By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On January 19, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, resonated with spiritual energy as congregants joined together to welcome the new year imbued with divine promises.
The service was marked by the harmonious melodies of the adult choir, setting a tone of divine anticipation for Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s impactful sermon titled “Supportive Strength is a Gift from God.”
Rev. Idowu, renowned for his deep compassion and insightful teachings, built upon his ongoing sermon series “God Grant Us Strength and Peace,” which explores the biblical foundations of spiritual resilience.
Drawing from passages such as Isaiah 40:28-31 and Psalms 29:10-11, he emphasized the necessity of spiritual fortitude to overcome life’s adversities.
Central to his teaching was the concept of “Supportive Strength,” articulated through biblical references.
Rev. Idowu reminded the congregation that “no man is an island” and highlighted the significance of supportive networks in achieving personal and communal goals, drawing from John 5:7 and Acts 27:40-44.
He reassured that God’s promises would prevail, regardless of the storms on life’s journey.
Rev. Idowu underscored the role of people as vessels of divine support in fulfilling God’s purposes, as demonstrated in Luke 8:1-3.
He recounted how individuals contributed resources to Jesus’ ministry, asserting that God positions people strategically to aid in realizing His plans.
Through 1 Kings 17:8-12, he urged putting faith in God’s word, even when it defies conventional wisdom, emphasizing the rewards of obedience.
Concluding his sermon, Rev. Dr. Idowu led the congregation in profound prayers, seeking divine guidance and connections needed to thrive in 2025.
These prayers included the requests for clarity in hearing God’s voice, connections with destined supporters, and safety throughout the year.
PRAYERS
I will hear what God is saying
Open my ear of understanding oh Lord
I will not lack the eyes that sees, the ears that hears in the name of Jesus
Lead me oh Lord to everyone you have commanded to be a blessing to me this year 2025
Connect me with those, both human and angelic, who have been destined to bless me. Establish this connection through divine intervention.
I shall not lack the counsel that I need to be successful this year
No evil counsel shall stand my way as I go through this journey in 2025
Raise a voice for me, whenever it is needed to speak on my behalf
I decree safety for me and my family in this journey in the name of Jesus Christ
I escape evil, my children escape evil. My family escape.
Whatever from the pit of hell to incarcerate me, I reject it in the name of Jesus.
I will not be incarcerated, I will not be limited. I will not be setup in the name of Jesus.
Rev. Idowu’s message of supportive strength echoed powerfully, reminding attendees of the profound impact of divine and communal support in navigating life’s challenges.
His teachings inspire an enduring commitment to embrace God-given support, ensuring that as a community, they continue to achieve resounding victories.
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.
