A New Beginning: Embracing God’s Call to be a Carrier of His Light and a Beacon of His Peace
Isaac Megbolugbe
January 23, 2025
Introduction
As I stepped into the year 2025, I felt an unmistakable sense of resolve wash over me. The preceding year had been a transformative journey of introspection and self-discovery, but I knew I was being called something more. This article chronicles my journey of embracing God’s call to become a carrier of His Light and a beacon of His Peace in a world torn apart by darkness, chaos, and uncertainty.
Carrier of His Light and a Beacon of His Peace
As the clock struck midnight, welcoming the year 2025, I felt an unshakeable sense of resolve settle within me. The preceding year, 2024, had been a transformative journey of introspection and self-discovery. Yet, I sensed a deeper calling – one that beckoned me to become a vessel for God’s Light and a beacon of His Peace in a world ravaged by darkness and uncertainty.
This calling came with a clear caveat: I needed to prepare myself spiritually, emotionally, and mentally to bear the weight of this responsibility. As I stand in my 70s, I am convinced that God has purposefully positioned me within this end-times generation. I firmly believe that my existence at this moment is no accident or coincidence, but rather a testament to His divine plan.
As the Scriptures instruct, I am committed to numbering my days, that I might apply my heart to wisdom (Psalm 90:12). With unwavering dedication, I surrender to this sacred calling, trusting that God will empower me to carry His Light and Peace in these tumultuous times.
And so, I decided that for the next three years, I would commit to a life of solitude, celibacy, and privacy. It was a daunting prospect, one that would require me to relinquish many of the comforts and distractions that had become integral to my daily life. But I knew that this season of solitude was essential for establishing new habits of mind and heart, habits that would enable me to regulate my thoughts, emotions, and actions in a way that honor God.
As I embarked on this journey, I began to realize the magnitude of God’s invitation. To become a carrier of His Light and a beacon of His Peace meant that I needed to be willing to surrender my own desires, ambitions, and agendas to His will. It meant that I needed to be willing to confront the depths of my own sinfulness, to acknowledge the areas where I had been living in opposition to God’s will, and to surrender those areas to His transformation.
But as I entered this season of solitude, I began to experience a sense of freedom that I had never known before. I was no longer bound by the expectations and needs of others, no longer driven by the need for validation or affirmation. Instead, I was free to focus on the one thing that truly mattered – my relationship with God.
As I spent more time in God’s presence, I began to experience a profound sense of transformation. My thoughts, emotions, and actions were being reshaped, reformed, and renewed. I was learning to see the world through God’s eyes, to understand His heart and His will. And as I did, I began to realize that I was being equipped to fulfill God’s invitation – to become a carrier of His Light and a beacon of His Peace.
This journey has not been easy. There have been times of darkness, doubt, and uncertainty. But through it all, God has been faithful, guiding me, directing me, and empowering me to take each step. And as I look back on the past few months, I am amazed at the transformation that has taken place within me.
I am still on this journey, still learning, still growing. But I am convinced that this season of solitude has been essential for preparing me to fulfill God’s invitation. I am excited to see what the future holds, to see how God will use me as a carrier of His Light and a beacon of His Peace. And I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, to encourage others who may be feeling the weight of God’s invitation. The harvest is plentiful but so limited workers of righteousness.
If you, like me, are feeling the call to become a carrier of God’s Light and a beacon of His Peace, I encourage you to take the first step. Surrender your life to God and ask Him to guide you on this journey. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. For in the end, it is not about us, but about God, and His desire to use us to bring hope, light, and peace to a world in desperate need.
Signs of Spiritual Transformation: A Journey of Growth and Renewal
Spiritual transformation is a profound and multifaceted process that touches every aspect of a person’s life. As individuals yield to God’s transformative power, they begin to exhibit signs of spiritual growth and renewal. Here are some key indicators of spiritual transformation:
Inner Transformation
1. Increased Humility: A growing recognition of one’s limitations and dependence on God.
2. Deepening Faith: A stronger trust in God’s sovereignty, goodness, and provision.
3. Renewed Mind: A transformed thought life, characterized by greater clarity, discernment, and biblical perspective.
Emotional Transformation
1. Emotional Healing: A growing sense of emotional wholeness, as past wounds and strongholds are healed.
2. Increased Empathy: A deeper understanding and compassion for others, accompanied by a growing ability to love and forgive.
3. Peace and Joy: An increasing sense of inner peace and joy, even during challenging circumstances.
Relational Transformation
1. Improved Relationships: Healthier, more loving relationships with family, friends, and community.
2. Increased Servanthood: A growing desire to serve others, motivated by a sense of love, compassion, and responsibility.
3. Spiritual Accountability: A willingness to submit to spiritual authority and accountability, recognizing the importance of community and guidance.
Behavioral Transformation
1. Increased Obedience: A growing willingness to obey God’s commands and principles, even when difficult or unpopular.
2. Reduced Sin Patterns: A decreasing tendency to engage in sinful behaviors, replaced by a growing desire to live a holy, righteous life.
3. Increased Fruitfulness: A growing sense of purpose and productivity, as individuals begin to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
Spiritual Transformation
1. Increased Spiritual Sensitivity: A growing awareness of spiritual realities, including the presence and activity of God, angels, and demonic forces.
2. Deepening Intimacy with God: A growing sense of intimacy and connection with God, characterized by greater trust, love, and communication.
3. Increased Spiritual Authority: A growing sense of spiritual authority, as individuals learn to wield the power of God’s Word and Spirit in their lives.
As individuals undergo spiritual transformation, they will exhibit these signs in increasing measure. Keep in mind that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and these signs may manifest differently at various stages of development.
The Benefits of Solitude: A Catalyst for Spiritual Growth and Renewal
Solitude, or the state of being alone, is often viewed as a negative experience in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. However, solitude has numerous benefits, particularly for spiritual growth and renewal. Here are some of the advantages of incorporating solitude into your life:
Spiritual Benefits
1. Deeper Intimacy with God: Solitude provides an opportunity to focus on your relationship with God, deepening your intimacy and connection with Him.
2. Increased Spiritual Sensitivity: Solitude helps you become more attuned to God’s voice, allowing you to discern His will and guidance more effectively.
3. Renewed Sense of Purpose: Solitude enables you to re-evaluate your priorities, values, and goals, aligning them with God’s plans and purposes.
Emotional Benefits
1. Emotional Healing: Solitude provides a safe space to process emotions, work through challenges, and heal from past wounds.
2. Increased Self-Awareness: Solitude helps you develop a better understanding of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations.
3. Improved Emotional Regulation: Solitude enables you to manage your emotions more effectively, reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm.
Mental Benefits
1. Improved Focus and Concentration: Solitude helps you develop greater focus and concentration, allowing you to prioritize tasks, set goals, and achieve them.
2. Enhanced Creativity: Solitude provides an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and creativity, enabling you to explore new ideas, insights, and perspectives.
3. Better Problem-Solving Skills: Solitude enables you to approach problems with a clear mind, think critically, and develop innovative solutions.
Physical Benefits
1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Solitude helps reduce stress and anxiety by providing a break from the demands and pressures of daily life.
2. Improved Sleep: Solitude can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to improved rest, relaxation, and overall well-being.
3. Increased Productivity: Solitude enables you to recharge, refocus, and return to tasks with renewed energy, motivation, and productivity.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Solitude
1. Schedule Solitude: Set aside dedicated time for solitude, whether daily, weekly, or monthly.
2. Find a Quiet Space: Identify a quiet, comfortable space where you can retreat for solitude.
3. Minimize Distractions: Eliminate or minimize distractions, such as turning off your phone or finding a quiet spot away from others.
4. Use Solitude for Reflection: Use solitude as an opportunity for reflection, journaling, prayer, or meditation.
In conclusion, solitude is a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth, emotional healing, mental clarity, and physical well-being. By incorporating solitude into your life, you can experience these benefits and more, deepening your relationship with God and enhancing your overall quality of life.
Maintaining Spiritual Disciplines Daily: A Path to Deeper Intimacy with God
Maintaining spiritual disciplines daily is crucial for deepening your intimacy with God, cultivating spiritual growth, and experiencing the transformative power of His presence. Here are practical tips to help you maintain spiritual disciplines daily:
Create a Spiritual Discipline Plan
1. Set clear goals: Identify the spiritual disciplines you want to prioritize, such as prayer, Bible reading, or meditation.
2. Establish a routine: Schedule a specific time and place for each discipline, ensuring consistency and minimizing distractions.
3. Start small: Begin with manageable commitments, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as you progress.
Prioritize Prayer
1. Begin with prayer: Start your day with prayer, acknowledging God’s presence and seeking His guidance.
2. Use a prayer journal: Record your prayers, thoughts, and insights to track your spiritual growth and reflect on God’s faithfulness.
3. Practice various prayer forms: Incorporate different prayer styles, such as thanksgiving, intercession, or contemplative prayer.
Engage in Bible Study
1. Read the Bible consistently: Establish a daily Bible reading routine, exploring different genres, such as Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospels.
2. Use a devotional or study guide: Supplement your Bible reading with a devotional or study guide to enhance understanding and application.
3. Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on specific verses or passages, allowing God’s Word to transform your thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Cultivate Silence and Solitude
1. Schedule silence and solitude: Set aside dedicated time for silence and solitude, minimizing distractions and promoting introspection.
2. Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future.
3. Listen for God’s voice: In the stillness, listen for God’s gentle whispers, guidance, and encouragement.
Incorporate Worship and Praise
1. Sing hymns and worship songs: Express gratitude and adoration through music, using hymns and worship songs to connect with God.
2. Use worship as a spiritual discipline: Incorporate worship into your daily routine, recognizing its power to transform and uplift.
3. Create a worship playlist: Compile a playlist of worship songs to inspire and guide your worship times.
Seek Accountability and Support
1. Find a spiritual mentor: Connect with a mature believer who can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability.
2. Join a spiritual community: Participate in a local church, small group, or online community to share experiences, receive support, and grow together.
3. Share your spiritual journey: Openly share your spiritual struggles, victories, and insights with trusted friends or family members.
Be Patient and Persistent
1. Recognize spiritual growth as a journey: Understand that spiritual growth is a lifelong process, with ups and downs, twists and turns.
2. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
3. Persevere through challenges: When faced with obstacles or setbacks, persevere, trusting that God is working in and through you.
By incorporating these practical tips into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining spiritual disciplines that foster a deeper intimacy with God.
Best Spiritual Disciplines for Beginners: A Foundation for Growth
As a beginner, establishing a strong spiritual foundation is essential for growth and development. Here are some of the best spiritual disciplines for beginners, providing a solid starting point for your spiritual journey:
Prayer
1. Morning Prayer: Start your day with a simple prayer, expressing gratitude and seeking guidance.
2. Prayer Journaling: Record your prayers, thoughts, and insights to track your spiritual growth.
3. Guided Prayers: Use prayer guides or apps to help you get started.
Scripture Reading
1. Daily Bible Reading: Commit to reading a portion of Scripture daily, using a devotional or study guide.
2. Start with the Gospels: Explore the life and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
3. Use a Bible Reading Plan: Find a plan that suits your reading style and schedule.
Meditation and Reflection
1. Morning Meditation: Begin your day with a short meditation, focusing on your breath or a Scripture verse.
2. Reflect on Your Day: Take time to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and emotions, seeking to learn and grow.
3. Use Guided Meditations: Utilize apps or videos that offer guided meditations for beginners.
Gratitude and Worship
1. Gratitude Journaling: Record three things you’re grateful for each day, cultivating a spirit of thankfulness.
2. Worship Music: Listen to worship music, using it as a catalyst for prayer, reflection, and praise.
3. Simple Worship Practices: Incorporate simple worship practices, such as lighting a candle or saying a prayer, into your daily routine.
Community and Accountability
1. Find a Spiritual Mentor: Connect with a mature believer who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support.
2. Join a Small Group or Church: Participate in a local church or small group, sharing your spiritual journey with others.
3. Share Your Spiritual Goals: Openly share your spiritual goals and aspirations with a trusted friend or family member.
Remember, the key to developing a strong spiritual foundation is consistency and patience. Start with one or two disciplines and gradually add more as you grow in your faith.
Spiritual Warfare: Empowering Believers for Victory
Spiritual warfare is a crucial aspect of the Christian life, enabling believers to confront and overcome the forces of darkness that seek to undermine their faith and hinder their effectiveness in advancing God’s Kingdom. By engaging in spiritual warfare, believers can experience empowerment in several key areas:
Authority and Dominion
1. Recognizing Spiritual Authority: Believers understand their position of authority in Christ, enabling them to wield spiritual power and dominion.
2. Exercising Spiritual Authority: Through prayer, decrees, and declarations, believers learn to exercise their spiritual authority, commanding demonic forces to retreat and releasing God’s power and presence.
Spiritual Strength and Resilience
1. Building Spiritual Muscle: Engaging in spiritual warfare helps believers develop spiritual strength and resilience, enabling them to withstand spiritual attacks and overcome challenges.
2. Persevering in Faith: Spiritual warfare empowers believers to persevere in faith, even in the face of adversity, trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision.
Clarity and Discernment
1. Discerning Spiritual Realities: Spiritual warfare enables believers to discern spiritual realities, recognizing the tactics and strategies of the enemy.
2. Gaining Spiritual Insight: Through spiritual warfare, believers gain insight into the spiritual realm, understanding the root causes of problems and the keys to breakthrough.
Freedom and Deliverance
1. Breaking Free from Strongholds: Spiritual warfare empowers believers to break free from strongholds, such as fear, anxiety, or addiction.
2. Experiencing Deliverance: Believers experience deliverance from demonic oppression, finding freedom and release in Christ.
Intimacy with God
1. Deepening Intimacy: Spiritual warfare fosters a deeper intimacy with God, as believers learn to rely on Him for strength, guidance, and protection.
2. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: Through spiritual warfare, believers develop a greater trust in God’s sovereignty, recognizing His power and authority over all aspects of life.
Effective Ministry and Outreach
1. Empowered Witness: Spiritual warfare empowers believers to share the Gospel with confidence and authority, recognizing the spiritual battle surrounding evangelism.
2. Effective Prayer: Believers learn to pray effectively, using spiritual warfare principles to intercede for others, break strongholds, and release God’s power.
By engaging in spiritual warfare, believers can experience these empowering benefits, becoming more effective ambassadors for Christ and advancing God’s Kingdom in the face of spiritual opposition.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, my journey of embracing God’s call has been a transformative experience that has deepened my intimacy with Him. Through solitude, spiritual disciplines, and spiritual warfare, I have been empowered to become a carrier of God’s Light and a beacon of His Peace. I encourage you to embark on a similar journey, surrendering your life to God and seeking His guidance and empowerment. Together, we can shine His Light in a world that desperately needs it.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top executive’s in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.