Tosin Olabode holds fast to his faith.
I am delighted to share my guest, Tosin Olabode, with you today on Faith Notes. Tosin lives in Jos, Nigeria where he lives his young life with purpose and on mission for the Lord Jesus Christ. We met a few years ago on twitter and clicked instantly. He calls me Ma a good bit of the time, which I adore.
Tosin Olabode
Tosin is wise beyond his years and shares much wisdom in his first book, Insights, that just released on January 1st. As I prepared for this post I visited Tosin’s facebook page and found this message alongside one of his photos, “Your words of encouragement, your words of inspiration, your motivating speeches… Cant just say it all. When you handle mic, you speak… When you hold pen, you write and I always wish I can just have that you know. But to go by your words, nothing happens by mistake. So there’s a purpose of me meeting you and I thank God I did.”
Now do you believe me? This young man is very special. I can’t wait for you to meet my friend, Tosin Olabode.
Welcome to Faith Notes, Tosin!
Describe a time when you felt abandoned by God or very disappointed in Him, thinking He had failed you.
My disposition towards God hasn’t necessarily allowed me to be disappointed in Him. I have had days when I was confused, lost and broken; days when I had asked Him why certain things were happening (or had happened), most of which were welcomed with a season of silence and soul searching.
The atmosphere of prayer surrounding my daddy’s last days all pointed in the direction of him living — little did we know the life was going to be lived from heaven. I’ve always wondered what was so special about the 13th that daddy had to go on the 12th.
During this time, how was your faith-walk impacted? Were you angry? Fearful? Numb? Doubtful? Did you turn your back on God for a while, or cling desperately to what you know to be true, even though your emotions told you otherwise?
2014 was a tough year. When the year began, I had issues with my finals that made me stay some additional months in school. We got around the second quarter of the year and the only person I had given my heart to broke it (I would later learn to love the Lord with all my heart… and then love my neighbor as myself).
Then the year ended with daddy going. I was numb to say the least. I remember people’s attempt at comfort only irritated me –I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to be alone so God could explain Himself and answer my many whys.
I knew God was faithful, but at that point it was difficult to understand His faithfulness in the circumstance. I wouldn’t say I was doubtful, but to say I was full of faith at that point would be an inaccurate statement. I guess I was just indifferent; going to church and doing whatever was required of me — a lifestyle that doesn’t give anyone peace of mind.
What happened to resolve your faith crisis? How did God reveal Himself to you during this time? With extraordinary comfort? Reassurance? Peace that passes understanding? Quiet knowing?
Tosin’s father
Daddy was a good man. I knew he had gone to a better place. Its been 3 years and some months, and testimonies of a life well lived still keep popping up. God heals and it always manifests in time.
As more and more testimonies of God’s faithfulness through daddy’s life kept coming up, I was reminded of the scripture that says, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
I remember someone we had hired to travel with daddy during his final days saying he wanted to serve God more because of the way daddy was — he was a strong man. A great example of the life Christ called us to live.
What scripture became a sure place for you?
Psalm 84: 11 (NKJV)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” I began to understand that God meant it even in our darkest of moments.
Did praise play a part of your faith restoration? What about thankfulness? Is praise a big part of your faith-walk now?
At the point when I was indifferent, I didn’t love God more and more — I just loved Him. One of the things that played a significant role in my journey to loving God more was getting a better understanding of Him — who He is. Praise was a big part; praising Him in faith.
How do you find God’s peace when you are troubled?
Prayer.
There is a song that says,
‘Prayer is the key,
prayer is the key,
prayer is the master key,
Jesus started with prayer,
and ended with prayer,
prayer is the master key.
This year I am learning to pray more in the Holy Spirit.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of the Lord and why?
Faithful.
I experientially know God is a faithful God. He remains faithful despite all my unfaithfulness. Through it all I can testify that God is faithful. From the day I was born until this point, God’s been faithful. Through the struggle, pain and tears, God’s been faithful. He’s undeniably faithful.
Could you offer some encouraging words for those who may be seeking the Lord, those wanting to draw closer to Him and trust Him more, especially during a painful season?
In one way or the other, everyone is seeking God. As the deer pants for the streams of water so does my soul pant for you, my God (Psalms 42:1 NIV). I would like to encourage anyone going through a difficult stage in their lives to hold on, God is still on the throne. Be patient in the process.
It’s not waiting that shows our trust in God, but what we do while waiting on God. Know that God will never leave nor forsake you.
Our journeys are different so be kind to yourself, be honest with yourself and don’t compare yourself with anyone else. Accept Jesus in all totality. Find comfort in reading and proclaiming the Word of God. Pray to the Most High God and believe what you pray about.
God loves you. Never forget that.
More about Tosin:
Tosin Olabode
Oluwatosin a.k.a Double ST, believes the world can be a better place one positive message at a time and this inspires him daily. He is a published author, performance poet, speaker, and an advocate for truth. “Double ST”, stands for Strictly Simple from Tosin.
Follow Author @doublest_sst on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Page.
Insights: An Approach to Alternative Perspective
by Oluwatosin Olabode
Titled Insights, this book is a collection of quotes. A reminder that all things work together for our good in (and at) “all times”. The quotes run for 365 days; so as with scriptures, we live daily with a positive outlook on life.
‘It’s a book that will appeal to all who seek to view life from different angles while seeking for solutions in handling life’s challenges and turning them into opportunities’
Insight is an approach to alternative perspective; a teaching about looking at the other side of the coin.
A reviewer of Insights:
‘…The use of simple Language makes it a delight for the heart’.
Batet Musa
Coauthor of “The Big One”
Insights can be found at:
Barnes and Noble,
iBooks,
Kobo,
24symbols,
Overdrive,
Tolino
Using the link below:
https://books2read.com/DoubleSt
Great and powerful post, Tosin and Nan. Love this line and insight, “One of the things that played a significant role in my journey to loving God more was getting a better understanding of Him — who He is.” Amen! I lost my dad seven years ago. Here’s a word the Lord gave me during the loss then and now. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” Isaiah 53:4. A prophecy years BEFORE being fulfilled IN Christ and PAST tense. Jesus has already won the victory over grief and sorrow. And like His blood, it spills over into present day, CURRENTLY bearing our grief, carrying EACH of life’s sorrows. It doesn’t make it easy, but it makes us rely on His strength and only then becomes bearable. I pray blessings and favor over your new book and ministry, in Jesus’ name!
Karen, thank you for your encouraging words. I love how we see prophecies from the Old Testament fulfilled in the New. It amazes me every single time. If only we could fully grasp the wonder of God and His love.