Dear Oluchi,

I have often wondered why we are here on earth, and I believe this is a question many people reflect on. However, as Christians, we are given answers through the Scriptures. One that especially comes to mind is that we are called to “show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Do you know why you are here on this earth?

Before I go further into the reason for writing to you, I first wanted to sincerely check on you, this time, not as a routine gesture, but from a genuine place of care. I truly hope you are doing well and spending time with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Recently, I came to a deeper understanding of the Scripture that says eternal life is to know God, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. It made me realize that eternal life is not merely something we await in the future, but a relationship with God that begins even now. Because of this, I truly hope you are enjoying that life here on earth through fellowship with Him.

I understand that this may be a difficult concept to grasp at first fully, but I have come to see that a relationship with God that will last forever must begin in the present. Therefore, if you are not already doing so, I would gently encourage you to seek God in every moment and allow Him to become the center of your life and daily walk.

Returning to my initial question, I hope you have not been lost in the train of your thoughts, because I am about to take you along another trail entirely.

The other day, I decided to go out for a walk. Now, if you know me well enough, you would understand that when I say “going for a walk,” it often means spending half of the time sitting down and the other half actually walking. However, if anyone should ask, I trust that you will kindly keep this information to yourself. Thank you very much.

So, as I continued partaking in the rather solemn activity of sitting down, I noticed an inscription engraved on the chair. It had been dedicated to a couple in honor of their service and contribution to the community.

At that moment, a thought quietly settled in my heart: What will I be remembered for?

To be completely honest, I do not believe I have made any grand contribution worthy of causing a stranger to pause long enough to write a letter about me. Yet, I have come to realize that some of the people worth writing about were not necessarily those who did extraordinary things in the eyes of the world. Their lives may have seemed small or ordinary, yet they carried a quiet significance that left an enduring mark on others.

Today, I would like to tell you about a few of such people, in the hope that their lives might encourage you as they have encouraged me. Have you ever come across Eunice and Lois? You see, these beautiful women were mentioned by name in the Bible; together, they were mentioned once (2 Timothy 1:51), alluded to again in 2 Timothy 3:14-152, and Eunice was mentioned again in the book of Acts ( Acts 16:13).

 Their background in Scripture is both detailed and remarkably brief. Eunice is introduced to us simply as the mother of Timothy, the wife of an unnamed Greek man, and the daughter of Lois. We are not told that she performed any grand or widely celebrated acts, such as making garments for widows, gathering believers to pray for Peter’s release, or opening her home to the disciples. These are indeed beautiful and notable acts, so please do not misunderstand me, but they are also very visible expressions of service.

Yet, when Apostle Paul spoke of Lois and Eunice, he did not first commend outward works. Instead, he spoke of their sincere faith, a faith passed down from grandmother to mother, and from mother to son. One cannot help but wonder how a Jewish woman, married to a Greek man, still managed to raise a son in the way of the Lord who would follow Paul so closely and labor alongside him in the work of the Gospel at such a young age.

Though Scripture does not describe the details for us, I am convinced that there must have been a quiet and consistent role of faithfulness being played behind the scenes, a faithfulness that ensured the knowledge of God would be passed down. Timothy’s sincere faith must have affected Apostle Paul so deeply that he felt compelled to commend both his mother and grandmother for it. What may have appeared insignificant to ordinary eyes became part of the foundation that eventually gave rise to some of the letters we now hold in Scripture. Paul recognized Timothy as someone trustworthy enough to entrust with the teachings of the Gospel and the strengthening of the Church.

So you see, Oluchi, the quiet roles we play are not insignificant in the grand scheme of God’s purpose. Whether it is washing dishes, wiping a child’s nose, helping an elderly neighbor walk safely, offering a smile to a stranger, or simply carrying a sincere faith that can be passed from one generation to another, these things matter more than we often realize.

Not every act of faithfulness will be engraved upon earthly monuments that will one day fade away, but it can be etched down on the pages of the heart that are impacted. 

I truly hope this letter brings you comfort—that what may seem like mediocrity in your eyes may, in fact, be faithfulness in the sight of God.

With faith in my heart,

Adunni
May 20, 2026

1. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. ︎
2. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ︎
3. 1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. ︎

Dear Anu,

I’m encouraged by the fact that you have decided to once again attempt to read all the books of the Bible. I remember that – the last time you tried this – your steam was extinguished when you got to Leviticus, coupled with the emergency travel and illness. I’m also grateful that you have recovered with all the scars to show for your healing. Thank GOD.

I have a few things to share with you.

As you begin your reading, have no favourite verses in scripture. I say this because the Bible was not originally written in verses. Verses come to us for our ease, but the books of the Bible were written as a whole. One sentence after the other, each forming a block that might make sense if isolated but should be held as a whole. Verses are good for memorisation, but I beg you not to fall into the habit of exalting the functionality of one verse above another. Why? Because scripture is like the body in some way: every artery and muscle, every organ is just as important. To treat scripture or the body otherwise would be like preferring your biceps to your triceps—which is not how a body works, and not how Scripture works either.

Remember that the Bible is made up of books written to people in the past—not directly to you—but they are written for your benefit and remain deeply relevant to you today. There is a primary audience, and understanding their minds or seeing through their cultures would help you a great deal. To evaluate who Abraham is in the Mesopotamia of his days is helpful to understand the significance of GOD making a covenant in the way that it is made. To pay attention to the cultural climate of Corinth, Laodicea, or Galatia helps us understand why Paul writes to them in the way that HE does. In some ways, we may share struggles; in others, their travails may be just as alien to us.

The Bible has one Eternal and Divine author whispering HIS design and plan by inspiration into the ears and fingers of devoted human authors and scribes. Between the words and lines are trails of GOD’s dusty hands and ink-stained fingertips. This is why we see connections like webs so intricate that they transcend decades and kingdoms.

When you read scripture, you are not alone. To understand scripture, you will not be alone. It is a meet-and-greet moment every time. The One who wrote the words is also the One who gives you meaning from the words. Reading scripture is how we never feel alone or walk alone. It is the way to familiarise ourselves with the One we worship and adore. It is how we come to understand why we are who and what we are by Divine Design.

Lastly, you will find pieces of detail which are so light they could go over your head, and if you look at them long enough, they raise more questions. I could tell you to skip them and trust that they hold up the house though their resolution is unseen or not clear at face value; however, I encourage you to know why they exist. Ask for and seek their answers. The awkward-looking spaces that seem unfilled—take note of them and dig out their depths. This is important so that when you are asked how Cain bore sons and had a wife if all the humans in his time were siblings, you can explain that the rules and norms of human interaction have changed. What was permissible and necessary in the earliest generations of humanity is not how we live today. Consider it an evolution of sorts.

If you need to reference other sources to understand, remember too that GOD’s Hands are upon science, discovery, philosophy, and the pursuit of GODly knowledge for the glory of HIS Name.

I do not feel weary when you write to me. I do not fret at your calls, so be free to always write or call. We all learn to be strong when we serve as mirrors of each other’s weaknesses.

With care, 

Olatunde

P.s if you could help someone else walk confidently on their journey to reading scripture, what would you say, and what would you want them to prepare for?

Dear Chinonso,

There is a conversation in the New Testament that always leaves me in awe: it was an interaction between JESUS and the Pharisees. I believe it feels vibrantly new every time because of its implication for everyone who calls on the name of JESUS and has decided to be HIS disciple—obedient to GOD’s call by creation.

It began when some Pharisees were sent to trap JESUS in HIS own words (Mark 12:13). Matthew 22:16 adds that they were disciples of the Pharisees with the Herodians. After their flattery about HIS character and integrity, they asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:14)—wanting HIS take on Roman taxation of Jews.

If JESUS said it was lawful, the Jews would doubt HIM as the Messiah, since that stance opposed their hope for liberation. If HE said not to pay, Rome would see HIS speech as inciting insurrection and seek to silence it. In a nutshell, JESUS stood to lose no matter what HE chose.

Why did they take this route? Because they may have understood from previous conversations that the only way the JESUS movement could be stopped was if it imploded. And why not? There is so much power and truth in HIS teachings. They knew only JESUS could end HIS own ministry. They knew the only force powerful enough to stop GOD is GOD. Even today, the enemy tries to use ‘a work of GOD’ to prevent “the work of GOD”—to distract, to water down, or to divide hearts and attention. No one but GOD can stop GOD and HIS will.

JESUS understood this, so HE taught the wisdom of GOD that cannot be foiled by human foolishness:

“But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.’ So they brought it. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at Him.” — Mark 12:15-17 (NKJV)

If the coin bears Caesar’s mark, give Caesar his property. If anything bears GOD’s mark, give GOD HIS property. So they marveled.

This story teaches us to deal with people by their intentions, not just actions. The Pharisees appeared to seek knowledge, but JESUS discerned they sought to entrap HIM. As disciples, we should not be so caught up in the moment that we forget to address intentions before actions. This is the birth of wisdom: addressing the inner life before the outer charade.

Now if we follow the wisdom of JESUS in dealing with the enemy, we must rely on the Holy Spirit, who speaks from the depth of JESUS (John 16:13) and searches hearts (Romans 8:27), guiding us to truth even when deception is hidden. If you get this, then you can understand the core of HIS response.

JESUS commands balance. We are made in GOD’s image (Genesis 1:26-27); therefore, we belong to HIM, so we should offer ourselves to GOD (Romans 12:1) while giving Caesar what bears his image. So even though it seemed like a lose-lose situation, JESUS acknowledged earthly authority without demeaning the Heavenly Father’s sovereignty. We can be law-abiding citizens of an earthly nation while holding fast to heavenly citizenship. From this we know that we owe Caesar his due (taxes), but we owe GOD everything—undivided adoration, allegiance, and our very selves.

The balance here, however, is this: do not rob GOD to pay Caesar. Do not neglect allegiance to GOD for earthly dealings. In Matthew 16:26, JESUS asks, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” There is no perishable treasure that is more valuable than the imperishable treasures of everlasting life.

Steady in discernment,

Olatunde

Dear Fola,

I hope this letter finds you well and stirs your heart. For weeks and days, I have thought hard on what to write to you, but I failed to put my thoughts together because it felt like I was stuck in a bubble, and while I sat in this bubble of thoughts, I began to ponder on various topics that have tugged on my heart for a long time. I pondered on all there is to ponder, on joy, on peace, on love, on forgiveness, on patience but most of all, I pondered on strength.

Fola, permit me to write to you on the matter of strength. The concept of strength, as I deemed it to be has slowly been reshaped these days as I continued to ponder. For you and I both know that strength is very important in life. How could we live with little or no strength? For when strength is lost, the experience one has of life diminishes slowly.

Fola, can I be vulnerable with you? These days I think a lot and when I find myself trailing on for too long, I take a breath and say a short prayer for help. Then, I think about how often the Lord reminds us that His strength is made available to us, especially in times of weakness and I am prompted to ask; how can strength be made available in weakness? The concept of strength that the world has always taught us is to always appear strong. However, God’s word says His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses[1]. This means to be truly strong, one must be weak. But how do I admit that I am weak when weakness is often perceived as a flaw?

For strength as we know it is not strength as the Lord teaches. I realised that strength starts from a place of vulnerability and my dear friend, vulnerability is not my strong suit (or even Agbada)[2]. But then vulnerability is the centre and essence of our entire Christian walk. Now do I mean opening yourself to everyone that comes around you. Not at all my dear Fola. You would be putting yourself at risk[3]. Here, I am talking about being vulnerable with God.

I know the story of a man whose vulnerability brought great strength and I am sure you know too. When death seemed closer than ever in the garden, He prayed for the cup to pass over Him for in that moment He needed strength to fulfil the will of God.[4] In His vulnerability, He gave himself for us all that we might become strong in him. He became sin, He became weak, so that we might become whole.[5] So, to truly grow in our Christian journey and walk, we must learn to be vulnerable with God. Remember when He said that whoever would enter the kingdom of heaven must come like a little child? Why? Because children have one remarkable quality, they do not overthink vulnerability.

Have you met a child on the street who told you their entire family history simply because they felt at ease with you? That is exactly how God wants us to be with Him. Does vulnerability still seem difficult?

Now that we have established that vulnerability is important, let us slowly unravel why it is tied to strength. Fola, how do you think it was possible for Apostle Paul a learned man of great status and intelligence to dare say he would boast about his weaknesses?[6] It sure was no easy feat, but he had come to understand the biblical concept of strength. You do not need a doctor if you are not sick and you do not need strength if you are not weak. I want you to understand that being weak is not outside the ordinary because even in Isaiah 40:30, it reads that even young men grow weary. However, Isaiah 40:31, goes on to say that ‘those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength’. Remember how we talked about being vulnerable, if you are not vulnerable and trusting, can you truly wait? So, I learnt to wait and to trust, and in waiting I was strengthened.  I know it’s counterintuitive that to be strong is to admit that you are weak and in need of help. But this my friend, is the truth about strength.

So, on this note, Fola, I have decided to become more and more vulnerable with God in my daily walk with him. Believe me, I am not perfect and I do falter and fail on some days but even on these days, I admit it and tell Him that I am struggling to be vulnerable and then I receive more grace and strength to be vulnerable. Every day is not the same but I know a God that is unchangeable and while my days change, I remain strong and unshaken because I have decided never to shift my gaze from Him.

With love and sincerity,

Ritabisola

[1] 2 Corinthians 12:9; “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

[2] a traditional, flowing, wide-sleeved robe worn by men in Nigeria and across West Africa, often symbolizing wealth, status, and luxury

[3] Proverbs 13: Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin

[4] Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42

[5] 2 Corinthians 5:21

[6] 2 Corinthians 12:19

Dear Adunni,

I have come with good news because of the Good News. For the love of GOD and the favour of GOD are impervious to iniquity and separation from GOD; because the justice of GOD and HIS judgement are safe and secure from the corruption of perversion and selfishness; because the holiness and purity of GOD is more powerful than impurities and corruption, we no longer need to sin or transgress the holy law of GOD.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:34-36 (NKJV)

We do not need to succumb to the wiles and the strategies of our flesh. We no longer need to be subjugated to the desires that hold us bound against our will. The salvation that JESUS gives us—by grace and truth—makes us lawful, gives us the grace to stay lawful, and lawfully empowers us with the strength to reject sin and every unrighteous act: first in our thoughts, then through our imaginations, to the actions of our hands.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” — Romans 6:14 (NKJV)

This is the Good News: that we no longer need to succumb to our worst impulses. We do not need to continue the circle and repetition of unrighteous choices. We have freedom: freedom that is never bound, freedom that can no longer succumb to the boundaries of our human and unequal limitations.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36 (NKJV)

The righteousness of GOD, the righteousness of JESUS, shows us that we can live in righteousness and be strong by virtue of living in it.

So I bring you this Good News: that we are no longer slaves to the sins that we once committed; that we are strong enough because JESUS has given us the strength, the enablement, and the might to live above the temptations of our greed for impropriety. We need not excuse ourselves from the responsibility of working worthy of the love and mercy of GOD. Because we are free from sinning and no longer free to sin, freedom is what we truly have.

“And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” — Romans 6:18 (NKJV)

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” — Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” — Romans 8:12-13 (NKJV)

with much love,

Olatunde

Dear Abisinuade,

I sincerely hope you are doing well, especially in these difficult and uncertain times. I pray you are finding comfort in knowing that we are only sojourners on this earth, even though we often long for comfort in this world.

On one of the Saturdays in April, I facilitated a youth program with the theme “Following God for Life.” We discussed two topics: “The Battle for You” and “The Battle for Your Time.” The event went well, to the glory of God. You might be wondering why I am telling you this. You see, as the program came to a close and I returned home, while walking up the stairs to my house, I began reflecting on everything we had discussed and how deeply I longed to share it with you.

I have been hearing about the tensions and unrest in the world, and you have truly been on my mind. The reports of it have brought a quiet sadness to my heart, even as I try to avoid the news as much as I can. However, there is a war far more grievous than this one, and I am not sure if you have heard about it. This battle is about you, and it is for this reason that I decided to put pen to paper.

You see, this battle began a long time ago, in a garden called Eden. I know this is a story you are familiar with, but I would like to draw your attention to it once more. God created Adam and Eve and gave them a command, yet the serpent came and deceived them (Genesis 3). They ate, and in that moment, man fell. From then on, the battle line was drawn. God desires that man would choose Him and, in choosing Him, choose life, yet the enemy continues to pull toward the opposite.

It may seem strange to you, who would choose death? Yet the truth is that, left to ourselves, we often do, even when we try not to. But this is where the beauty of the gospel shines. Jesus Christ came and laid down His life for you and me, triumphing over sin, and all that held us bound (Colossians 2:151). And whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:162).

So you may say, “I believe.” And if this is true for you, then I rejoice with you, Abisinuade. You have been born again into the royal family of God, no longer a stranger but one who belongs  (Romans 8:15–173). Yet, if you will permit me, I would like to gently unfold what believing truly means. For even the demons believe, and yet remain unchanged (James 2:194).

I have come to understand that there is a kind of faith that stands alone, and there is a faith that is alive (James 2:175). The one that stands alone is empty; it bears no fruit, produces no transformation, and remains only words. But the faith that is alive walks, breathes, and responds. It produces works, not as a means of salvation, but as a testimony that the life of God is at work within. This is the faith that transforms a life from the inside out.

Herein lies the battle. The devil, our adversary, “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). For those who have not believed, he blinds their minds to the truth, and for those who have believed, he seeks to hinder their growth, keeping them from fully surrendering to the call of discipleship, often trapping them in cycles of iniquity that limit their spiritual progress.

But this is not your portion. The Word declares, “I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13).  At Calvary, the work was finished, and what remains is for us to walk in that victory.

Abisinuade, your old self has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you (Galatians 2:20). This battle can be won every single time through a living faith anchored in Him. You need only to look unto Him and live.

You do not have to live a life marked by defeat or regret. You do not have to spend your days chasing fleeting pleasures. Instead, you can live a life poured out in wholehearted service to God, and at the end, testify that the time you were given was well spent in His purpose. The victory has already been won, and your part is to walk in it.

I pray that this letter finds a resting place in your heart and, if need be, stirs you toward a more intentional walk with God. Remain steadfast, and keep holding the fort.

Your comrade in Christ,
Adunni
April 30, 2026

1. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. ︎
2. “16For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ︎
3. 15For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. ︎
4.  19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. ︎
5.  17In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. ︎

Dear Anu,

I’m beginning to embrace difficulty as a sign of faith in GOD. I have started accepting challenges as a testament of my belief. This has led me to dwell on the hard and difficult chores in life. It may sound strange but I’m learning to undertake impossible roles and make clearly difficult decisions.

I’m tasking myself with the opposite of my best instincts and it’s revealed to me that while I think I’ve been strong, I’m at my weakest when I am not conscious of the contribution of my flesh—even in spiritual issues.

So I’ve decided to do what I don’t want to do, and most of this stems from making my body uncomfortable. Things like saying “thank you Jesus” in a funeral because we do not become grateful only for gain but also for loss. However, if we consider our hope to be true and standing firmly on the ground that doesn’t sink or a foundation as hard as a rock, then even our earthly losses are heavenly gain and even our worst situations are working for the good of our love for GOD.

I’m learning to keep silent—even though I see the leeway through the argument—and wait for the Holy Ghost to say ‘go’ first. This is not a case I do lightly because I must confess I relish being right a lot. I sometimes even find ways to stay right when I’m wrong by accepting my wrong so that I can be right about it. So when I see that I could win an argument of faith or just defend my stance, I’m learning to still wait for the Holy Ghost. I am a dog who waits for the owner before I bark or bite, so I don’t backbite. Why? Because some souls are won by stillness and humble kindness and not correctness or the craft of rhetoric.

I’m learning to be and feel good and grateful to GOD when those who hurt me have goodness or good news in their lives. Example at hand, a manipulative ex getting married before me, a wicked senior and bully in secondary school becoming a big time success in their industry, a wayward colleague finding JESUS before facing the retribution of sin. I’m learning to feel good when my prayers go unanswered for a while—for no apparent reason.

I’m learning to accept that the justice of GOD is not centred around me, it is not written to favour me but to foster the balance of existence. I know this to be true because the sun shines on bad people and good people, whether they believe in the Giver of the sun or not. Even the heathen get good harvest and it is not a sign that GOD condones bad behaviour but that HE keeps the balance of judgement while urging everyone to come to repentance and stay repented. If I, too, become an agent of imbalance, justice requires that I be given a fair demerit.

So I’m learning to accept that there’s a good reason for why evil things happen and that while my faith in GOD may not explain everything, it helps me accept the helplessness of my humanity and the omnipotence of GOD’s Divinity. This last paragraph is a handful; I’m still trying to get used to living by it.

with much love,

Olatunde

Dear Iyunade,

Earlier this month, much of the Christian community entered a season of remembrance, reflecting on the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–41). I found myself drawn into that same posture of reflection.

On Good Friday, around 8 P.M., I stepped out to Walmart, having remembered (for what felt like the hundredth time that week) that my leave-in conditioner had finished. But as I highlighted from the bus towards my destination, my mind returned again to an image that had lingered all week.

It was the picture of Christian in The Pilgrim’s Progress2 running toward the cross with a heavy burden strapped to his back. And then, as he reaches the cross, the burden suddenly loosens as the straps holding it to his back snap; it falls off and rolls away into the empty tomb at its foot.

I couldn’t shake that image.

Perhaps it was the weight of the season and all it represents. Yet what unsettled me most was this: I realized I could hardly remember what it felt like to carry that burden. Even more, I struggled to fully understand what that burden truly is, especially in light of Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:283).

What burden was He speaking of?

Is it sin itself, or the guilt that clings to it?
Is it the weight of religious striving and expectations?
Or is it something deeper, the condition of a soul separated from God, standing under the weight of His righteous judgment (Romans 3:234; 6:235)?

These are the questions I have been sitting with.

Scripture shows us that many have carried burdens. Consider the Book of Esther. Queen Esther bore the weight of an entire people under threat of destruction (Esther 4:13–166) because Haman had devised a wicked plan to annihilate all the Jews in the land. I’m sure Esther must have felt fear and pressure, but she did not keep this burden to herself. Instead, she sought the One who could give her rest, fasting for three days and bringing the matter before God (Esther 4: 15-16)7.

She understood that to act apart from Him would be futile. So she surrendered the situation to God, and He gave her a strategy.

He responded not only by giving her courage but by working behind the scenes. Even the king’s sleepless night was not without purpose, and rather than turning to wine or entertainment, he was led to the book of Chronicles, where Mordecai was celebrated (Esther 6:18).

When Esther was finally asked what troubled her, she did not rush to present her request but moved with wisdom and patience. In this, we see how God dealt with the burden on her heart and that of all the Jews when she brought it to Him.

In the same way, Iyunade, for the old man to truly become new (2 Corinthians 5:179), we must come to the Lord. We are invited not only to lay down our burdens, but to take up His yoke: “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me… For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–3010).

There is a divine exchange that takes place.

Likewise, I believe that for the old man to truly become new, we must come to the Lord to gain release from our burdens, whatever they may be. We are to learn from Him and share in His yoke, which is not difficult at all. It is only then that we find rest for our souls.

A soul without burden is one that has allowed Another (Jesus Christ) to carry it, and can now rejoice freely. We begin to see the light, and our backs grow light as well; the burden that once sat heavily on our hearts rolls away and rests in the tomb where Jesus Christ defeated sin.

It begins to make sense, then, why the hymns say:

“Burdens are lifted at Calvary, Jesus is very near” — Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary11

and

“At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away…” — At the Cross (Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed)12

These are not merely poetic lines; they are testimonies of what we experience when we come to Calvary. They echo the very reality we see in Christ, in Esther’s surrender, and in the call extended to each of us.

If Jesus was willing to die in our place, then it follows that the burdens we once carried would not remain our own. “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:413). This was the very reason He came, that we might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:414): free, made new, and sealed in Him.

My sincere prayer is that you, too, Iyunade, would find rest for your soul at the feet of the One who bears every burden.

P.s Have you ever heard of the story of Joseph Scriven, who wrote the Famous ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’15?

Yours in Jesus Christ,
Adunni

April 20, 2026

1. 3 For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ︎
2. YouTube – Video of the burden loosened from Christian’s back (time stamp -48:20) ︎
3. Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ︎
4.  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ︎
5. For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord ︎
6.  13Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” ︎
7. 15Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants also will fast in the same way. And then I will go in to the king, which is not in accordance with the law; and if I perish, I perish. ︎
8.  1During that night the king could not sleep, so he gave an order to bring the book of records, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. ︎
9. 15Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come ︎
10. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find [a]rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. ︎
11. Burdens are lifted at Calvary ︎
12. At the cross (Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed) ︎
13. 4However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore,
    And our pains that He carried; Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted, Struck down by God, and humiliated. ︎
14. 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. ︎
15. Biography of Joseph Scriven and Lyrics of What a Friend We Have in Jesus ︎

Dear Kuti,

How are you doing? And how’s your faith? I hope it grows clearer every day as you breathe in and breathe out. I hope that your faith pleases GOD like sweet incense in every beautiful moment of life. I also hope that your faith grows firmer with every instance of difficulties and hurdles. I hope that these challenges draw you closer to the finish line (not as a destination but) as a realisation that the track doesn’t stop—only the sprinter does. I’m doing well, thank you for asking.

So lately, I am trying to unravel the contribution of differences and repetitions in human record-keeping when it comes to portraying the image of GOD. I’m gradually coming to terms with appreciating the complexity of repetition as a means of depicting the full picture of several historical accounts of faith.

For example, there is a conversation that took place between JESUS and the Pharisees. In that conversation, the Pharisees praised JESUS as a man of integrity and a Rabbi who was never afraid of people when HE spoke the truth. Then they asked a highly divisive question on paying taxes to Caesar.

In Mark 12:13 & 141, the Bible tells us that the Pharisees and the Herodians were trying to entrap JESUS in HIS own words, and so they came to HIM and began the conversation. In Matthew 22:15 & 162, we read that the Pharisees plotted to entangle JESUS in HIS own words, and so they sent their disciples along with the Herodians to speak with HIM.

Finally, in Luke 20:203, the Bible tells us that they watched HIM and then sent spies who pretended to be righteous so they could catch HIM in HIS own words and deliver HIM to the governor for punishment. Do you see the repetition dotted with variations?

From all the synoptic gospels, we know that the Pharisees and the Herodians planned to trap JESUS in HIS own words. So they sent their disciples, who served as spies, to listen intently to what JESUS had to say and then ask HIM a question that would lead HIM to commit a crime against Roman law. This would give them the right to hand HIM over to the governor.

Now, if we only read Mark’s gospel, we would not have known that they were disciples and not main clerics, or that they spied on JESUS. If we never read Luke’s gospel, we would not have understood why they thought to entrap JESUS until we see that it was to bring HIM before the governor for punishment. Variations and different perspectives can be tools for understanding the whole picture.

It seems to me, in cases like this, that the whole picture of Faith is found in pieces we have in our possession. It seems to me that GOD uses the differences in perspectives and understanding to present a holistic image of HIMSELF: weaving knowledge and wisdom into our consciousness directly or indirectly. This is evidence that we can embrace the intervention of GOD in helping our understanding of events through diverse perspectives of the same event(s).

From this instance of scripture, we can conclude that while we have one message in the Bible, we have different presentations that help us to see the full picture of what is really happening; none contradicting the other. This, too, is harmony. I am certain that differences—like this one—in scripture, or the repetition of events, help us understand GOD in the best way possible. And when we understand GOD, our faith grows in grace and stature before GOD and men.

I hope you become open to the endless possibilities of a million pieces of GOD coming together in a community of faith. I need your portion just as you need mine to come to the fullness of it all. Don’t be discouraged. If you need Luke to understand Mark and Matthew, it is beautiful, too. Do not relent. Embrace GOD-given variations.

Write back when you can. I’d love to know how your own reading is going.

Olatunde

1. 13Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? ︎
2. 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. ︎
3. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. ︎

Dear me,

I am no longer afraid of my own greatness. I’m no longer afraid of being worthy of all that is good and pleasant in the eyes of my maker and creator. I’m no longer afraid of the very best version of all that God has in store for me. I’m no longer afraid; therefore, I no longer stall.

When I gaze upon the reflection of my own image, I do not see a broken-down, worn-out, or helpless being. I do not see that. And even though I am wounded, even though I’m broken, even though I am shattered into pieces that are so numerous that it’s hard to piece them back together; and even though I am lost in my own thoughts searching for meaning in being; and even though I feel this way or that, I am not any of these things.

Yes, I struggle. Yes, I am so weak it is (sometimes) difficult to remember what it feels like to be strong, but these things — whatever they are — they’re all part of the journey of the greatness that I was created to live. Hence, because I must live in the ambits of greatness, I cannot leave the road to greatness, though it is littered with my own struggle and anguish.

I am no longer ashamed to accept that which is within me—especially when it blossoms like a tree of righteousness. Even when I feel rejected or dejected, I accept the goodness of GOD that dwells inside my mind. If the core of love in me is a mime, I am no longer afraid to let it speak. I’m no longer afraid of what it must take for me to be the very best of myself. I’m no longer ashamed or afraid of the greatness that resides in my heart.

I am no longer afraid of myself; I am no longer afraid, nor am I weary of myself. Today is the last day I feel sorry for being the spitting image and likeness of GOD. I embrace myself warmly, without pride, without prejudice, without procrastination. Because my predestination is so detailed, as shown in the intricate design of my fingerprint, I arise without shame. I am no longer the same as I was yesterday.

I’m not ashamed of the greatness that is before me; I’m not afraid of the goodness that is beside me. I am no longer afraid of the weight of my own excellence, nor do I fret at the skill of my hands, which are worship to the giver of my breath. I am no longer afraid to stand above the things that have been under the influence of the enemy of my soul. I understand that the place of my limitation is an avenue of adoration to my GOD. I am no longer afraid of starting from the very least of myself until I make it through the bucket list of life at its fullest. I am no longer afraid…of myself.

Cheers,

Olatunde