By D.r. Lawrence Osifo
How to be Safe from the Destroyer of Life
By Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Book one
Chapter One
The Shadow of the Thief
The evening sun painted the skies of Benin City with shades of gold and crimson. Osahon, a final-year student, walked home with his school bag slung lazily across his shoulder. Life had not been easy for him; — his father had passed away suddenly, and his mother, a petty trader, struggled to keep food on the table.He often found himself sitting alone under a mango tree, questioning why life seemed so harsh. His friends had started mocking him, saying:“Osahon, your God has forgotten you. Why waste your time praying when nothing changes?”Those words pierced his heart like arrows. He felt the weight of loneliness, fear, and hopelessness pressing upon him. He remembered what his late father used to say:“Son, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But the Word of God gives life. Never let go of it.”That night, Osahon lay awake, thinking about those words. He heard a whisper in his heart, almost like a gentle voice saying:“He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”Osahon rose from bed, knelt on the floor, and prayed:“Lord, I feel broken, I feel weak. But I believe that You are my refuge. Please help me.”As he prayed, peace came over him. The fear that gripped him began to loosen. He realised that though the thief; — the destroyer of life; — may come to bring fear and despair, those who cling to God’s Word will never be abandoned.
Reflection Questions (Chapter One)
1. What struggles did Osahon face at the beginning of the story? .................................................................................................
2. What did his father teach him about the thief and the Word of God? .................................................................................................
3. How did Osahon feel when his friends mocked him? .................................................................................................
4. What scripture came to his heart while he was in despair? .................................................................................................
5. How did Osahon find peace in his difficult moment? .................................................................................................
Book one
Chapter Two
The Rebuke of Kings
Days passed, and Osahon began to grow stronger in faith. One morning at school, he was invited by some classmates to join a secret group that promised quick money.“Osahon,” said Oyi, “life is short. Why waste time praying? Come with us, we have a plan to get rich quickly.”Osahon’s heart pounded. He needed money badly, but something within him resisted. He remembered the scripture his father once quoted:“God rebukes kings, saying, ‘Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm.’”He realised that if God could rebuke kings, then He could protect a young boy like him from harm.Osahon replied firmly:“I will not follow you. My life belongs to God. I cannot sell my soul for temporary gain.”Oyi laughed mockingly. “Suit yourself, preacher boy. But don’t cry when poverty swallows you.”That evening, news spread around school that the group had been caught by the police. Osahon trembled; — not with fear, but with gratitude. He saw how God had preserved him. He whispered:“Truly, a thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand, but it shall not come near me.”His faith deepened, and he understood that true safety was not in money, weapons, or connections, but in walking with God daily.
Reflection Questions (Chapter Two)
1. What did Osahon’s classmates invite him to join? .................................................................................................
2. Why did he refuse their invitation? .................................................................................................
3. What scripture did he remember when faced with temptation? .................................................................................................
4. What happened to those who joined the secret group? .................................................................................................
5. What lesson did Osahon learn about God’s protection? ................................................................................................. Book one
Chapter Three
The Call of Rest
Months later, Osahon faced another test. His mother fell ill, and the little money they had was not enough for treatment. Fear tried to grip him again. He heard the same old whisper of doubt:“God has abandoned you. Why keep trusting Him?”But this time, Osahon was stronger. He took his mother’s hand and said:“Mama, remember the Word of God says, ‘Come unto Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ We will not give up.”Together they prayed, pouring out their tears before God. The next morning, a neighbour visited. She had been touched in her heart to pay for his mother’s treatment. Slowly, his mother recovered, and joy returned to their home.Osahon lifted his hands to heaven and declared:“The destroyer came to steal my hope, to kill my faith, and to destroy my family. But God’s Word has kept us safe.”He realised that to be safe from the destroyer of life, one must:• Abide in the secret place of God.• Trust His Word even in the darkest moments.• Resist temptations of quick gain.• Hold onto God’s promises of rest and peace.The journey of life would not always be easy, but those who anchor themselves in God’s Word will always overcome.
Reflection Questions (Chapter Three)
1. What new challenge did Osahon face when his mother became ill? .................................................................................................
2. What scripture did he remember to encourage his mother? .................................................................................................
3. How was the problem of his mother’s illness solved? .................................................................................................
4. What declaration did Osahon make after their victory? .................................................................................................
5. What key lessons can we learn from Osahon’s story? .................................................................................................
Book one
Conclusion
The Secret of Safety
The destroyer of life comes in many forms; — fear, temptation, poverty, sickness, or hopelessness. But God’s Word remains the sure refuge. Those who live under His covering will always find safety.The story of Osahon reminds us that no matter how dark life may seem, there is hope, strength, and rest in God. When others fall, we can stand firm because His promise is sure: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Book one Glossary1
. Thief/Destroyer of life – Symbol of the devil, temptation, fear, or anything that tries to ruin life and faith.
2. Secret place of the Most High – A spiritual place of intimacy and safety with God through prayer and faith.
3. Anointed – Someone chosen and protected by God.
4. Rebuke – A strong warning or command against evil.
5. Rest – Peace, relief, and assurance found in God despite challenges.
Book Two
How to be Safe from the Destroyer of Life
By
Dr. Lawrence Osifo
Book Two
Chapter One
The Voice in the Darkness
It was a quiet evening in the village of Uzairue. The sun had gone down, leaving behind streaks of purple and gold in the horizon. Young David sat under the old mango tree, his eyes filled with worry. Life had not been easy for him; — he had lost his father to sickness, and his mother struggled daily to provide food for the family. He often asked himself, “Why is life filled with so much pain? Why does destruction seem to surround us?”One night, while lying awake, David felt as though a heavy shadow had entered the room. Fear gripped his heart, and he whispered, “What is this?” He thought he heard a faint whisper in his ears:Dark Voice: “Give up, David. There is no hope. The destroyer of life has already marked you.”David trembled and pulled the blanket over his head. Then suddenly, another voice broke through the darkness, a voice so calm yet powerful:Gentle Voice: “David, do not fear. I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”David sat up, stunned. He remembered the words his mother used to read from the Bible: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”With tears in his eyes, David prayed, “Lord, if You are truly the Light, then show me the way. I surrender my fears into Your hands.”As he prayed, peace filled his heart. For the first time in months, David slept without fear. He realised that safety was not in his strength, but in surrendering to the Light of Christ.
Reflection Questions – Chapter One
1 What was David’s greatest fear in this chapter?.......................................................................................
2. How did the voice of darkness try to discourage him?.......................................................................................
3. What was the promise of the Light to David?.......................................................................................
4. How does surrender bring peace according to this story?.......................................................................................
5. Recall a time you faced fear. How can the Light of God help you in such moments? .......................................................................................
Book Two
Chapter Two
The Journey of Paul
Days turned into weeks, and David’s faith began to grow. His mother often told him the story of Paul, once called Saul of Tarsus. Saul was a man who hated followers of Christ. He hunted them, threw them into prison, and was feared by many.One hot afternoon, David sat with Elder Omoregie, the wise teacher of the village church. Elder Omoregie said:Elder Omoregie: “David, do you know how Saul became Paul?”David: “I know he changed, but I do not understand how.”Elder Omoregie: “Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters of destruction. He was the thief’s tool—sent to steal and destroy the lives of God’s people. But on that journey, a great light shone from heaven. Saul fell to the ground.”Elder Omoregie opened the Bible and read aloud: “And Saul heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’”David (amazed): “So even Saul, the destroyer, was called by the Light?”Elder Omoregie: “Yes, my son. That day, Saul surrendered to the Light and became Paul, the great Apostle. His life shows us that no one is beyond redemption. The Light can save anyone, even the worst of sinners.”David’s eyes lit up. “Then if Saul could be saved, I too can be safe from destruction!”
Reflection Questions – Chapter Two
1. Who was Saul before he became Paul?.......................................................................................
2. What happened to Saul on the way to Damascus?.......................................................................................
3. Why is Paul’s story important for people who feel hopeless?.......................................................................................
4. What lesson did Elder Omoregie want David to learn from Paul’s transformation?.......................................................................................
5. How does Paul’s story inspire you personally?.......................................................................................
Book Two
Chapter Three
The Path of Safety
One stormy night, David walked through the narrow path that led home from church. The wind blew fiercely, and the thunder roared. He felt afraid again. Suddenly, he remembered the words of his teacher: “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.”He whispered, “I am not alone. The Light is with me.”The next morning, David shared his experience with his friends. Some of them laughed.Friend 1: “David, do you really believe that an invisible Light can protect you?”David: “Yes, because I have seen the peace it brings. The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus says, I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”He looked at his friends with boldness. “If you want to be safe from destruction, you must surrender to the Light. Safety is not in wealth, not in power, not in hiding. True safety is in Christ.”His words touched one of his friends, Ada. With tears in her eyes, she said, “David, I want this Light too. I want to be safe.”And so, David and his friends prayed together. From that day, they walked in faith, knowing that the Light of Christ would keep them safe from the destroyer of life.
Reflection Questions – Chapter Three
1. What fear did David face on the stormy night?.......................................................................................
2. How did he overcome his fear?.......................................................................................
3. What did David tell his friends about true safety?.......................................................................................
4. Which of his friends was touched by his words, and why?.......................................................................................
5. What practical steps can you take to surrender to the Light?.......................................................................................
Book Two
Conclusion
The destroyer of life is real, but so is the Light that saves. David’s story, the transformation of Paul, and the promises of God remind us that safety does not come from human effort, but from surrendering to Jesus, the Light of the world. To be safe, one must dwell in the secret place of the Most High, surrender completely, and walk daily in the Light.
Book Two
Glossary
1. Destroyer of Life – A symbol of the devil, who seeks to steal, to kill, and destroy.
2. The Light – Refers to Jesus Christ, who brings salvation and safety.
3. Secret Place of the Most High – A place of spiritual intimacy and prayer with God.
4. Surrender – To give up one’s fears, struggles, and control, and trust God fully.
5. Damascus Road Experience – The dramatic encounter Saul had with Christ that transformed him into Paul.
6. Safety in Christ – The assurance of protection, peace, and eternal life through faith in Jesus.
