Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
In a vibrant church atmosphere filled with the uplifting melodies of the choir, at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, the congregation prepared themselves to receive an empowering message of faith and restoration from Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu.
On this significant March Sunday, his sermon titled “Divine Intervention Unto Restoration” echoed deeply with the diverse audience, promising hope amidst life’s challenges.
Rev. Idowu, widely recognized for his insightful teachings and compassionate communication style, intertwined timeless biblical truths with practical applications that spoke directly to the congregants’ hearts and lives. His message served as both a call to action and a source of comfort, shining a light on the transformative power of divine intervention.
Rev. Idowu anchored his sermon on Psalms 126:1-3, highlighting the joy and restoration experienced when God intervenes. He underscored that when the Lord turned the captivity of Israel into joy, it was a confirmation that divine intervention’s capability is to improve situations and bring about a positive transformation, akin to modernization.
Message Overview: Divine Intervention Unto Restoration
Textual Foundation: Psalms 126:1-3
Rev. Idowu began his sermon by referencing Psalm 126, emphasizing the joy that comes when the Lord turns our situations around. “The Lord turned the captivity of Israel to joy,” he proclaimed, emphasizing that divine intervention is intended not only to improve our circumstances but to bring lasting change and restoration.
Divine Intervention would also improve situations and bring about a positive transformation, akin to modernization.
His key points outlined the following:
1. God’s Intervention Brings Joy: The narrative of Israel’s deliverance serves as a reminder that God desires to turn our lamentations into joy.
2. Expectation Leads to Experience: Rev. Idowu urged believers to foster expectations that align with God’s promises. When God shows up, our expectations can manifest into tangible experiences of freedom and restoration.
3. Cry Out to God: Drawing from Exodus, he reminded the congregation that a heartfelt cry to God will attract His attention. “He will remember you,” he affirmed, reminding the faithful of God’s covenant and commitment to his people.
4. Obedience is Key: The sermon highlighted the necessity of obedience to God’s voice, illustrated through God’s instructions to the Israelites in Exodus 14. Rev. Idowu urged that in moments of despair when we reach the limits of our strength, our obedience to God becomes crucial for His intervention.
5. Fear Not: Rev. Idowu reassured the congregation that, regardless of the trials one faces, they should not succumb to fear. “Whatever God says is guaranteed; He cannot fail. The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace,” he declared emphatically.
Concluding the service, the atmosphere shifted as the choir led in a powerful closing song, echoing the themes of joy and faithfulness. Together, the congregation lifted their voices in unity, praying for strength and steadfastness in their faith journey. Rev. Idowu encapsulated their sentiments with a prayer, declaring, “Fill my mouth with laughter and my tongue with singing in the name of Jesus,” inspired by Psalm 124:6-8.
In an era marked by uncertainty and trials, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s message resonated as a beacon of hope and empowerment for believers everywhere. Through his passionate delivery and profound insights, he reminded the congregation that when divine intervention occurs, it leads to restoration, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As believers embrace their expectations and remain obedient to God, they are assured that He will remember His covenant and faithfully intervene in their lives. This powerful message is not just a call to faith; it is an invitation to experience the transformative presence of God in their daily lives.
*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.
