Nigerian Cleric preaches perseverance, discipline as pathway to perfection

A Nigerian cleric, Pastor (Dr.) Adebayo Adegoke, Senior Pastor at the headquarters of Divine Favour Prayer Assembly Ministries, Mowe, Ogun State, has emphasized the role of perseverance, endurance, and patience in attaining divine perfection.

Preaching on the theme “Perfection” during the Sunday service, Dr. Adegoke drew inspiration from Psalm 138:8, explaining that God’s promise to perfect all that concerns His people requires human responsibility marked by consistency and spiritual discipline.

He used the biblical account of Prophet Elisha’s unwavering commitment to Prophet Elijah, as recorded in 2 Kings 2:1–9, to highlight the process of spiritual maturity.

According to him, Elisha’s refusal to be discouraged at each stage of their journey—from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho, and finally to the Jordan—demonstrated a remarkable level of focus and endurance.

“In whatever you are doing, you need to be consistent, persevere, endure, and be patient,” he said. “As the adage goes, practice makes for perfection.”

Dr. Adegoke recounted how Elijah, knowing the time of his departure had come, attempted to persuade Elisha to remain behind at several stops. Yet, Elisha insisted, saying, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” His steadfastness eventually led to the moment at the River Jordan when Elijah asked Elisha to make his final request.

The cleric noted that Elisha’s story offers a powerful lesson for believers seeking divine perfection—it is a journey that demands spiritual tenacity.

He urged Nigerians to turn away from sinful lifestyles, remain prayerful, work diligently, and trust God completely, especially as a new month unfolds.

“Perfection,” he concluded, “is reserved for those who wholly trust in the Lord.”