Pastor Taiwo Odukoya has asked Christians never to let challenges define them, urging believers to always thank God irrespective of the situation.
The Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, TFOLC, said this in his exhortation at the June 16 Thursday Showers service.
Believers, he continued, ought always to praise God. He said praising God from one’s soul is a heartfelt thanksgiving, adding that nothing should stop a believer from thanking his Maker.
“Stop defining God by the things you do not have or by your challenges; define God by the totality of who He is,” he told the worshippers.
During the service, the cleric, who took his Bible reading from Psalm 103:1–6, reiterated that praise should be a self-motivated action, just like David did. According to him, believers should not be caught in the web of complaints; instead, they should praise God irrespective of the challenges.
“Man tends to forget God’s goodness and concentrate on challenges; sometimes, things do not look like they’re worth thanking God for. But thank Him because it takes only the living to even complain. The dead don’t know what is happening. So, bless the Lord,” he told the congregation.
A New Definition
He also noted that praising God from one’s soul is a heartfelt thanksgiving, maintaining that nothing should stop a believer from doing such.
“Stop defining God by the things you don’t have or by your challenges; define God by the totality of who He is,” Pastor Taiwo added.
The clergyman enumerated the goodness of God as explained in Psalm 103:1-6 and called on the worshippers not to relent in praising God. This, he noted, is because those who understand God’s goodness never joke with praising Him.
“If I were to go on a sabbatical for one year just to praise God, it’s still not enough,” he said.
Last week’s Thursday Showers came a day after the TFOLC preacher celebrated his 66th birthday. The congregants, who beamed excitedly at the news, joined Pastor Taiwo to thank God for His faithfulness.
Several worshippers also testified to God’s goodness in their lives during the service, detailing the Almighty’s miraculous interventions and faithfulness. There were also bouts of prayers, praises, and worship during the service held at the TFOLC headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos State.
