Lead Pastor of US-based Zoe Household Global, Dolapo Lawal, has revealed that he felt very empty and sad after his ministeration at the just concluded World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC).
WOFBEC is an annual convention of believers hosted by the Convenant Nation, a ministry founded by Pastor Poju Oyemade. It is a conference that attracts millions of viewers across the globe. Pastor Lawal’s message was one of the messages that went viral shortly after he finished preaching at the conference this year.
But rather than feel elated that his messages were being embraced by many, Dolapo, in a recent programme monitored online by Church Times, said he felt sad and empty.
He, however, explained in the message that the validation of men does not bring satisfaction. “Önly Jesus satisfies”, he said.
He recounted his experience, saying, “After I finished preaching at WOFBEC on the first, and then the second day, which was Monday, my WhatsApp had about 800 messages. My phone was buzzing, and then Instagram. Everywhere I went, notification. I was seeing my face everywhere. I sat down in the night, and I called my wife. I said I feel very sad. I feel very empty. I just feel finished.”
Responding to his seeming emotional outburst, his wife, according to him, exclaimed and said, “These are very deep descriptions you are giving.”
He continued, “But she said something. She said, I think this is the mercy of God. She said, God is showing you that no validation from people can fill the vacuum in your heart. Nothing can satisfy like Jesus. You will not rest until you rest in him.”
While noting that “It is ironic that people are looking for peace of mind” he said, “How can you be looking for peace and be at peace? That means that thing has to come as a gift from God. It is an impartation. He has to give you.”
Lawal, who was obviously preaching on ministry gifts, decried a situation where worship leaders look for validation. He said, “Worship leaders carry intimacy and spiritual expressions. Their weakness can be emotional instability, people pleasing or identity confusion. They have this unhealthy need for validation. When you are leading worship, you are opening your eyes to see how many people are worshipping. You are wondering if they are crying as if you came to make them sad.”
He then warned that “it is the mindset that you have that will frustrate God’s will in your life”