Read Episode 7 here

Read Episode 1 here

It was Bro Kennedy. Yes, the Bro Kennedy at the beginning of my story. I was pleasantly surprised.

‘Bro Kennedy!’ I exclaimed.

‘Sister Goodness’, he replied with a grin. ‘It’s so nice to see you again’

‘Yes it is! What are you doing here?’

‘Well, this is my church’.

‘You live in Calabar?’ I asked

‘Yes I do. How about you?’

‘Well, I was posted here for my youth service’.

‘Wow! It’s a small world,’ he said.

It was so nice to see a familiar face in a strange land. We exchanged numbers and he promised to call. As he walked back into the auditorium, I felt a stirring in my heart. ‘Every spirit of lust, I bind you, I rebuke you’, I said under my breath as I hurried to get the bottle of water.

Bro Kennedy kept his promise as he called me the next day. We did a lot of catching up on the phone. It amazed me because two years earlier, we were barely on talking terms.

Over the next few weeks, we talked often. This Bro Kennedy seemed like a different person altogether. Even though he was still quite reserved, he was more jovial and easy going. His love for God was raw and palpable. He was humble to the core and never made me feel like he was better or more knowledgeable than I was. I began to wonder what made me throw his proposal into the thrash can without looking back. I guess I was blinded with my supposed love for Gozie.

We met a few times, especially in church (I started attending that church as I felt very welcomed and peaceful there). Each time I saw him, he was very smartly dressed. I didn’t even realize how good looking he was until now. We became good friends.

Days rolled into months and soon, my one year was over. On the day of my passing out, I got two job offers- one from an auditing firm in Calabar and the other from a commercial bank in Lagos. Of course, the offer from Lagos had better pay and incentives, but I had learnt not to make choices without finding out God’s mind concerning the matter, no matter how juicy my options are. I took it to God and His instruction was clear: stay in Calabar. I accepted the job offer and settled in.

I noticed that I was already developing affection for Bro Kennedy and I tried to fight it. The more I fought it, the stronger it grew. I called Mummy Okoro and told her what was happening to me. She advised that I reduce communication drastically with bro Kennedy and then go to God in prayers. I obeyed her. I explained to Bro Kennedy that I needed space and thankfully, he understood.

Instead of binding, rebuking sand fighting the thoughts of Bro Kennedy in my heart, I asked the Lord what He was saying concerning my feelings for Bro Kennedy. I waited on the Lord. As my prayers deepened, so did my affection for Bro Kennedy. I didn’t see a dream or a vision, but I knew God’s hand was in this. I felt peace and tranquility. I could picture myself beside him, not just in a white sparkling gown, but in partnership with him, advancing God’s kingdom.

Four months later, when he called me to tell me that he wanted to discuss something with me; my heart was already at rest with him. We met on a sunny Saturday and for the second time, Bro Kennedy proposed to me.

‘Goodness, I may not have the best of material things and I may not have the best of looks but I want to assure you that if you agree to go on this journey with me, I will help you become the best you can ever be for God. Your vision will find ultimate fulfillment in my vision. We will hold hands together and run this race and by God’s grace, we will make heaven together’, he finished.

I smiled warmly. What he said wasn’t much different from the first time, but now, it made more meaning to me.

‘Bro Kennedy, I will pray about it and give you an answer in a week’s time’.

I already knew what the answer was but I needed to inform Mummy Okoro and Pastor Obong, my new mentor.

‘Alright. Thank you very much’.

As we stood up to leave, it took me all my willpower not to give him a big embrace. An overflowing love for him suddenly engulfed my heart and I almost started humming. God had made everything beautiful in His time!

A week later, after getting a green light from my mentors, I said yes to Bro Kennedy. He almost wept for joy. He took my hands in his and raised a song of thanksgiving. We dedicated our relationship to God and invited God to be our EBENEZER.

Right now, we are making plans for our wedding. I still work with the auditing firm and the pay is quite good. Bro Kennedy runs a large poultry and piggery. He is not very buoyant yet, but it doesn’t matter. We are taking a step of faith and God has given us His promise: As far our eyes can see, He is going to bless us.

So, hand in hand, we are starting this journey together in love, joy and fulfillment, trusting God to give us the nations as our inheritance and the ends of the earth as our possession.

THE END

Matthew 7:11- If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Psalm 37:34- Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along His path. He will honor you…

Thank you for following me on Goodness’ journey. I believe you have picked one or two lessons from this exciting story. Please remember to leave your feedback in the comment section below and subscribe to the newsletter if you have not done so. If you have been blessed by this series, do not hesitate to share with others. God bless you!

This Post Has 41 Comments

  1. Damilola

    Beautiful ending; glory to God. He makes everything beautiful in His time indeed ?

      1. Muyiwa Joseph

        God knows I’ve been waiting for the end. First of all, I admire your writing. The story is so real and relevant.. I could even see myself in it. Well done.

        And I was wondering what would have unfolded had she agreed to Bro Kennedy’s proposal while still in school. The truth is that the brother wasn’t ready. He didn’t even act like he was ready, until the latter part. Thank you for this piece.

  2. Chizzy

    This was a beautiful and inspiring story. I’m so blessed by it. Thank you so much. More grace upon your life.

  3. Ogechi

    This is undoubtedly a beautiful piece. So much to glean from it, particularly on knowing what the will of God is in marriage. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart: in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.

  4. Ekene

    So real?.
    Thanks so much for the writings.
    May I meet you one day

  5. George Chukwu

    I never commented before, but I followed the development of the story in the episodes. You did a great job, Chioma. I thank God for his grace on you. Keep up the good work.

    1. Goodness Amarah

      Beautiful chioma
      God’s plan for us is good, acceptable and perfect.
      I know this and I believe it!

  6. LOTACHI

    This story truly is beautiful and inspiring. Seeking God in every decision I want to make is very important.

      1. Wendy Ekemezie

        This is a beautiful and inspiring story

    1. FUNDMr

      Woa…
      What a sigh of relief.
      I can’t wait to eat rice and coke o jare,
      Congrats my Sister ?.

      The data wey I borrow no loss, d Story pay kwa ?

    2. Osinaike Gbemileke

      Very inspiring, yes I learnt a lot!!

  7. aghoghofred

    Wow. I can something beyond all i’ve read oooohh.

  8. Ezinma

    Thank you Chioma for this story

  9. Duruewuru Onyinyechukwu

    If you then being evil know how to give good gifts to your children…God is good!!! Infinitely good!!! Whatever he demands is for our good …Phew…He writes the beautiful story…

    1. Chioma Azolike

      Exactly. He does write beautiful stories, if only we allow him. Thanks for reading!

  10. Adams Omotayo

    More grace ma. I was blessed and I learnt a big lesson from the story. More oil ma

  11. Emaediong Celestine

    I had to start from the first episode to read through all at the same time and trust me it has blessed my life.
    May God help us to place his will above our human tendencies .

    Thank you Chioma for this piece ?

  12. Dikachi

    Beautiful piece…

    I did enjoy…every bit…

    Lessons resounded in my heart…

    God bless you Chioma…
    Thanks

    1. Chioma Azolike

      Thank you so much Dikachi. I’m glad you enjoyed it. God bless you!

  13. Akintemi Oluwole

    Happy Married Life Sister Goodness
    May we fulfil purpose even in marriage
    God bless you for this beautiful story

    1. Chioma Azolike

      Amen! Thank you so much Oluwole. I’m glad you followed Goodness’ story.

  14. Udochukwu

    The end is always glorious when you keep in step with the master. His will makes for peace without sorrow..
    God bless and inspire you more Barr Chiomy..
    You blessed my ❤️

    1. Chioma Azolike

      Amen! Thank you so much, Udochukwu. May God keep us in step with the Master daily.

      1. Okoronkwo Gift

        Wow… Thanks for such a beautiful enlightening piece. It’s just so real and relevant to the Christians of today’s world.

  15. Peace Chinwe

    Wow
    Real life story
    God Bless you ma

  16. Miracle

    Thank you so much dear. This was very inspiring. More ink to your pen.

  17. Chioma

    I must say God is very faithful,merciful for leading me to this very site a d following up this short story with great hi get. Thanks so much Chioma. You have read inspired me. I would be happy to visit this site often .

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