Welcome to Pomoja Podcast, a ministry of Life
of Christ International. Pamoja means together,
and that's exactly what this space is about.
Walking together in faith, growing together through
the word, and living the life of Christ in our
homes, our marriages, and our daily lives. I'm
your host, Barry Mwamba, and in this season premiere,
we begin our journey with a theme close to my
heart, marriage. I believe marriage is one of
life's greatest challenges, and one of the covenants
the enemy fears the most. Today we begin with
part one, the house in the middle of the forest.
This is how our marriage began. At least from
my side. My wife will share her story in one
of the coming episodes. After falling deeply
in love with this intelligent, beautiful Christian
woman from my church, who is now my wife, I went
to seek my father's counsel. Rather than asking
about her, he looked at me, smiled, and began
to share a story. A parable I later titled, the
house in the middle of the forest he said marriage
is like a beautiful house discovered deep within
a vast forest a man walking through the woods
stumbles upon this magnificent dwelling its beauty
draws him in peeking through a window he sees
a couple laughing and enjoying each other's company
a scene so captivating that he feels an irresistible
urge to join them he enters with enthusiasm eager
to know their secret how they managed to be so
happy. But once inside, my father continued,
he discovers three strange things. First, the
door only opens from the outside, meaning he
cannot leave on his own terms. Second, the windows
are sealed, no escape, no fresh air. And third,
the house is warm, even stuffy. He stands there
bewildered, wondering how this couple can be
so joyful in such a confined and uncomfortable
space. Even though my father explained the story's
meaning that day, it took me over 20 years to
truly understand it. Discovering God's purpose
is a journey that unfolds over time, and the
daily process of endurance is the most challenging
part. It demands faith, patience, and the guidance
of the Holy Spirit. because the outcome is determined
by the strength of your foundation. As the psalmist
said, unless the Lord builds the house, the builders
labor in vain. Without God's blessing and presence,
all human effort is wasted. If He didn't initiate
the journey with you, it's bound to fail. When
your path turns rocky, when fear, pain, or uncertainty
weigh you down. That's when God steps in to carry
your burden. Jesus said, Come to me, all you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls. Even in your darkest
valley, you are not alone. As Psalm 23 declares,
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you
are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort
me. Keep this truth close. Our plans only succeed
when God is the foundation. When He is, He will
make sure you reach your destination. Proverbs
reminds us, commit your works to the Lord and
your plans will be established. And Philippians
1 6 assures us, He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion. If God began
it, He will finish it. That's why I sought God
first before I pursued marriage. I prayed, I
fasted, and I waited until he opened my eyes.
Just as Adam recognized Eve as bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh, when he opened his eyes,
I recognized my wife, not by sight, but by the
Spirit. The Holy Spirit gently convinced my heart
that she was the one. Isaiah says, Your ears
will hear a word behind you saying, this is the
way, walk in it. I believe God is a good father.
He gives what is right because He knows us better
than we know ourselves. Jesus said, If you, being
evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give
good things to those who ask Him? Not only did
God place her love in my heart, He revealed that
she was the best match for me with strengths
I didn't even know I would need until the hard
times came. My pastor Lawson Whitson often says,
We even need the Holy Spirit to go to Walmart.
It sounds simple, but it's profound and true.
The Holy Spirit is our daily companion. So when
I say my wife and I are filled with the Holy
Spirit, it isn't a slogan. It's a declaration
of dependence, because I started with God, because
I built on his foundation, because I followed
his direction. When the storms came, when the
winds blew, the floods rose, and the rains beat
against our marriage, our house did not fall.
It stood, because it was built on the rock. Looking
back now, years later, I realize my father wasn't
just describing marriage. He was describing faith
itself. A marriage built by God, not by hands.
And I can see it clearly now. It was God all
along. I will not leave you as orphans. I will
send you another comforter, the Holy Spirit.
And you promised, in the last days I will pour
out my spirit on all flesh. So pour out your
spirit on us, Lord. Fill us with your power.
Teach us to be guided by the Holy Spirit in every
decision we make, because one thing is certain,
the blessing of the Lord enriches and adds no
painful toil with it. Next time on Pomoja, we'll
explore the deeper secrets of the house in the
middle of the forest, where sealed windows, locked
doors, and warm air reveal the true meaning of
covenant and commitment. Thank you for joining
Pomoja Podcast, where we live the life of Christ
together. Be sure to subscribe, share, and stay
connected for more weekly encouragement and stories
of faith, family, and purpose. Until next time,
walk in grace and live in purpose.