On my most recent trip to Calabar from Abuja, Nigeria, I boarded a bus with a medical lab scientist who appeared calm but was highly spirited and intellectual in conversation.

During the journey, an argument about fake pastors ensued. Being a Christian, I tried to condemn the act of attacking pastors, especially those I believe are genuinely walking with God.

The truth is always light—no darkness can linger for decades without being exposed. As the argument progressed, I became a target because the medical lab scientist sarcastically remarked that my haircut suggested I was one of them (a pastor). Well, I am very much aware of my calling, but I am not a pastor.

Curious as to why an educated man like him would so strongly believe that the Christian God is a scam, I turned to him and asked,
"Why do you speak so despicably about Christianity and 'men of God'?"

He looked at me with a smile—one that suggested mockery and pity. I became even more curious. Why should this man pity me for believing in the Church of God?

The next thing I heard from him was, "I am a traditional worshipper. My gods are more powerful, and they answer my prayers faster and in better ways."

At this point, you might suggest that I kill the conversation and move on because he sounded like a devil…
I didn’t, and he continued.

"I was an altar boy in church and faithfully served God in other churches. But I ran into a problem involving my travel documents and couldn't get help from the Christian God. I went to churches and pastors, prayed, and fasted, but instead, I was scammed—they took my money without results.

"In one church, I was asked to do mercy prayers, coconut night prayers, and all sorts of rituals. In another, I was told to go up a mountain and pray on my knees for hours. But, my brother, nothing worked.

"I got fed up and went to my village. My uncle took me to the gods of our forefathers and requested that I buy kola nuts and a bottle of dry gin. I did—it cost me less than seven hundred naira.

"Within a week, the wife of the man who had seized my documents without cause called me, begging me to come and take them back. Her husband had fallen mysteriously ill and was constantly calling my name.

"I got results in less than a week from the gods of my forefathers. Meanwhile, the Christian God and His men played me and took my money and time.

"Do you expect me to believe in such a God? One whose so-called servants are criminals?

"I am now a proud servant of the gods of my forefathers—they helped me when I needed it the most."

At this point, I was cold. Adding to that, a man from the church I worship in Abuja stood up, ready to fight the scientist, calling him a "devil."

My day was ruined.

Situations like this must be handled with great care. A man who was once a devoted believer had lost his faith—not because of God, but because of a situation that could have been handled by government authorities or even true pastors.

I believe you now understand why I was calm enough to hear his side of the story.

The truth is, he fell into the wrong hands and was played by the devil.

The Devil’s Deception

Beloved, I believe this is what happened:

The devil has no knowledge of a man's future or destiny, but one thing he does very well and accurately is "prediction."

He is an ancient being, which has given him the ability to understand patterns and priesthoods within families.

What he does is study the pattern and priesthood of a family, observe an individual's life closely, and then predict their future. Based on these findings, he begins to orchestrate ways to derail or even annul that destiny.

In the case of this brother, I can confidently say he is a great man. I sat with him, listened to his good deeds, and even felt his benevolence as he ministered to me.

The devil saw his potential—he knew this man would be used by God to liberate many from bondage. So, he went after him. When it seemed like God was about to show up and help, the devil had already planted his agents (disguised as pastors) who led him further into pain and anguish. Then, he presented what seemed like an alternative (the gods).

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways

Beloved, the Bible says in John 4:24,
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

And Psalm 47:7 says,
"For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise."

God is King. You cannot force a king to do your bidding. He answers when He deems it fit to.

He is Spirit, and no one can manipulate Him into doing anything. He knows our hearts and intentions. If you approach Him genuinely, I have never heard of anyone being turned away.

God does not bless those who only come to Him in times of need—He desires a relationship. He wants to be a Father to us, not a transactional figure like a "friend with benefits."

Why Didn't God Help Him?

You might wonder, "Was God unaware of this brother’s situation?"

No, that’s not what I’m saying.

What I am saying is this: Do not go to God only when you need help.

Instead, build an intimate relationship with Him. You will be amazed to discover that He will guide you on where to go, who to deal with, and who to avoid. His direction alone can keep you out of trouble.

Beloved, why wait until you're in trouble before you seek God? Why not draw close to Him now, so He can guide you away from danger before you stray into harm's way?

Is it not better to be obedient than to always run back with sacrifices?

Jesus Loves You

Sincerely, Jesus loves you. If you know Him for yourself—beyond the misleading promises of fake preachers who only talk about money and wealth—you will experience the true benefits of salvation.

I am not saying you are not born again.

But if you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, please say this prayer with me:

Lord Jesus, please forgive my sins. I believe that You died for me. Wash me clean with Your blood, Lord, and help me to live for You from today until my last day on earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Congratulations, beloved!

But don’t stop here. Locate a Bible-believing church near you and start attending so you can be nurtured in the ways of the Lord.

God bless and keep you until we meet again.

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