Navigating False Guidance: A True Story of Discerning a False Prophet

It was my close friend's senior year of university when she started receiving a series of marriage proposals. She was beautiful, and the choice was not an easy one. She inquired with each of them, but things did not progress as she hoped. She turned to prayer, knowing that making the right decision was essential.

As a cultural expectation in certain African communities, including Nigeria, her parents, particularly her mother, began to exert pressure for her to settle down. Marriages were expected to be presented to parents, and the absence of a husband at a certain age could lead to inappropriate questions and inquiries.

One day, my friend received a call from her mother asking if she could visit a prophet in Ibadan to seek divine guidance. My friend agreed, and off we went for the consultation.

Upon arrival, we noticed right away that something felt off. The prophet was gyrating and calling out non-existent heavenly creatures while candles of all colors were lit around the area. A goat, tied to a tree at the base of a hill, was crying out for freedom. We kept quiet and made our way to the top to pray with the prophet.

In an unusual turn of events, after much gyrating, the prophet demanded we submit the names of our suitors. Sensing that something was amiss, I suggested that we take a moment to draw up the list. As my friend and I left, I quickly altered the list, adding three names: one non-existent person, a cloned name of the one she truly loved, and her cousin's name.

Returning to the prophet, the names were presented, and after more gyrating, the prophet declared that she should marry the one named "number 6." He also stated that number 4 would come to confuse her, but she must marry number 6.

At this point, it became clear why number 6 was her cousin and why number 4 was non-existent. My friend's mother, now fully convinced that we had found the solution, began to make plans for introductions. However, she was disgusted and mortified by the situation, and it was decided that my friend should continue to pray and let the Spirit of God guide her choice.

My friend ended up marrying the one she truly loved, and they have been together for five years. This journey taught her the importance of always seeking the guidance of the Spirit of God and studying the Word of God. Anything outside the written word is false, and divine instructions are always in line with His teachings.

Key Lessons

1. Discernment: It is crucial to discern between true and false spiritual guidance. The biblical principle of testing the spirits is applicable in such situations.

2. Scriptural Guidance: Everything outside the canonical scriptures is considered false. The written word of God is the ultimate guide.

3. Prayerful Guidance: Seek the guidance of the Spirit of God through prayer and study of the Bible. He is not an author of confusion and His Spirit dwells within all believers.

This story serves as a reminder to be cautious and to seek God's true guidance.

Note: Images are available from the 2019 Nollywood movie The Prophet for additional context and inspiration.