Whenever I am asked what has helped build my relationship with God, amidst a few things I mention, I never fail to talk about what tops my first-three list. I built a castle before I said “I do” to my Master and Friend. Just six days into our forever relationship, He requested I must leave the castle if I really desired a future with Him. It was then not easy, but as I keep growing and look back, I am glad I obeyed. It’s a journey I would be delighted to travel with God again and again.
The friends I had were the castle I built. I was very good at making friends and also maintaining friendships. Without knowing much about the importance of communication in a relationship, I was one person that could creep into my Dad’s room for his cell phone just to check on my friends. On most occasions, he always ran out of air time when talking to anyone because I had used his phone to call all my friends. And when talking to any of my friends, I was never in a hurry. I relaxed as one who was in charge of the intercom services. So funny as I looked back.
When I was travelling to a faraway country for my studies, I still recall amongst all the pieces of advice my parents gave to me, one that makes me laugh to this day was, “Please, use your allowance wisely. Don’t use it to recharge your phone to call everybody, even we your parents. We will always call you, and if you need anything, just give us a flash, and we will call you back immediately.”
I believe by now you know what I did… I kept calling everybody to check on them as my manner was. My parents appreciated that aspect of me but wanted me to curtail it.
Five months after I travelled, I encountered Jesus Christ during a Sermon I can never forget. Till date, whenever I remember my experience on the day of my Salvation, I get goosebumps, and I also feel proud about my decision that day … a day I pledged to surrender my will to the One with whom I will move, live and have my being from henceforth. Six days into this newfound love, faith, and loyalty journey, I faced a hard decision. This was to let go of my castle(friends). While I was praying and heard the instruction from God, to be honest, I was sad. “Why do I have to leave my friends?” Why wouldn’t I? I was in love with God Almighty and was ready to do His bidding. ( I am still in love with Him and so madly in love).
When couples get married, at least for the first week, most would keep their phones switched off or unattended to, and some would travel and lodge in a hotel. All these are just to spend quality, undistracted time alone in the arms and company of each other. They call this ‘Honeymoon.”
Permit me to say God wanted a honeymoon with me. He wanted my company and also wanted me lost in His arms. He wanted me to know Him better without distractions and interference.
My communication with all my friends dropped drastically. I just noticed I became too lazy to call them, and I always see their calls as missed calls because they called either when I was still in church, school, library, sleeping, or praying. During those times, I don’t know if I should call it God or coincidence, but, looking back, I will attribute it to God. Yes! God was in it. He was so jealous of me, interested in our relationship, and was in charge of my time and engagements.
My life got meaning and purpose when my focus was on God. My understanding was enlightened, my desire for God and truth grew, and I got a new passion, vision, and mission. My free time was now spent studying the Bible and praying (nothing else mattered to me).
Whenever I spoke to any of my friends during those times, I noticed nothing to talk about…no connection whatsoever. Discussions became uninteresting and cold. This demotivated them from calling me and vice versa.
As the journey progressed, with time, I began to ask God always to choose people that should be in my circle. People that would help nourish His work in my life. People who will impart in me and I in them. People who will hold my hands when I am weak. People who are purposeful and sound in principle and practice.
As my journey proceeded, God gave me men. Men who have helped and are still used by Him to hold my hands. I live my purpose today because I was and am still surrounded by the right people. My daily growth in God and life will always be linked with leaving my castle, aligning with Him, and being surrounded by the right people for my journey.
In your walk and work with God and fulfilling your purpose, He may request that you leave your castle.
Abraham’s castle was the land of Haran.
Apostle Paul’s castle was his career.
Isaiah’s castle was his mouth.
Esther’s castle was indifference.
Jacob’s castle was deception.
Mary Magdalene’s castle was adultery.
Sincerely pray to God to reveal the castle you are living in that hampers your relationship with Him and that also hinders you from fulfilling your purpose.
Thank you for the word of knowledge, this article was insightful.
Beautiful as always. Thank you. I am glad I read this. May the Lord help me to leave my castles behind today, tomorrow and forevermore. Amen.
Good evening everyone, I am glad to be here
Faithful God, give me the grace to drop my castle now and forever more Amen ooo