When a hen lays its egg, it sits on it: providing it heats and warmth. It continues to turn it at least once a day among other processes until the chicken is ready and fully prepared to break out of its shell. Let us imagine a world where the chicken is forced out of its shell before its due time. It will most probably die.

Such is the life of a child. A child and “baby Christians” need the nurturing of his parents and spiritual leaders. Children need food that is suitable for their growth and development, and in this case the ways and the Word of God. The devil is out with an agenda to kill potentials and all good things before they have the chance to blossom into their full glory. He will prey on the naivety of children and corrupt their hearts and minds if they wander into the world not fully armed with the Word of God. We need to ensure that the darkness in the world does not suck us in with half-truths and lies. If the people charged with this enormous responsibility of raising the little generation and taking the mantle of leadership accept this charge in obedience, God’s promises to us will come to pass.

Gen 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him”

Abraham acted in obedience and nurtured his children (including Keturah’s children), and his descendants were blessed.  Because his children were taught the ways of God, even when they went into the world, they still served God. Lot ventured into the world and lived in a town that disregarded the authority of God and engaged in sexual perversion of all sorts, but he remained true to God.

Jethro, a descendant of Abraham through Keturah, lived in the world but still lived to please God and it was accounted to him “a Priest of God” in spite of the fact that he did not come from the line of Levi. One unique thing that these men of God had in common is that they had a very strong foundation in God and His ways. This kept them from belonging to the world and compromising their faith and all that they knew to be true. When a house is built not on a strong foundation with the right worldviews, it can easily be shaken and demolished when confronted by the storms and mischief of this world. Children and born-again Christians need to be taught the ways of God. The truth of God and His nature will shine through us so brightly that we would not need to conform to the wickedness of this world. Our lives will also draw others to Christ as did the burning bush to Moses. As leaders, we must be proactive and point others to Christ: through our deeds and every facet of our lives. God is not to be revealed only in the church.

One very evident way we see the importance of nurturing our faith is in the life of Jethro. Jethro was a descendant of Abraham through Keturah. However, his line and that of his kin were left out of the promise God made to Abraham’s descendants. He could have been in bitterness and lived his life in resentment toward God and his ancestor, Abraham. Because his foundations were robust in the Word of God, his gaze on God never shifted. Jethro, regardless of being in the world, kept the faith. His diligence and faithfulness afforded him the opportunity to mentor Moses, the deliverer of the Israelites in Egypt. This unique opportunity paved a way for the Cushite’s, black people, to be brought back into the promises of God.

As believers, we must rise up to the occasion of ensuring that those within our sphere of influence are equipped and grow in the ways of the Lord. We are in the world but definitely not of the world; things around us may be crazy but if we keep the faith and remain faithful to the Lord, no good thing will pass us by.
– Written by Fellow Josephine Awaafo

In moments of doubt, two voices often emerge: one whispers, “Have faith that things will turn out just fine,” while the other, more skeptical, sneers, “Really? You think this is going to work out? Look at your situation, stop living in fantasies.” It’s almost ironic that the first voice is offered to those in pain, seemingly without hope, while the second is reserved for those who dare to believe in a better outcome. Practicing faith, especially in trying times, is no easy feat. Encouragement and discouragement will come from all sides, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if faith will guide your path.

The Pilgrim’s Progress is more than just a tale of leaving the City of Destruction; it’s a powerful testament to faith in God’s guidance. Every person, I believe, is called to embark on a journey whether it be one of salvation or a quest for earthly dominion. However, many who falter do so because they shut down discernment, fearing the unknown and the “what ifs.”

John Bunyan’s novel captures the essence of this journey. It follows Christian’s pilgrimage towards salvation and dominion, highlighting the burdens of sin that Christians carry. Christian’s conviction to leave the City of Destruction, spurred by an encounter with the Evangelist, mirrors the experience of unbelievers who are exposed to the Gospel or have a profound, personal encounter with God much like Apostle Paul’s transformation on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-8). These new converts are often ridiculed and distracted as they abandon their old ways, facing a tumultuous path ahead. Yet, despite the trials, God sends shepherds or pastors to encourage and guide them, reminding them to stay steadfast on their journey, even when the temptation to backslide looms large.

As new converts deepen their relationship with God, they begin to experience the relief of guilt, the warmth of fellowship with fellow believers, and the promises of eternal life through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Yet, as The Pilgrim’s Progress illustrates, perseverance is often lacking among Christians. Though the road is fraught with obstacles, those who remain faithful and steadfast will find that God’s help may come in unexpected ways, urging them to keep pressing on toward their ultimate goal.

Reflecting on my own life, I see parallels with Christian’s journey. Like Christian, I’ve longed for something more meaningful than my current circumstances. His guilt over leaving his wife behind echoes the loneliness and isolation I’ve felt when stepping out in faith, deviating from the norm as guided by a higher power. The obstinate characters Christian encounters symbolize the resistance I’ve faced when challenging mainstream beliefs and societal expectations. This introspection has taught me that pursuing a unique spiritual path comes with challenges but it also brings growth and deeper understanding.

Fear of the future has often held me back, but I’ve learned that it’s possible to overcome. Though financial difficulties and disappointments have threatened to derail my projects, I’ve persevered, raising funds and working tirelessly to complete them. To my surprise, I consistently exceed expectations, serving as a beacon of hope for others much like Christiana and her family in Bunyan’s novel. God’s unwavering support and deliverance have reinforced my resolve to obey without hesitation, trusting that He will guide me through every challenge.

Despite the trials and tribulations that lie ahead, I hold firm to the belief that the holder of all future days will reward these efforts with eternal peace and joy, ensuring a life of fulfillment.-Written by Fellow Keron Yeboah

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

The Pilgrim’s Progress is a timeless book that calls readers to strengthen their faith and discover their true purpose. It underscores the importance of perseverance in overcoming temptations and obstacles on the path to salvation. As Christians, we are called to be beacons of hope, embodying faith, perseverance, and the message of salvation. By sharing Bunyan’s novel, I hope that others will find their purpose and salvation, just as I have found strength and encouragement in its pages. May this powerful story continue to inspire believers on their quest for redemption.