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Beloved in Christ,​

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Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I warmly welcome you to the month of February. With grateful hearts, we give thanks to God for His preserving grace, His sustaining power, and His abiding presence in our lives and in His Church. Truly, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). As we journey through this month, I pray that every seed sown in faith and prayer shall result in abundant joy, in Jesus’ name.

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Our focus for February is “Reaping in Joy Through Persistent Prayer,” anchored in Luke 18:1–8, where Jesus taught His disciples “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Persistent prayer is not mere repetition; it is steadfast, faith-filled communion with God that refuses to give up despite delay, opposition, or discouragement. It is prayer that holds firmly to God’s promises, trusting His timing and His character.​

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In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus reveals a profound truth. The widow had no social power, no human advocate, and faced an unjust judge who neither feared God nor regarded people. Yet, through her consistent and determined appeals, she obtained justice. Our Lord then draws the contrast: if persistence could move an unjust judge, how much more will our righteous, loving, and faithful God respond to His children who cry to Him day and night? Persistent prayer is an expression of faith: faith that God hears, faith that God cares, and faith that God will act.

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Throughout Scripture, we see the power of persistent prayer producing joyful outcomes. Hannah prayed in bitterness of soul, yet she persisted before the Lord, and God turned her sorrow into joy with the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10–20). Elijah prayed earnestly, again and again, until the heavens gave rain after a long drought (1 Kings 18:42–45). The early church prayed without ceasing for Peter, and God answered with supernatural deliverance (Acts 12:5–11). These examples remind us that persistence in prayer positions us for divine intervention and joyful harvest.

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Beloved, do not be weary in prayer. Delay is not denial, and silence is not absence. As you continue to pray for your family, your health, your calling, and the work of God, remain confident that your labor in prayer is not in vain. Jesus assures us, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). This month, as we persist in prayer, may our tears give way to testimonies, and may our waiting turn into rejoicing.

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As we walk through February together, I pronounce this blessing upon you: May the Lord strengthen your faith to pray without ceasing. May He grant you grace to remain steadfast when answers seem delayed. May every cry you lift before Him be answered in His perfect will and timing. I pray that the God who hears in secret will reward you openly, turning every burden into joy, every struggle into victory, and every season of waiting into a season of rejoicing. May your prayers bring forth testimonies, divine breakthroughs, and a joyful harvest, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

 

Happy New Month, and may you truly reap in joy.

Shalom,

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Pastor (Dr.) Emmanuel Falaye
Chairman, TACGV, USA