I welcome you, my readers, to your year of total restoration. The rain of restoration has begun to fall. Its erosion is flushing away stagnation, frustration, confusion, lack of favour, hatred and lack of good source of income from your family in Jesus name.

Forget about the job you have lost. Let not the terrible news about what is going on in the banking industry, deprive you of your focus. The stock market crash is no more news; so many people lost their hard earned money. Many are now yesterday person, though they look alright outwardly. Such a person is like the fig tree that looks blossoming but without fruits. Are you in debt? Debt is a virtual wound: it cannot be seen but it gets tough; and the person at the centre loses his/her peace and freedom. To whatever category you find yourself, believe with me that the rain of restoration is falling to restore you to health and heal your wounds. (Jeremiah 30:17).

Many families were in that valley many years ago. It was as if nothing could happen to bring them out but when they finished writing the test, miracles began to happen. Inadequacy began to give way for adequate supply and then, as you know, perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete. At the end of the confusion, you will bounce back and lack no good thing. It is a phase you need to pass through. What has happened not withstanding, your reactions determines your next actions.

I read in a banner hanged by the wall during the December period ‘Crossover to take Over’. Sincerely speaking, many people want to cross over to the other side for comfort. It is not that difficult to take over but a process is involved which will bring a difference.

To cross over to the other side, there are things you should check within you and your family. The title of this piece is: is unity in your family?

Unity means being in agreement and working for the same purpose together in a state of harmony. Do you have it? Are both of you working sincerely together as a couple towards a set goal for the family?

Are you sure you are not working or praying against the desire and purpose of your spouse?

Living in abundance is the goal of many but not everyone wants it. Why? Because many people enjoy the way things are in their family.

A wife who feels she ould not get the type of attention she is getting from her husband if he is financially buoyant, will prefer to have him and endure hardship. Did I hear you say “that’s evil and wicked”? Well, that is her choice. Or what do you think of a husband who would not like the wife to have her own money? He would deprive her of every avenue and association that could make her earn a living. Why? So that:

i. He can maintain his control over her.

ii. He can show his supremacy as the husband.

iii. The woman will not ride him or challenge his authority etc.

The Word says “the mind of man is desperately wicked, who can know it?” God! If you are praying, fasting and planning, seeking for a change of status or tired of living in want in the midst of plenty while your spouse is not fed up of poverty – he/she is not truly convinced of the need for a change – all your desires and efforts will bring no rewarding result. For the minds are looking at different direction. This explains why most prayers receive no answers. Many businesses continue to struggle. There are career failures, lack of favour, rejection, sickness – all forms of distraction – because unity of purpose is lacking in marital relationships.

A woman was seriously ill. Tests carried out revealed no clue. Pastors and church members jointly prayed and fasted to no avail. The pastor paused to inquire why there had not been answers to their prayers. In response, God told the pastor that the woman did not desire healing. The pastor went to the women and asked her if she desired to be healed. Her reply shocked her Pastor. She said NO! why? Because her illness had allowed her husband to return home early unlike when she was not sick! The husband usually got home very late. She enjoyed the attention and care of her husband and preferred them to coming out of the sickness.

In 2010, God is out to restore all your wasted years. You will need to check yourself. That deep-rooted fear of insecurity in your marriage, which has made you to pray and work against your partner’s aspiration – it is time to repent and throw them away just as Bathemeus, the blind, threw away the dress which was about to hinder him from receiving his sight.

If not, the strong erosion by the reason of rain of restoration shall flush out your covering and you will be exposed. God has come to restore. Do not be a stumbling block against the delightful inheritance of your family in the year 2010.

Getting good results for your efforts is impossible where there is no unity of mind, soul and purpose in your family.

For progress in your family, seek unity. It works like magic.

In my next piece, in this column, we shall look at “How to Bring About Unity in a Marriage”.