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| Prophet TB Joshua |
Prophet TB Joshua of the Synagogue,
Church of All Nations (SCOAN), is a remarkable man. I think that every one of
us who have met him on any occasion is always inspired and challenged by his
life. He carries grace, humility, simplicity and love. He was born in Arigidi
Akoko, a remote part of the present Ondo State of Nigeria at a time that part
of the country was in the Western Region Nigeria. He was to be known, not
because he has rich and famous parents, or because of some academic achievement
in science, but because of what he has been able to single-handedly achieve in
human restoration and reformation through faith in Christ. The average life
expectancy in Nigeria (before COVID-19 set in to further reduce it) is between
53 and 54 years. Hence TB Joshua at 58 has lived above the average age of
people of his country, despite his arduous missionary work confronted by
opposition from multiple directions, visible and invisible. It has only been
possible by God's grace protecting him; Congratulations for a Happy Birthday
with all our Best Wishes to you and your lovely family.
At age 58 God might still not have
answered all the prayers of Prophet TB Joshua in the way that he might have
hoped but we know that God has used him to reach people in many communities, prisons,
orphanages, hospitals and many nations. He had laid hands or hugged thousands
of people across the globe in the process of ministration, praying and setting
them free from the grip and shackles of Satan. God overlooked any limitations
of our prophet and invested him with the ability to uplift hearts and encourage
people's spirits. They got up from wheelchairs, threw away walking sticks, the
blind seeing, deaf hearing, all saying "Thank You, Jesus, Thank You,
Jesus".
It has been the grace of God upholding
the man of God whilst the entire society remains only carnal, saying things
they ought not. Unfortunately, there exists amongst the various sects envying,
strife, divisions, and many so-called men of God but living and walking as
natural men. While some groups say they are of Paul, others say they are of
Apollos. But neither is he that plants nor he that waters anything, but God
that gives the increase, (1 Corinthians 3:3-7). Prophet TB Joshua has been
teaching on Church unity rather than campaigning against others. Though we walk
in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh and the weapons of our warfare
carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of
God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Do
you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself
that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is
Christ's, even so, are we Christ's. (2 Corinthians 10:3-7). It is the mighty
grace of God that is protecting every true man of God.
The people of God depend on the grace
of God. Mother Teresa wrote, "I don’t think there is anyone who needs
God’s help and grace as much as I do. Sometimes I feel so helpless and weak. I
think that is why God uses me. Because I cannot depend on my strength, I rely
on Him twenty-four hours a day. If the day had even more hours, then I would
need His help and grace during those as well." Similarly, Apostle Paul
expressed this dependence when he wrote about the thorn in his flesh. Three
times he pleaded with the Lord to take it away. But God said to him, "My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness",(2
Corinthians 12:9). His grace is not only amazing, it is "sufficient".
It is enough. Prophet TB Joshua also said that "we need God to sit, to
stand, to take each step, etc". Our prayer is Psalms 90:12, "So teach
us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom".
Happy 57th Birthday to Prophet TB
Joshua, the man at the Synagogue, Church of All Nations. Emmanuel.
Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi, University of
Ilorin, Nigeria
