spirit, aligning them with His will.
2. Meditation on the Word: He underscored the transformative power of scripture, quoting John 6 and encouraging meditation on God’s Word, which infuses life and spirit.
3. Fasting: As part of spiritual discipline, fasting alongside prayer enhances spiritual focus and strength, supported by Matthew 17:20-22 (KJV).
Special Prayer Session
Concluding his sermon, Rev. Idowu led a prayer session, inviting the congregation to seek God’s guidance and strength with heartfelt supplications:
1. “Teach me how to wait on the Lord, I will be teachable in Jesus’ name.”
2. “Renew my strength, Lord, as I wait on You.”
3. “I receive grace to discipline my body through fasting and meditating on Your Word.”
4. “May the Word of God be spirit and life to me.”
5. “As I wait upon the Lord, may I be strengthened with all might (Colossians 1:11).”
6. “Help me exhibit Godly character, patience, and joyfulness.”
7. “As I journey through 2025, may I remain free from incarceration, in Jesus’ name.”
8. “Protect my children abroad from any form of imprisonment, in Jesus’ name.”
9. “Release the strategies I need to be successful this year, Lord, in Jesus’ name.”
A Promise of Continued Revelation
Rev. Idowu concluded with a promise to explore “Supportive Strength” in the upcoming Sunday sermon, fostering anticipation for further spiritual enrichment. Through his teachings, Rev. Idowu continues to empower his congregation, equipping them with divine strength to face the year ahead with faith and resilience.
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.
