For surely there is an end and the expectations of the righteous shall not be cut off (Prov. 23:18)
Message:
- The need to wait upon the lord
- A call to salvation in light of eternity
- Trusting in the time and season of everything
- Message centered on various life situations
- The place of understanding trials before triumph
- The need for every believer not to dread going through the fire
Story Design:
- The life of Joseph from slavery to the palace
- The transformation of Saul to Paul (The redeemed life)
- The blessedness of waiting ( Hannah)
- The valley of the dry bones ( Ezekiel)
- Letting the light of God shine through in trials ( Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego)
Cast:
Itunu
Mrs. Itunu
Gbenga
Prophet Afosejesu
Dr. Badmus
Omolola
Holy Spirit
Tola
Secretary
Prologue:
ITUNU: Sweetheart, he has done it... he has done it... God is faithful...
(He speaks in tongue in between) no wonder the bible says, he is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think.
MRS. ITUNU: What are you talking about honey?, you know I don’t like suspense.
ITUNU: You know the federal government contract I told you about, that I was one of the three companies on the shortlist to get the contract. I made an offer to the federal government for the road project construction from Abuja- Kaduna.
MRS. ITUNU: Yes, honey, I remember!
ITUNU: I won the contract.
MRS. ITUNU: Praise the Lord! Oh wow, I’m so proud of you, I’m so proud…
ITUNU: I told you, I said it that very soon things will change for us. We serve a God that fulfils promises and now things are beginning to take shape beautifully... God is so good, God is good, and He is not a man that he should lie (Speaks in tongues some more)… Sweetheart, we should go out to celebrate.
MRS.ITUNU: Why not... I thought you'd never ask.
ITUNU: Call my children, let's go out...
ACT ONE, SCENE ONE
OMOLOLA has a Job Interview...
OMOLOLA: Good afternoon, I have an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Badmus for 2pm.
SECRETARY: He has been expecting you! Go straight down.
OMOLOLA: Thank you so much.
(She enters his office...)
DR. BADMUS: Good afternoon, you must be Omolola!
OMOLOLA: Yes sir!
DR. BADMUS: Have your seat... you are extremely beautifully and delectable I might add.
OMOLOLA: Thank you sir... It's the fragrance of Christ.
DR. BADMUS: Let me have your file (He collects and glances through) this is extremely impressive I might add.
OMOLOLA: Thank you sir!
DR. BADMUS: The job is yours.
OMOLOLA: God bless you sir, He will make you find favour wherever you go sir.
DR. BADMUS: Have this...
OMOLOLA: Is this the key to my new office?
DR. BADMUS: This is the key to my room @ RIBENA HOTEL, along airport road. Meet me there this night to seal the deal.
OMOLOLA: What deal sir?
DR. BADMUS: Don't be naive... that's the final step to get this job... You need someone to take care of you!
OMOLOLA: I'm alright... I will not allow my temple to be desecrated for a mere job... Keep your job and I will keep my God.
ACT ONE, SCENE TWO
HOLY SPIRIT: I've been waiting for you!
ITUNU: What is going on...? I don't understand why it is taking too long to get me unveiled to my world.
HOLY SPIRIT: Surely, there is an end and the expectations of the righteous shall not be cut short...
ITUNU: I've been waiting for so long, only to catch glimpses of this future and wake up to realize it was all a dream.
HOLY SPIRIT: The plans and purpose of God towards you is of peace and not of evil but to lead you to an expected end... I want you to understand that the sufferings of this present time cannot be compared to the glory that is to be revealed.
ITUNU: How long do I have to wait...? I can't wait to take possession of them!
HOLY SPIRIT: A little while longer... without your trials, you won't appreciate your triumphs, without Tests how will you have testimonies
ITUNU: Hmmm... Please help my weary mind
ACT ONE SCENE THREE (6 MONTHS LATER)
OMOLOLA and her friend are in a dialogue about situations of life...
OMOLOLA: I don't want to understand all these anymore, it's really driving me crazy!
TOLA: What is exactly going on with you?
OMOLOLA: I am gradually getting discouraged by all these disappointments... I don’t know how much I can cope with this.
TOLA: You have to hold on to his promises... if you give up on his promises, you will become a nemesis.
OMOLOLA: See Rhema! Am I not becoming one already?
TOLA: Will you stop that... don't you know there is power in your tongue.
OMOLOLA: I'm not sure you understand the pains I am feeling right now... His promises are taking too long
TOLA: Will you stop saying that ... God has the perfect picture for your life.
OMOLOLA: I knew you would say that! When you didn't suffer as much as I have... you haven't waited as much as I have before God started blessing you.
TOLA: let me tell you something... as a believer, there is one area or the other that you have to pay the price of waiting...If you don't go through the process of waiting as a believer then something is wrong with your walk with God. He has promised us that we will go through hardship as true soldiers of Christ.
OMOLOLA: what do you mean?
TOLA: The Bible says that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection coupled with the banquet of His suffering. As a believer, you have to experience the two... I have been trusting God to get married and few weeks to our marriage now, did you know I ended my relationship with Femi?
OMOLOLA: Oh my God…really! What happened?
TOLA: I have always seen red flags that I chose to ignore not until he started disturbing me for sex.
OMOLOLA: Wow... Bro. Femi!
TOLA: Did you know what his excuse was? He wants to know if we will be compatible
OMOLOLA: compati what... He does not like compact disc. That's serious!
TOLA: As it turns out, he was just a goat in sheep’s clothing… I just thank God he didn't turn my body to the altar of sexual immorality.
OMOLOLA: That's true o... GOD WILL HELP US!
TOLA: When the time for the unveiling of Esther was right, she was pulled out of oblivion into dominion and she became a queen. I know my king is out there and when the time is right, his eyes will be opened to see me!
ACT TWO, SCENE ONE (2 YEARS LATER)
(Before scene switch) Holy Spirit help me not to fall- Composed by Tomiwo Akinyemi.
ITUNU: You alone art worthy! We proclaim you as our God... We proclaim you, as our God... Lord, its two years already and yet I keep waiting on you. You said in your word that '' hope maketh not ashamed for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Ghost that has been given unto us'' Lord, strengthen me, and help me to hold on to your promises, Help me not to be ashamed... Lord, You asked Ezekiel, if these dry bones shall rise again and he said only you know lord... may everything that represents dry bones in my life come to life... you said they that trust in the lord shall be like mount ion which cannot be removed but abides forever... this fiery furnace situation of my life, I cry oh lord, be the fourth man and pull me out. I need you oh lord... Help me not to give up, nor give in on your promises...
(Knock... knock...knock...) Who is there?
GBENGA: Good afternoon
ITUNU: This is a real August visit! I hope all is well?
GBENGA: I just flew in from the USA after several trips to the UK, CANADA, and BRAZIL, PORTUGAL in the last two weeks!
ITUNU: Wow! That's Impressive!
GBENGA: The great American Poet Langston Hughes in one of his popular poem titled “Harlem’’ says:
'' What happens to a dream deferred?'
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
ITUNU: Why are you speaking in parables! I don't understand what you are trying to say.
GBENGA I don't know why you are so comfortable with the way your life is... I keep telling you to follow me somewhere, you refused!
ITUNU: What does light have to do with darkness the bible says light shines in darkness and darkness comprehends it not (John 1:5)
GBENGA: (Sarcastically) I can see... anyway your bible even says let he that is sick be anointed by the prophets... isn't it so… don't you think this is going too far?
ITUNU: That was just comic relief now... seriously! I am on the brink and I don’t want to fall... I have lost friends, relationships and everyone important to me... I really need help.
GBENGA: There is a man of God in town, I am sure you have heard of him! His name is Prophet. Afosejesu... let me take you to him.
ITUNU: What kind of weird name is that?
GBENGA: (Smiles) what’s in a name, It's just alphabet... first thing tomorrow, let me take you to him!
Narrator: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, he shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water which brings forth its fruit in its season and it’s delight is in the law of the Lord.
ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
OMOLOLA is really angry with herself and begins to wonder if she is not cursed…
OMOLOLA: Don’t I have a future to plan, my mates have a life of their own, husbands and children… even you, God has answered you… in those two years now, you’ve gotten married and you have kids you call your own… I can’t do this anymore, I give up. I want to explore my own way.
TOLA: You know the bible says they that compare themselves with themselves are fools…
( 2 Cor. 10:12)
OMOLOLA: Are you saying I am a fool? In fact put this bible of yours in one side….
TOLA: we cannot my dear friend… that is the believer’s handbook. Jesus Christ went through the various stages of life… there was a time he ate and made merry, there was also a time of suffering. When he was close to His death, ‘’ He wished the cup passed over him but he said not his will but the will of his father in heaven’’ (Matthew 26:39) there is a stage
in the life of every believer which serves as the great test of our faith. It is not until we excel in that phase before we are able to unlock the great treasures in his store house.
Joseph had a chance to fast track his purpose, it could have led to his destruction… do you remember what he said?
OMOLOLA: How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God.
TOLA: Did he not suffer? He spent 13 years in prison before God announced him to his world as the Prime minister of Egypt… my friend, you just have to hold on.
OMOLOLA: For how long?
TOLA: As long as he wills… You cannot harvest what you don’t invest in the place of prayer.
The vision is for an appointed time, wait for it even though it tarries because at the end it shall speak… let us pray. (They hold hands)
ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
The scene opens with an overview of the scary chamber of Prophet Afose Jesu clothed in red garment. He is busy talking to himself for a couple of minutes before there was a knock on the door…
AFOSE JESU: (Soliloquy) E yin egun oro, Eyin ebora imo… (The masquerade of wealth) e mi ni afose jesu ( It's me Afose Jesu)… Come like the whirlwind that brings calamity and give brief respite to your chosen one… I am your oracle, may I not be disgraced, my forefathers did not fail you, may I not disappoint you…
(Knock on door…) who is there? Come into my chamber of prosperity with your heads bowed in solitude to the great gods.
ITUNU: Which one is great gods again? Me I want to turn back o
GBENGA: If you dare? We are at the junction of your destiny, you say you want to turn back.
ITUNU: Which one is the junction of my destiny again?
AFOSE JESU: Arrrggh… be decisive for crying out loud… don’t provoke the spirits the hold the sanity and sanctity of my chamber.
GBENGA: We are sorry… please forgive us…
AFOSE JESU: Now! What do you want me to do for you?
GBENGA: My friend here is frustrated with life….
AFOSE JESU: Does he have a mouth?
GBENGA: Yes!
AFOSE JESU: Can he not speak for himself?
GBENGA: Yes he can…
AFOSE JESU: Young man, what do you want me to do for you?
ITUNU: I am in desperate need of help… I need God to hasten His promises upon my life.
AFOSE JESU: You know the more, the merrier… we have gods here and they listen to me when I call on them
ITUNU: gods?
AFOSE JESU: Stop acting like a small child who wants to compare the potency of the sting of a snake to that of a scorpion.
SCENE BREAK:
ITUNU: (Beckons Gbenga) I can’t do this anymore!
GBENGA: What are you are talking about?
ITUNU: I don’t know what I was thinking… I am a child of God, my spirit is not at peace with this place.
GBENGA: what do you mean?
ITUNU: You heard me right the first time… I want to back out.
GBENGA: Back out? What do you mean? I pity you… don’t you know there are consequences for your action?
ITUNU: Damn the consequences… I can’t come this far and fail God when I feel that my success is near (AFOSE JESU REACTS)
AFOSE JESU: You have altered the balance of the place… the gods are provoked already. You will pay for this?
ITUNU: I can’t believe this… How could I have descended so low till the point that I almost desecrated my body on the altar of lifeless gods?
AFOSE JESU: You call these lifeless gods… you shall see!
Background Song: Victoria Orenze- Covenant Keeping God
NARRATOR: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said that even if God will not deliver them from the fiery furnace they will not bow before strange. (Dan 3:16-18) No matter the heat of the fiery furnace of life (Dan 3:19)… remember in your waiting period he said when you pass through the fire, they shall not burn me, when you pass through the waters, and they shall not overwhelm you. (Isa. 43:2)
ACT THREE, SCENE ONE
He gets home and begins to plead for mercy…
ITUNU: Lord, am sorry… have mercy on me. I have failed you. I almost gave up on your promises for my life in place of an exchange that would have altered my destiny. Lord you said in your word that you will have mercy on whom you will have mercy…. Lord let mercy prevail over judgment in my purpose. Please help me, reconcile me and restore me Lord.
HOLY SPIRIT: You almost missed it… you were this close but I was that small voice nudging you to not give in to the deceit of the devil… if you had fallen short, various nations would have missed out on this great gift. The price of waiting would have been in vain.
ITUNU: Thank you Holy Spirit… I am grateful for this great unmerited love. To you be all the praise. Your grace found me and pulled me from disgrace. I magnify you!
ACT THREE, SCENE TWO
Gbenga is really restless… he calls ITUNU to his surprise he heard a voice on the other end…
GBENGA: I am in deep trouble… my calabash of wealth has broken and the prophet warned me… I am dead o… ah all my wealth gone in a twinkle of an eye. What has it profited me? I have lost everything… is there hope for me at all.
ITUNU: yes there is still hope for you…
GBENGA: you are still alive?
ITUNU: Why not? I am a child of light and I have no portion with the dead!
GBENGA: But the prophet said?
ITUNU: Who is he to speak when the lord has not commanded it? I have been restored. I received a word from the Holy Spirit that my celebration cometh!
GBENGA: I have lost everything I garnered from the devil and he is after my soul.
ITUNU: He lies… that doesn’t belong to him. We have no issues with him taking back his thrash… you are replacing them with treasure. First you have to be born again!
GBENGA: Will he forgive me?
ITUNU: He commended his love towards us that while we were yet sinners he died for us… you need to reconcile with God for him to save, and rescue from bondage and the oppressive choke of the enemies! There is a way that seemeth right before a man, but the end thereof is destruction (Prov. 14:12)
NARRATOR: It is appointed unto man to die once after that judgment (Heb. 9:27)… what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his soul (Mark 8:36)… Broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life (Mat. 7:13)
Are you ready to yield your totality to God?
GBENGA: I am ready…
ITUNU: repeat after me…. (Aside) Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross of cavalry for my sins, I come to you today and I ask for mercy. Receive me unto yourself and write my name in the book of life to the honour and glory of your name. Thank you for loving me and your amazing grace that pulled me from disgrace!
ACT THREE, SCENE THREE
OMOLOLA is returning from Bible Study and ITUNU bombs into her… so excited at a good news of his…
ITUNU: I am so sorry, I didn’t see you there… is this not Omolola?
OMOLOLA: When last have I seen you? 15 years now… you have not changed one bit.
ITUNU: With all these beards and all… don’t even go there! Where are you off to?
OMOLOLA: Home… so you have been in this town all these years!
ITUNU: very much so… I just received a call now that I have secured a fellowship with the USA and it will last for 1 year.
OMOLOLA: The Arthur fellowship?
ITUNU: How did you know?
OMOLOLA: I was shortlisted last week.
ITUNU: That’s great news… Let me have your number.
NARRATOR: Itunu and Omolola got married and they lived happily ever after. They fulfilled their purpose in life and ministry. Mr. Itunu became the CEO of a Multi-national company and His wife won a scholarship and became a Medical Consultant. They both live in Abuja, Nigeria.
There is a price of waiting, once you release yourself to God and pay the price, your destiny and purpose in life, home and ministry cannot waste. Are you ready to wait upon the Lord… remember, the bible says they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like an eagle… (Isa. 40:31)
Kindly watch the full video below:
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord help me not to fail in my time of waiting… in my trials, help me to draw closer to you like Joseph and not give up on the promise.
2. Lord help me to live a life that is drawn towards honouring God and leaving according to His perfect plans for my life.
3. Every dry bones in my life, father, let them receive the ignition of The Holy Spirit
4. In my relationship, help me not to miss it. Just like you unveiled Esther to her world at the right time, let me be unveiled to my world
5. The ultimate wait of every believer is to reign with you in even…Father, help me not to miss heaven.
THE END
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