The House in the Middle of the Forest| BONUS-ORIGINAL EPISODE

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.