As  I woke up today, gratitude flowed through me like a river flowing beyond its banks. I know without a shadow of doubt that God has been good to me. I did not need any inspiration for me to give thanks to God on this special day because as the psalmist prayed, God is teaching me to  number my days so that I can apply my heart to wisdom.

Four decades and a half ago, I was born here in London and I am sure like every other parent, my parents prayed and hoped that I would become a source of blessing to the family and that I would live long. No parent lives with the assurance that the children would outlive them, rather they pray and hope that God would in His mercy keep their children alive and well.



For me, that prayer was answered and is still being answered. There was a time when my parents could not be there for me but God was there, taking me one step at a time and leading me through the tough and difficult situations even when I thought I could not go on.
About 30 years ago when God revealed Himself to me and I invited Jesus into my life for the first time, I never knew that three decades later, I would be looking back in wonder at how far God has brought me.

Today, I have no regrets for the past because I see God’s hands in every decision I have taken. I have seen Him forgive my mistakes and put me right back on track. He has been my benefactor, my confidence, my comforter and a friend who sticks close to me at all times.  It is no wonder that today I have spent my time with Him alone because He is always there even when family and friends cannot be there.

On this special day, I am stronger, I am wiser and I am better than I have ever been before. He has taught me and continues to teach me the way to go and prospers me on the journey. Even when I took wrong turns that I thought were the right ways, he was always there to lead me right back to where I should be.

When I look back into the years, I am grateful for the people God has blessed me with. First He gave me a godly wife; loving and devoted. To us God gave wonderful children who make my heart glad and who are growing in the knowledge of God’s word.  He added my wife’s family to mine and I have such an excellent relationship with them. Then in my Christian family, I have made such wonderful friends that are so hard to find in this world.

Of course, Biblepraise Ministry has given me as awesome pool of friends from around the world that I could not have made on my own. Men and women who continually encourage me with their emails, text messages and prayers which has continued to keep this online ministry going for the past 8 years.

Men are usually preparing and anticipate what is known as mid-life-crisis in their 40s. For me, it has not been a time of crisis but a time of excitement; rediscovering myself in the Lord and savouring the friendship of all those whom God has linked me with over the years. For me, it is a season of reflecting on the goodness of God and trusting Him for the journey that lies ahead.

I am thankful today and give praise, glory and adoration to God. He is the reason for my being and I will always be eternally grateful.

Steve O. Popoola
Biblepraise Fellowship Online

© December, 2010

Steve Popoola is the editor of Biblepraise Newsletter and the webmaster of Biblepraise Fellowship Online at http://www.biblepraise.org. He currently resides in London where he works as an IT professional. He serves in the ministerial team of his local church as well as in the music ministry. He is the Moderator/Editor of Biblepraise Newsletter. He can be reached through His email address, steve@biblepraise.org