Show us a man who suddenly showed up at the door of success and we will emphatically tell you that such a man has not yet been born. You just don't unexpectedly stumble into success. There is always a starting point and a process that leads to a destination. On this journey to success, we can tell that the most vital part which will eventually make the stories sweet to tell are the mistakes we make along the way. Oh yes, every man has got a story and how privileged are you if you've got many. Experiences birth stories and these build resilience and strength which in the long run have huge impacts in shaping your reality.

My wife and I have had our own share of life, which we would say happened to us quite early. Our own story perfectly matches the saying that ''if something seems too good to be true, it probably is''. Very early into our marriage, we made a weighty mistake which cost us dearly. Imagine a very young couple just starting life together, a few months ahead with a baby on the way and just a single decision takes our lives on an entirely different and difficult journey. Initially, our decision seemed like the most reasonable option but unfortunately, it landed us on a very confusing and deserted path which in the end left us with nothing.

Did we start out as Christians? Of course. Did we hear from God? That, we can't say for sure. We hope that you would agree with us that mistakes do happen. Dear friend, never say “that won’t happen to me” because life has a funny way of proving us wrong. We lost everything in the real sense of it. Months sprang into years and we realized we have strongly believed a lie. The struggle was real but the turning point was when we decided never to stay defeated according to Proverbs 24: 10 which says "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small". We once heard that broken crayons still colour. So on that note, we believed and were ready to begin again with the broken pieces we could gather; well, in our case we were not even sure if there were still any broken pieces left.

This huge risk was worth taking. After all, there was nothing left to be afraid of losing. We were prepared to shake off the dust from where we had fallen but this time, we consciously decided that henceforth we were going to make room for God in every single detail of our lives. It has to be all about God every step of the way. This decision didn't happen overnight. It was after many years of hard toiling. In our lowly state, people offered several misleading suggestions, opinions, and advice which we couldn’t tell whether it was out of pity or genuine concern but whichever the case, it was their own way of wanting to help but like they say – ‘once beaten, twice shy'. We refused to fall into the traps of the opinions of men especially those who haven’t been in our shoes. Let every other thing seem like noise as long as you're listening to the Holy Spirit.

Your story may be different from ours, but guess what? Even though it is yours to tell, it is not entirely for you. Your story is usually for someone else. Therefore, wherever your life has chosen to take its footing on the ladder of life, bloom with grace. There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting from point zero. As a matter of fact, you may have started right but somewhere along the way had a terrible fall, it's still okay. We can relate. Just climb again and we are persuaded you will end well if only you would choose to go through it with God. While you go, grow. Grow your relationship with God. Grow your word-life. Grow in gratitude and in service to God and humanity. Grow through what you go through.

God and Him alone is what will make all the difference because just like the 3 Hebrew boys, though you are passing through fire, you will not smell of smoke. Your situation may look like a flood but it won't sweep you away neither will you be drowned. In fact, after you get to the other side when you have prevailed, you wouldn't look like what you have been through; wounded but without scars, bent but not broken, but it shall all be testimonies to the glory of God. Oh dear, it pays to stick with God through it all. Let God be your first and only alternative and leave no room for a backup plan and watch Him reveal His awesomeness.

There is a difference between the one who uses a thing and the one who maintains it because the one who uses, in most cases does not know the amount of effort put into cleaning it compared to the one who maintains it. If you want to clarify, ask the cleaner. We, just like several others may have scratched our lives here and there while embarking on the bumpy rides of life but God, the master Cleaner of messes can fix any life no matter how badly damaged it may look.

Importantly, where we are now, the impact of our fall on our lives, and how much of the things we have been privileged to learn along the way couldn't have been without the help of God. We have tasted plenty, little and nothing and we admit that though we are not there yet, we can gratefully say that here definitely looks better and different from the past and from here we can already see rays of light. Looking back now, we can boldly say our journey so far fits into Romans 8: 28 which says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose". Bearing this in mind, we just can't imagine what will be the best description of our lives and undoubtedly yours as well, when we all finally get to our “THERE”. When you reflect on your journey and the level of growth in all you've been through, with God, you will be so convinced that at your destination, it will be worth it and you shall be more than glad.

It can only get better, therefore be encouraged!

D.Y ONI

Selah.

'Lekan Agunbiade adds – the Onis are the best sailors – storm slayers that I have had the honour of meeting in my young life. I need to add that the weighty mistake noted in the story wasn't an illegal adventure, in fact, their human intention was to further advance God's glory in their marriage. In the midst of the storm, we got to know them as a cheerful happy family and allowed the difficult years to bond them to God. They are always generous (we learned from them that you can have nothing and still be very generous) and wanting to help everyone around them. Although they are very well-read, they happily deployed basic handicrafts, service, and human skills to financially float their family. No moaning, rather sailing forwards – in godliness. Their beautiful and growing family is our best encouragement for any marriage going through life's many challenges. Be hopeful.