That The Almighty Won’t Be Accused Of Misleading Regina Daniels -By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi

Had it been in our place, we would have told decorated Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels: “Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” That verse of Scripture aptly applies to her trending prayer for divine direction and clarity. Whoever has been following reports about the celebrity’s marriage and family issues won’t be surprised by her expressed dilemma. What may jolt many people is her turning to God.

A major tabloid in the country even ran with the headline: “Fans panic as Regina Daniels cries out to God.” Like seriously? Turning to God during difficult times should be reassuring, not a source of worry. They must have been stunned because she doesn’t present as a person of faith. The fans’ pessimistic reaction somewhat betrays their thinking that she’s turning to where she wouldn’t find succour, particularly in light of Ned Nwoko’s insistence that Daniels undergo rehabilitation to address drug abuse and safeguard her well-being.

In her estranged husband’s words, “We have two young kids together, and they cannot fight for themselves, so I’m going to fight for them by safeguarding their mother. Many people have died of drug overdose, and if anything happens to her now, what will I tell her children tomorrow?” Granted that tales about their marriage go beyond the quoted soundbite, we would rather not dwell on the brickbats and sordid details. What comes as music to the ears is this prayer posted on the actress’s Instagram page yesterday: “Lord pls direct my path and I trust that the best path unfolds and guide me towards the right choices.”

While this indicates someone ready to turn a new leaf by aligning with her Maker, it is surprising how that approximates an unravelling or downward spiral. Some may even dismiss the heart cry as clout chasing or a cheeky response to Ned’s eulogising of his other wife, Laila, as “a woman whose quiet strength continues to amaze me every single day” and who “has never been the type to chase attention.”

The sombre and subdued subtext of her IG post points to Regina’s resolve to be in The Way and “follow person wey truly know road”. Pardon our gullibility, but we’d rather believe the best in someone than second-guess them!

We are rooting for Regina to get God’s attention and answers, even if it’s to guard against the heathen blaming God should she stumble along the way. According to Proverbs 24:16 (NIV), “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” There are times when a person’s call on the Lord will be greeted with silence. That isn’t enough reason to return to your former ways. If it’s not a case of your inner man being too boisterous to hear His still small voice, God may just be stretching your faith. By showing resolve, your expectations will be delivered by the same God who makes all things beautiful in His time.

The living and all-powerful Jehovah has no reason to prove Himself to any man. Proverbs 21:1 (NLT) says: “The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.” And boy, what Regina is asking for is in such high demand! Divine direction is a course that no one ever graduates from. The high and mighty who know the worth steadily look to God for guidance. As Regina joins the queue, let’s hope she succeeds so that the unbelieving can be converted and not have a reason to blaspheme. Indeed, the Lord draws near to those who draw close to Him.

It is a good thing that Regina went public with what she wants from the Lord. By the time she finds clarity, no one would attribute her rebirth to some rehab centre. Moreover, Jesus loves it when we are not ashamed of Him. Let the celebrity now lead a lifestyle that conforms to her newfound faith. She shouldn’t be under any illusion that she can do this by strength. The earlier she allows the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to order her choices, the sooner Senator Nwoko will stop demanding she go to rehab. Actually, not even the best rehabilitation facility in the world can instil the kind of transformation that God’s Word and Spirit effect on people’s lives. It is such that sin will, over time, cease to be appealing as the Lord strips it bare of fun, leaving only the guilt!

For starters, hearing God amidst uncertainties requires a quietened soul, not compatible with livin’ la vida loca. There’s no denying that going with God will cost Regina Daniels opportunities, friends, fame and followers. Heck, what does it profit a lady if she gains the whole world and loses her soul? It is therefore expected that the popular actress understands the implications of surrendering her will to the Almighty. Determination and deference are required even when the answers go against the grain. By mentioning “trust” in her prayers, Regina must believe that God wants the very best for her. That’s very true! Let her then be ready to follow wherever and however the Lord leads.

It is our prayer that Regina Daniels’ faith won’t fall!

VIS Ugochukwu writes from Lagos, and tweets @sylvesugwuanyi