Follow Us on Google
BY PHILIP NWOSU
A Christian cleric, Reverend Abednego Okpala, has urged believers to focus on God rather than fear or uncertainty when confronted with life’s challenges, stressing that victory in difficult times comes through complete submission to the will of God.
Delivering a sermon titled “Where Will I Go?”, at a Service of Songs held at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos for Late Mrs Rebeca Aikhomu, wife of former military vice president Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Reverend Okpala said the real issue facing humanity is not the uncertainty of life’s journey, but the failure to trust God, who alone can give joy even in the midst of trouble.
According to him, Christians should not be overly concerned about how life will unfold, but should instead “look unto the One who is able to give us joy in the midst of the troubles.”
Quoting the words of Jesus, he reminded the congregation that hardship is inevitable. “Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,’” he said, noting that believers are assured of victory despite present challenges.
The cleric disclosed that he would be sharing three principles that could strengthen believers’ victory over adversity, identifying total submission to the will of God as the first and most crucial step.
“Total submission to the will of God is key,” he declared, repeatedly emphasising the word “submission” as he engaged the congregation. He explained that human effort alone is insufficient to navigate life successfully.
“The truth is nobody can say for sure that they can totally and perfectly navigate life,” he added, stressing that dependence on God remains the safest path for overcoming life’s uncertainties.
He concluded by encouraging believers to surrender their plans and struggles to God, assuring them that divine guidance and joy are available even in the midst of tribulations.
Tributes continued to pour in from family members, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers following the passing of Mrs Aikhomu, whose death, it was learnt, has left a deep sense of loss among those who knew her.
Family members, in separate tributes, remembered her as a devoted wife, loving mother, and dependable pillar whose counsel and encouragement shaped generations within and beyond her household. They noted that her strength, humility, and selfless nature made her a source of comfort and stability to all who encountered her.
Friends and associates also took to various platforms to express their grief, describing Mrs Aikhomu as a woman with a warm heart and an infectious smile, always ready to lend a helping hand. According to them, her generosity and sense of responsibility to others distinguished her as a quiet achiever who touched lives without seeking recognition.
Community leaders and neighbours recalled her active involvement in communal and faith-based activities, noting that she consistently promoted peace, unity, and moral values. They described her as someone who lived by example and inspired others through her conduct and dedication to worthy causes.
