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Can a Man Impress God?

Let’s be real—have you ever tried to impress someone? Maybe a crush, a boss, or that overly spiritual brother in church who prays in King James English. You go out of your way, adjusting your behavior, choosing your words carefully, maybe even throwing in a dramatic “God bless you, my brother!” to sound extra holy.

But what about God? Can we impress Him?

What Does It Even Mean to Impress God?

Impressing someone usually means doing something that makes them go, “Wow!” So, can we do something so remarkable that God, the One who created galaxies with a whisper, looks at us and says, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming”?

Well… not exactly.

1. God is Not a Man

First off, God isn’t human. He isn’t moved by human standards of “impressive.” You could pray for ten hours straight, fast for 40 days, and still, your righteousness is described as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Compared to His perfection, our best efforts don’t make Him raise an eyebrow.

Think about it:

  • Solomon built a temple so glorious people traveled from distant lands to see it. Did God go, “Wow, Solomon, I’m speechless!”? No, instead, He said, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?” (Isaiah 66:1). Basically: “Nice temple, Solomon, but I own the universe.”
  • Job was the most righteous man of his time, yet when he finally encountered God, all he could do was repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:5-6).

2. But… God DOES Delight in Us

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Even though we can’t impress God in the way we impress people, we CAN please Him. There are things that delight God:

Faith:

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God”

(Hebrews 11:6)

A Humble Heart:

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit”

(Isaiah 66:2)

Obedience:

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

(1 Samuel 15:22)

In other words, God isn’t impressed by our efforts but by our heart posture. It’s like a little child drawing a crayon picture for their father. The father isn’t impressed by the artistic skill (because, let’s be honest, it’s mostly scribbles), but he treasures it because it came from love.

3. So, Should We Stop Trying?

Some people might say, “If I can’t impress God, what’s the point of striving for righteousness?” But that’s the wrong question. We don’t pursue holiness to impress God; we do it because we love Him. Just like a husband doesn’t try to “impress” his wife by buying flowers—he does it because he loves her.

Paul says,

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”

(Philippians 3:12)

It’s not about impressing God; it’s about growing closer to Him.

Final Thoughts: What Actually Moves God?

A broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Genuine faith, like that of the centurion (Matthew 8:10).
True worship, not performance (John 4:23-24).

So, can a man impress God? No. But can he touch God’s heart? Absolutely. Not by showing off, but by surrendering. That’s the paradox of the Christian life—the greatest way to “impress” God is to stop trying and start trusting.

Now Over to You:

Have you ever tried to impress God? What do you think truly delights Him? Drop a comment and let’s talk!

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Is There Gain in Suffering?

💔 Abi this suffering sef, e get benefit?

If you grew up in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard this before:

“My brother, this life na suffer-head. Just manage am like that.”

Or the classic:

“God is using this suffering to teach you something.”

And of course, every Nigerian’s favorite:

“Las las, we go dey alright.”

But if we’re being honest—does suffering really have any gain? Because let’s face it, suffering no be beans. Whether it’s financial struggles, heartbreak, betrayal, health challenges, or the constant Nigerian battle with NEPA wahala, fuel scarcity, and expensive foodstuffs—pain is real.

But the deeper question is: Does suffering actually do anything good for us? Or is it just something we have to endure while waiting for heaven?

Is Suffering a Curse or a Classroom?

Nigerians generally have two views about suffering:

1️⃣ Some people see suffering as a curse—If things are hard, they assume, “Ah! Village people don enter my matter!” 😭

2️⃣ Some see suffering as a divine classroom—“God is working on you through this.”

Both of these perspectives have some truth, but neither tells the whole story.

Yes, suffering can be caused by sin, bad decisions, or even spiritual attacks (remember Job?). But not all suffering is a curse. Sometimes, God allows it to refine us, to shape our character, and to prepare us for something greater.

📖 Romans 5:3-4 says:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

Story Time: Nigerian Hustle & Suffering That Pays Off

Let’s talk about suffering that actually yields results.

Ever heard of someone who suffered through school with little or no money, trekking long distances because they couldn’t afford transport? The kind of suffering that makes you eat garri without sugar and beg your roommate for just one spoon of rice? 😭

But guess what? That same person graduates, gets a good job, and suddenly the story changes. Now they have a testimony of “I suffered, but it paid off.”

💡 That’s the kind of suffering that leads to growth.

✅ The struggle built endurance.
✅ The hunger built discipline.
✅ The pain built wisdom.

And God does the same thing spiritually.

Biblical Suffering: When God’s Process Looks Like Punishment

Look at some Bible characters who suffered before they saw gain:

  • Joseph – Sold into slavery, betrayed, thrown into prison. But that suffering prepared him for leadership. (Genesis 37-41)
  • David – Anointed as king, yet spent years running for his life. But in the wilderness, God was shaping him into a man after His own heart. (1 Samuel 16-31)
  • Paul – Beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked. But his suffering produced letters that still transform lives today. (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
  • Jesus – The ultimate suffering. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)

So, How Can Suffering Be a Blessing?

🔥 1. Suffering reveals who you truly are.
Like fire refines gold, suffering exposes our character. Are we patient? Are we humble? Do we really trust God, or do we only serve Him when things are good?

🔥 2. Suffering forces us to depend on God.
It’s easy to say “God is my provider,” but suffering forces you to actually trust Him when your bank account is crying.

🔥 3. Suffering can position you for greater things.
Joseph’s suffering positioned him for the palace. David’s suffering prepared him for the throne. Your suffering might be preparing you for something bigger.

🔥 4. Suffering makes us more compassionate.
If you’ve suffered, you can help others who are going through the same thing. You understand their pain.

But Wait, Does This Mean We Should Love Suffering?

😂😂 My brother, my sister, nobody dey love suffering o!

Even Jesus Himself, before going to the cross, said: “Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. But not my will, but Yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39).

It’s okay to pray for relief. It’s okay to want things to get better. But in the meantime, don’t waste your suffering—ask God what He wants to do through it.

Final Thoughts: Suffering Without Gain is Wasted Pain

If you’re going through something right now, don’t just endure it—learn from it. Grow from it. Let God shape you through it.

Yes, suffering is painful. But if we submit to God’s process, the pain won’t be wasted. Because God never wastes pain.

So, is there gain in suffering? Yes. But only if we let God use it for His glory.

💭 What do you think? Have you ever gone through suffering that later turned out to be a blessing? Drop your thoughts! 👇🏾🔥

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“Can I Be a Christian and Still Have Mental Health Struggles?”

Breaking the Stigma, Finding Biblical Encouragement, and Practical Steps Forward

“You Just Need More Faith…” 🤦🏽‍♂️

Ever heard this before? Someone opens up about their anxiety, depression, or burnout, and instead of getting real support, they’re met with:

  • “Just pray more.”
  • “Read your Bible, and you’ll feel better.”
  • “Maybe you need to fast and cast out that spirit.”

While prayer and Scripture are powerful (and essential!), they’re not magic pills that erase mental health struggles overnight. But in many Christian communities, the stigma around mental health is so strong that struggling believers feel ashamed, weak, or even unspiritual for battling issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

So let’s talk about it. Can you love Jesus and still struggle mentally? Let’s unpack this with truth, grace, and practical wisdom.

1. Breaking the Stigma: Why Do Christians Struggle to Accept Mental Health Issues?

Many Christians believe that being saved means living in total peace, joy, and victory. So when someone struggles emotionally or mentally, the assumption is often:

✅ “They don’t trust God enough.”
✅ “They must have unconfessed sin.”
✅ “This is a spiritual attack.”

While spiritual factors can play a role, mental health is not just a spiritual issue—it’s a whole-person issue. Just like Christians can get physically sick, they can also experience emotional and psychological struggles.

Why Do We Struggle to Accept This?

  1. Misinterpretation of Scripture 📖
    • Verses like “Do not be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6) are often taken to mean that all anxiety is sinful, rather than recognizing that Paul was encouraging people to bring their struggles to God in trust.
  2. Fear of Weakness 😔
    • Many believe that admitting mental health struggles makes them appear spiritually weak. But Paul himself said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
  3. Over-Spiritualization of Everything 🙏🏽
    • While spiritual warfare is real, not every mental health struggle is a demon that needs to be cast out. Sometimes, it’s trauma. Sometimes, it’s brain chemistry. Sometimes, it’s just being human in a broken world.

2. Biblical Encouragement: Does the Bible Acknowledge Mental Struggles?

Absolutely! The Bible is full of godly people who battled deep emotional pain:

  • Elijah – This mighty prophet literally asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).
  • David – Read the Psalms, and you’ll see a man who wrestled with deep sorrow (Psalm 42:11, Psalm 88:3-4).
  • Job – After losing everything, Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11).
  • Paul – He described being “utterly burdened beyond strength” to the point of despair (2 Corinthians 1:8).
  • Jesus – In the Garden of Gethsemane, He said “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).

If even Jesus experienced deep emotional distress, how can we say that mental struggles mean someone lacks faith?

3. Practical Steps: How Faith and Mental Health Can Coexist

Since mental health struggles are real, how do we walk through them as believers?

A. Acknowledge and Accept Reality

✅ It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling.
✅ It doesn’t make you less of a Christian.
✅ It doesn’t mean you’re failing spiritually.

Denying reality only deepens the struggle. Instead, bring it into the light.

B. Seek Wise Counsel

  • God can work through pastors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Therapy isn’t a lack of faith; it’s wisdom. Even Solomon said, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
  • If you broke your leg, would you refuse a doctor and just “pray it away”? No! The same goes for mental health.

C. Stay in Community

  • Isolation makes struggles worse. Stay connected to people who will remind you of truth, encourage you, and walk with you.
  • Find safe Christians who won’t judge but will support.

D. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

  • Sleep well, eat well, exercise, and take breaks.
  • Even Elijah needed food and rest before he could hear God clearly again (1 Kings 19:5-7).

E. Keep Seeking God

  • Sometimes, in deep struggles, prayer feels impossible. But even in the silence, God is near (Psalm 34:18).
  • Be honest with God. Cry out to Him, like David did in the Psalms.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Being a Christian doesn’t mean living a problem-free life. It means having Christ with you through every struggle.

So, if you’re battling anxiety, depression, or any other mental health struggle, know this:

  • You are not alone.
  • You are not a failure.
  • God is not disappointed in you.

Jesus isn’t standing at a distance, shaking His head at you. He’s with you, walking beside you, holding you up, and leading you through.

So let’s break the stigma. Let’s be a Church where people can be honest about their struggles without fear. Because mental health struggles don’t mean you lack faith—they just mean you’re human, and God loves you in every season.

Now, Let’s Talk…

What has your experience been like in Christian circles regarding mental health? Have you felt supported, or have you faced judgment? Let’s break the silence—drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇🏽

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Why Did God Allow That? – Wrestling with Suffering, Pain, and the Problem of Evil

“If God is good, why did He let this happen?”

It’s one of the hardest, rawest questions people ask—whispered through tears, shouted in anger, or left unspoken in quiet despair. A tragedy hits, betrayal crushes you, suffering lingers, or loss rips away something dear. And deep inside, a question burns:

Why did God allow that?

For some, this question is intellectual—a theological puzzle to solve. But for many, it’s deeply personal. Maybe you’ve lost someone too soon. Maybe a dream shattered. Maybe life’s unfairness seems unbearable. You pray, you plead, and yet… nothing changes.

Where is God in all this?

1. The Hard Reality: We Live in a Broken World

Let’s start with a truth that no one enjoys hearing: this world is fallen.

God made the world good, but sin broke it (Genesis 3). From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed, suffering, sickness, and death entered the world. And since then, things have been messy. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat this:

Jesus Himself said,

“In this world you will have trouble”.

(John 16:33)

Paul calls creation “subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20) and describes it as groaning under the weight of brokenness.

This means pain is part of life on this side of eternity. Not because God delights in suffering, but because sin corrupted the world.

2. “But If God is in Control, Why Didn’t He Stop It?”

This is where things get really difficult. If God is sovereign, couldn’t He have prevented that car crash? That abuse? That diagnosis?

Yes. He could have.

But the Bible shows us that God doesn’t always intervene the way we expect. Instead, He allows human choices and natural consequences to unfold—sometimes with devastating results.

  • He didn’t stop Joseph’s brothers from selling him into slavery (Genesis 37).
  • He didn’t prevent Job from losing everything (Job 1-2).
  • He didn’t keep Jesus from the cross (Luke 22-23).

And yet… in every case,

He was working something greater through the pain.

3. God’s Plan is Bigger Than Our Pain

Let’s revisit Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, thrown into prison. Where was God?

Right there, turning the worst moment of his life into the very thing that saved millions from famine (Genesis 50:20).

Or Job. He lost his family, health, and everything he owned. Yet, in the end, he encountered God in a deeper way than ever before (Job 42:5).

And Jesus—beaten, mocked, crucified. It seemed like the greatest evil in history. But that very moment became the source of salvation for the world.

What does this tell us?

  • God sees beyond what we see.
  • Pain is not wasted.
  • What Satan or others intend for evil, God can use for good.

It doesn’t mean every tragedy will make sense immediately. Some things we won’t understand this side of heaven. But God is still in control, even when life feels out of control.

4. The Cross is God’s Answer to Suffering

When we suffer, we want answers. But God doesn’t just give an explanation—He gives Himself.

Jesus didn’t stay distant from suffering; He stepped into it.

  • He was betrayed, abandoned, beaten, and crucified.
  • He felt the depths of human pain.
  • On the cross, He cried out: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
God doesn’t just watch our suffering—He experienced it Himself.

This is why Christianity is different from every other worldview. Many religions say, “Just accept suffering.” Atheism says, “Suffering is meaningless.” But Jesus says, “I have suffered with you, and I will redeem it.”

5. “So What Do I Do With My Pain?”

If you’re hurting, here’s what you can do:

  1. Be honest with God. He can handle your anger, doubt, and confusion (Psalm 13).
  2. Trust that He sees the bigger picture. Even if you don’t understand, He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).
  3. Remember, suffering is temporary. This world is not the final chapter (Revelation 21:4).
  4. Lean on Jesus. He’s been there, and He walks with you now (Hebrews 4:15-16).

God doesn’t promise a pain-free life. But He promises that one day, all pain will end. Until then, we hold onto Him.

So, why did God allow that?

Maybe we won’t fully know. But we know who He is. And that is enough.

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Is It Ever Okay to Lie? 🤔

Somebody walks up to you and asks, “Hey, did you eat the last piece of chicken?” and you, with oil still shining on your lips, respond, “Which chicken?”

Is that lying? Of course.

But what about when the stakes are much, much higher?

What if telling the truth puts someone in danger?
What if honesty could break a family apart?
What if a simple, well-placed diplomatic response could keep the peace?

Does God expect absolute truthfulness at all times, or is there room for wisdom in how we respond? Let’s unpack this with real-life illustrations, biblical insights, and some necessary heart checks.

1. The Clear Biblical Command: No Lying. Period.

The Bible is very clear about lying:

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

(Colossians 3:9)

“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.”

(Proverbs 12:22)

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

(Exodus 20:16 – One of the Ten Commandments)

So, at face value, the answer seems simple: Lying is never okay.

But then we read certain biblical stories that make us stop and think.

2. When Lying (or “Strategic Words”) Seemed to Work in the Bible

A few biblical characters seemed to get away with “not telling the whole truth.” Does that mean lying is sometimes justified?

A. The Hebrew Midwives – Exodus 1

Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill all Israelite baby boys. But they didn’t. When Pharaoh asked why, they said:

“The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive!”

(Exodus 1:19)

Essentially, they lied to save lives. And guess what? God blessed them for it. 🤯

B. Rahab and the Spies – Joshua 2

When Israelite spies hid in Rahab’s house, soldiers came looking for them. Rahab told the soldiers, “They already left,” while she was actually hiding them on her roof.

Did God strike her down for lying? No. In fact, Rahab is honored in the Bible for helping God’s people.

C. Jesus and the “Withholding” Approach

Now, Jesus never lied (obviously!), but He often responded to tricky questions with wisdom rather than blunt answers.

Example: When the Pharisees tried to trap Him by asking, “Should we pay taxes to Caesar?” (Matthew 22:17), He didn’t give a simple yes or no. Instead, He responded in a way that made them think:

"Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."

He answered without falling into their trap. Was it deception? No. Was it wisdom? Absolutely.

3. When Does Truth Require Tact? (And When Does It Become a Lie?)

Now, let’s get real.

Imagine these scenarios:

A. Protecting Someone’s Life

You’re in Nazi Germany hiding Jews in your house.

Soldiers bang on your door: “Are you hiding anyone?”

What do you say?

Telling the absolute truth might lead to their death. Would God be more honored by telling the truth or protecting innocent lives?

B. Keeping Peace in a Sensitive Situation

Your friend just finished singing a very off-key solo at church.

They ask, “Did I sound okay?”

If you say, “Honestly, it was terrible,” they might never sing again.

If you say, 

"Your passion was amazing!"

without mentioning the off-key part, are you being deceitful or just gracious?

C. Navigating Work and Leadership

Your boss asks, “Do you think my idea is the best one?” (but it’s actually terrible).

If you say, 

"I think there’s a lot of potential here, and maybe we can refine it,"

you avoid dishonesty while gently steering things in a better direction.

4. The Difference Between Wisdom and Deception

Lying is clearly wrong when it:
❌ Protects our selfish interests.
❌ Manipulates others for personal gain.
❌ Breaks trust and integrity.

But wisdom is different.

✅ Being diplomatic isn’t the same as lying. It means speaking with grace and discernment.
✅ Being strategic in communication (like Jesus) doesn’t mean deception—it means avoiding unnecessary conflict.
✅ Using tact when responding to difficult questions doesn’t mean compromising truth—it means presenting it in a way that builds up rather than tears down.

5. So, Is It Ever Okay to Lie?

The best answer is: It’s complicated.

The Bible commands us to be truthful. But how we tell the truth requires wisdom. There are situations where brutal honesty can do more harm than good. However, we should never use this as an excuse to be deceitful for personal gain.

Instead of lying, consider these alternatives:

✔ Silence: Sometimes, the best answer is to say nothing.
✔ Redirecting: Like Jesus did—answer wisely rather than bluntly.
✔ Speaking with Grace: You can be honest without being harsh.

At the end of the day, our words should reflect both truth and love. Because truth without love is harsh, and love without truth is deception.

Final Thoughts: When Truth Meets Love

Every situation is different, but the goal remains the same: Honor God with your words.

  • Speak truth, but with wisdom.
  • Be honest, but also gracious.
  • Avoid deception, but also avoid unnecessary harm.

And if you’re ever in a situation where telling the truth seems impossible without causing harm—pray for wisdom. Because the God of truth is also the God of wisdom.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever been in a situation where telling the truth felt complicated? How did you handle it? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️