Pastor Michael Nicholas of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in the United Kingdom has called on believers to identify and release the distractions that hinder them from walking fully in God’s purpose. He made this appeal on Sunday, November 16, 2025, during a visit to the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic, where he joined the congregation in worship.
Speaking on the theme of divine calling, Pastor Nicholas reminded the church that every believer has been commissioned by God. “We all have a calling,” he stressed. “Jonah was a prophet, called by God, yet he ran away. In the same way, we are all on a journey with God, but sometimes we are tempted to take a detour.”
Drawing lessons from the story of Jonah, he encouraged worshippers to reflect on the “ships” they are on – symbolic of the relationships, environments, and decisions that shape their spiritual direction. He drew attention to Proverbs 13:20, emphasising that the people we walk with can either guide us towards God’s will or lead us astray. “Who is on your ship?” he asked. “Your friendships, relationships, discipleships, mentorships – everyone on your ship plays a role in determining where you are headed.”
Pastor Nicholas likened Jonah’s attempt to flee to Tarshish to the modern-day temptations and opportunities that often appear attractive but ultimately distract believers from God’s plan. “There are always options that seem pleasurable in the moment,” he cautioned, “but many of these lead us into destruction. The journey away from God may feel easy, but it is a path that ends in ruin.”
Referencing Romans 3:23 and Romans 7, he acknowledged the human struggle with sin but encouraged the church to remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Quoting Galatians 5:25, he said, “The Spirit should always lead, and we should follow. The Holy Spirit is not a mystical force – He is a person who speaks to us personally, and if we listen, He will steer us into purpose.”
Pastor Nicholas further urged believers to identify and remove the “Jonahs” in their lives; distractions or influences that pull them away from God’s plan. “If we don’t throw our Jonah overboard, we become irresponsible captains, and eventually, we become Jonahs ourselves,” he stated.
He concluded by highlighting three responsibilities of every believer: to protect their spiritual journey, to guard their relationships, and to safeguard their God-given gifts, purpose, and calling.
Also present at the service were Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi (Executive Council Member / Ashaiman Area Head); Apostle Michael Osei (Missionary Attaché, Spain); Pastor James Kusi (Personal Assistant to the Missions Director); Pastor Abubakari Issah-Gustav (Resident Minister, PIWC-Atomic); and Pastor Maldwyn Jones (Historian, Elim Pentecostal Churches UK).
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