The Candid Christian

In 2 hours and a few seconds, I turn 33.

This moment feels sacred — quiet, full, and deeply reflective. As I approach my 33rd birthday, I’m not rushing to celebrate the number. I’m pausing to honour a life that has been known, seen, and kept by God from the very beginning.

From the day I was born — January 7th, 1993 — to today, it has been 12,052 days.

12,052 days of breath.

12,052 days of becoming.

12,052 days of God’s faithfulness — even in seasons I didn’t yet recognise it as such.

The Scripture that keeps echoing in my heart tonight is this:

“Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” — Psalm 139:16 (MSG)

What a comfort.

What a steadying truth.

Words I Return to for Encouragement

On October 19th, 2021, at the Eagles Mini Summit, my Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo, shared words that didn’t mark the beginning of my faith journey — but they sank deep.

They became words I return to.

Words I rehearse in quiet moments.

Words I use to encourage myself when clarity feels delayed or the path feels long.

One statement from that day has stayed with me:

“Walking in God’s steps today will always show tomorrow.”

Over time, life has given me enough evidence to trust that sentence completely.

Engaging the Light, One Step at a Time

That same day, I received a personal instruction that continues to guide how I respond to God:

“Abiola, every light you encounter from the Word, engage immediately.”

I don’t always get it perfect — but I try to respond with obedience.

To move when God nudges.

To pause when He says wait.

To trust Him even when I don’t yet see the full picture.

Another phrase I return to often:

“The harder you follow Me, the higher you fly.” — Holy Spirit

Following God has not always been convenient, but it has always been safe.

“You Can’t Make Yourself — I’m Committed to Your Making”

One of the most freeing truths spoken that day was this:

“My making in life is in following Christ. Abiola, you can’t make yourself… I’m committed to your making.”

Those words lifted a pressure I didn’t even realise I was carrying.

They reminded me that becoming is not something I force — it is something God lovingly oversees as I follow Him.

Psalm 139 confirms it:

My days were not random.

My process was not accidental.

My life was not improvised.

Covenant, Obedience, and Rest

There were sober reminders too:

“Every anti-scriptural step carries a cost, some of which can be very devastating.”

And gentle reassurances that anchored me:

“It may not come overnight, but it’s coming.”

“The covenant way is the secure way to the realm of restful rest.”

Over time, I’ve learned that rest is not the absence of responsibility — it is the presence of trust.

Today, I can say this honestly:

“I sleep like a baby. Zero concern. Zero fear.”

Not because life is perfect, but because God is faithful.

Growing at God’s Pace

One line I often return to is this:

“It comes slowly so it does not destroy me.”

God’s timing has been kind.

His pace has been intentional.

His process has been protective.

Through the prophetic covering of my spiritual father, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, my confidence has deepened. I step into 33 not anxious or unsure, but grounded, expectant, and secure in God’s leading.

Entering 33 with Gratitude

As I cross into a new year of life, gratitude is my posture.

I invite you to join me and say the following 33 times:

Thank You Jesus.

Glory to God.

Hallelujah.

Here’s to 33 years.

Here’s to 12,052 days already written, watched, and guided by God.

Here’s to prophetic words that strengthen us along the way.

Here’s to the God who is committed to our making.