Repentance – Asukuruk Blessing
I moved into my new apartment a couple of weeks ago, but due to the recent workload at the office—especially with the managing director’s position vacant, which I’ve been eager to secure—all hands needed to be on deck.
Yet, as they say, old habits die hard. Still, I found myself pondering how my relationship with God had completely eroded while taking a final look at the mirror. Quickly, I pushed that thought aside.
Deji was already parked outside the house; earlier in the morning, I’d called him proposing we go out to catch a glimpse of the beautiful city, have a light drink, and, of course, enjoy ourselves with the ladies, as we used to. I wasn’t expecting him to decline, but the enthusiasm with which he embraced the idea thrilled me. “I am going to make the most of tonight,” I smiled lightly.
The famous Crest Lounge and Bar, situated in the heart of the city, was a 25-minute drive away. The music blared loudly, and everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives, except for a beautifully dressed young lady in her early twenties, elegantly seated at the bar with a glass of wine.
“Wow! I’ve caught a big fish,” I thought to myself, striding towards her with a grin from ear to ear.
“Lawal,” I said, extending my hand.
“Nicole,” she answered reluctantly but politely.
“Want to dance?”
“No,” she replied with a straight face tinged with a slight smile.
“How about my place?” I said sharply, and without a word, she picked up her bag. With my hands clasped behind my head and a suggestive gesture, I followed her out.
Upon reaching my place, I quickly showered and gestured for her to do the same. While she was in the shower, I couldn’t help but notice the frequent lighting up of her phone. Though silenced, it caught my attention, and I reached for it anyway.
A cold feeling washed over me as I saw what was displayed: prayer alarms, Open Heavens devotionals, and her display picture (Jesus nailed to the cross). Who was she?
I swiftly returned the phone to its place and sat on the couch, feeling overwhelmed by a sudden surge of emotions. I didn’t even realize when she came out. Her sudden call brought me back to reality.
For the first time in almost 8 years, I felt scared to engage intimately with a lady. It didn’t occur to me to take advantage of her; I felt pity for myself, for my irresponsibility. After listening to her story, tears filled my eyes. It was her first time, her mother was hospitalized, and she had explored all other options—this seemed to be the only one, so she took it.
As she shared more about herself, my entire life flashed before my eyes. I witnessed the unending mercies of God in this 24-year-old. The words of D. L. Moody echoed: “If God’s today be too soon for thy repentance, thy tomorrow may be too late for God’s acceptance.”
Without much deliberation, I knew I had to abandon my old ways and turn over a new leaf while I still could. I am not one to miss an opportunity, especially not with such a burning desire in my heart. I became broken again, just like I was 8 years ago.
And now, it’s been a year. Nicole and I are expecting a baby, and I’ve left my ministry job. Through the retelling of our salvation stories, we’ve won many souls. Come as you are.