“The problem is not about the saying. The problem is how to connect your conviction with what you are saying.”

These were Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s words at the May 26 Thursday Showers service of The Fountain of Life Church (TFOLC) held at Ilupeju, Lagos State.

Pastor Taiwo took his opening scripture from Mark 11:11-24 and explained how Jesus used a realistic scenario to teach His disciples a critical aspect of the faith walk.

In his narration, he noted that Jesus had a need (hunger), approached a fig tree for fruit (expectation), and His expectation was met with disappointment because there was no fruit on the tree.

He said Jesus’ response to the situation, which was, “Let no man eat fruit from you ever again,” is a powerful lesson. This lesson was revealed when Peter drew Jesus’ attention to the dried fig tree the next day. Jesus said to His disciples, “Have faith in God”.

“If you are born again and live by faith, it is a God-kind of faith,” Pastor Taiwo added.

The clergyman then contextualised prayer as a declaration of faith, noting that it must be done with single-heartedness for effectiveness.

Explaining Mark 11:23 to the congregation, he stated that prayers must be in accordance with what the Word of God says to produce the desired result. He likened “faith” to someone believing a thing without entertaining any doubts about getting it.

Pastor Taiwo further asserted that most declarations do not manifest due to misunderstanding the concept. Hence, Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17 and Philippians 3:10 remains paramount.

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The preacher tasked believers to be careful of what they say in challenging moments because it has the potency to move them forward or backward. He also cautioned against letting what others say affect their declarations unless it is consistent with God’s word.

According to Pastor Taiwo, what one says determines what one gets from any situation. While citing 2 Corinthians 4:13, he added that a faith-filled declaration is a kingdom mandate believers must decree to manifest what they desire.

Referencing David’s story in I Samuel 17, the clergyman narrated how David was sent by his father to check on his brothers at work; and how he was resented and tongue-lashed by his siblings. He thus urged believers to be careful with the company that attacks their actions and words at the slightest opportunity.

The Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church noted that the confrontation between David and Goliath, which started as a battle of words, found the former victorious in his declarations. He thus explained that Jesus was deliberate in His teaching because He knew that ‘the just shall live by faith.’

The complete message is available on the Church’s YouTube channel, The Fountain TV) and TOM TV (Taiwo Odukoya Ministry). It is also available on CD and DVD at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.