THE FARMER

"Oh God, why me? Why do I have to be in this level after 15 years of answering the call to salvation? Tell me what I've not done? I've followed every man of God in this country just so that I'll be accurate in this thing. Why am I getting frustrated?" 

Silence was all the answer he got. No! Not after a 10-day fast. He was determined to hear what God had to say. What God had to say about why he was just running in circles. His frustration was fueled by the fact that Dera, his bosom friend who he watched take baby steps in Christianity, was now doing great things for God, yet he couldn't find his feet.

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Vincent: [Talking with his friend Chidera in a room] 

Dee, I've been wondering what I did to deserve this magnanimous benevolence from God. O boy! See how large that farm is. Who could have imagined that I, the littlest of my siblings, would inherit that land? The location of the land is even the jaw-dropping thing.

Dera: My brother, I'm really happy for you. This is a great testimony.

Vincent: Na God o! [laughing heartily raising his hands] The testimony isn't just that I got that land o, but that many investors are already coming to offer deals to me. They can't wait to buy cottons in their hundreds and thousands. I just told them to wait until harvest time. I can't wait myself... Fingers crossed really.

Dera: I'm happy for you. My small farm isn't doing so great, but I'm happy that I even have somewhere to go every morning. That alone gives me hope for harvest.

[Vincent cuts in abruptly]

Vincent: You mean you go to that farm yourself? Haba! Technology has made everything so easy. There are people gifted in cotton plantating. With your phone, you can search for the best planters, hire them, and just go to sleep. You don't even need to visit the farm. I have about 15 of them who come to visit and plant. I haven't visited that farm in six months now.

Dera: Hmmmmm... How can you give 15 different people access to your farm at the same time? It's just cotton you're cultivating, so why not just find two or three and ensure they're in tandem with what you received to plant on that farm? 

Moreso, even if they're 30, that's not a good reason to not go to the farm. That farm belongs to you! They can only seed it and go, but trust me, for you to realize this kind of harvest you're envisaging, you need more than seeding. Who now clears the weeds? Who checks to ensure thieves don't break in? I'm sure you don't want to return with stories for these investors who are already waiting.

Vincent: See my brother, I can't believe you're saying this. These planters have a reputation. They are billionaires. He that walks with the wise will himself be wise. I'm just taking a cue from them 

Dera: You don't seem to understand me. These billionaire planters are not just billionaires because they plant o. I also know about these planters, but I buy seeds from them and come and plant myself. These planters are only committed to you in virtue of what they can offer - seeding. But just seeding doesn't make them farmers. You are THE FARMER! You're the one to weed! You're the one to watch and observe what they've planted! You're the one who received the pattern for the cultivation of this farm. We shouldn't switch roles!

Vincent: My dear, don't be afraid. You worry too much. How can planters like Apostle Arome, Apostle Mike, Bishop Oyedepo, and Apostle Selman plant seeds and they don't do well? If the seed is good, you can bet that the whole harvest will be good. All these other things will fall into place. The same anointing that grows their farm is the only thing I want to contact. Nothing else 

Dera: Just the anointing...hmmmm

These men are good, but realize that planting is not farming.

Farming entails much more than seeding. Occasionally, we receive the ministry of Planters and Waterers but you know what they are? Helpers of our joy

The responsibility of a farmer is not just receiving seeds but nurturing them, watching them, tending them. In this kingdom, we know who OWNS by who GROANS. Burdenlessness is a testament that you've lost ownership.

Vincent: I sense jealousy. You think that you can subject me to doing the extra work you do on your farm... Listen, this farm already has so many advantages over yours. It's so fertile. It's you who needs to be running around checking what needs to be done in your farm. I just need to receive seed and I'm good to go.

Dera: Even for a woman, receiving seed is just the beginning of gestation. What determines whether she has a baby after nine months is what she does from week 1 to week 38. Do not say I did not warn you. Even the claimed advantages will be sabotaged by your irresponsibility.

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Vincent woke up, sweating profusely. However, he knew he had found his answer. He was the architect of his own disappointment. Now he understood better.

It is NOT enough to have potentials.

It is NOT enough to even receive the ministry of planters.

The planters DO NOT suffice for all that is required for a harvest.

Yes, he saw that the difference between him and everyone who seemed to have risen above him lay hidden in a 14-letter word: RESPONSIBILITY.

The pain of realizing your mistakes too late can be excruciating. Can nothing be done to change this narrative?

(...to be continued)