Lead Me Through The Desert

By Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf

In our spiritual journey, we encounter pitfalls by way of temptation. When we do, this book tells us to strive to overcome them by following in the footsteps of Christ, who by his victory in the desert, overturned the curse of sin inflicted by the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. It recommends that since trial is inescapable the Christian should, through the window of the Lord’s own passion. see the promised redemption that leads us from the desert of trial to the beautiful garden of the promised paradise.

This book in your hand is a spiritual treasure that will surely help you to overcome the challenging moments in life.

Fr. UZOCHUKWU OHANELE, CMF is a Claretian Missionary Priest. He holds first degrees in both Philosophy and religious studies from the Urban University Rome (Italy), University of Port-Harcourt (Nigeria), and University of Nigeria Nsukka (Nigeria), and master’s degree in Theology from Duquesne University Pittsburgh (USA).

Fr. Uzo, as he is fondly called is presently on Pastoral Mission in the Republic of South Africa.

His other published books include: Setting out Your Own Goal; God Will Always Win; Humanizing Economic Globalization: in the light of the social vision of the church; Lead Me Lord.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf
• Release date: Jun 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463937464

Book preview

Lead Me

Through The

Desert

Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf

Copyright © 2020 Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf

Published by Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by Uzochukwu Ohanele, cmf using Reach Publishers’ services,

Edited by Colleen Figg for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Website: www.reachpublishers.org

E-mail: [e-mail]

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgment

YOU LED ME THROUGH THE DESERT

PROLOGUE

1. DESERT: A TEMPLE OF PRAYER

2. DESERT: LIVING IN THE BREATH OF GOD

3. DESERT: BARRENNESS OF BEAUTY

4. DESERT: A WAITING MOMENT

5. DESERT: A MEETING PLACE OF…

6. DESERT: ANOTHER GARDEN OF TRIAL

EPILOGUE

Dedication

IN MEMORY OF LATE

Rev. FR. JOSEPH NWA MARY OKIGBO, CMF

AND

REV. BROTHER GODWIN IGBOKWE, CMF

FOR YOUR ADMIRABLE HUMILITY

THAT INSPIRED ME AS A YOUNG CLARETIAN

Acknowledgment

I remain grateful to all who contributed in my Christian education and formation, people too numerous to mention without forgetting any. I recall the many catechists; seminarians who introduced me to the doctrines of the church and helped prepare me for the reception of the sacraments. I also remember the many priests that their homilies helped nourish my faith over the years.

It would be sign of ingratitude on my part if I fail to recognise the invaluable contributions of my formation directors throughout my formative years in the seminary. My special appreciation goes to my dear novice master Rev. Fr. Jude Mary Obiechina, cmf ably assisted then by Rev. Fr. Malachy Osunwa, cmf. I also wish to recognise the invaluable contribution of my then postulant master in the person of Rev. Emmanuel Agwulonu, cmf and the team of priests at the postulate house that immensely contributed in preparing us for the religious life – Rev. Frs Paul Okoli, cmf; Marcellinus Rebecca Offor, cmf; Wilfred Anagbe,cmf (now Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Nigeria).

My gratitude also goes to VRF. Godwin Nzeh, cmf who as the Major Superior of the province in the year 1996 canonically received my vows as a temporary professed Claretian. I appreciate also my dear brothers working with me on mission in South Africa: Frs. Anthony Obadina,cmf; Hubert Obaedo, cmf; Innocent Daniel,cmf; Emmanuel Eyowa,cmf; John Paul Achi,cmf for their zeal in the ministry despite the challenges we encounter.

In a very special way, I remain indebted to my parents for investing in me, in the noblest way – the Christian way and to God who made all these possible.

Finally to my publisher – Reach Publishers I say thank you for the effort you put in to bring this book to shape and life. To you reading this book, be happy; be blessed in Jesus mighty name.

YOU LED ME THROUGH THE DESERT

To show me you are Lord

You led me through the storms

Took me through the longer route

You led me through the desert

All to teach me you are Lord

You led me through the desert

All the way through the valley

That you may lead me to the mountaintop

To show me the ‘Promised Land’

All to teach me you are Lord

You led me through the desert

Through storms and chaos, you led me

Away you led me out of my comfort zone

Taking my heart into your hand

All to teach me you are Lord

PROLOGUE

Make no mistake about it, God is God, and we are not. The basic problem is that we think God should be steered as pleases us, and that