How God Tested Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Faith: Choosing Between His Mother and God

LAGOS, NIGERIA – General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, shared a deeply personal testimony about faith and sacrifice during the February 2025 Holy Ghost Service held on Friday, February 7, 2025. 

Speaking on the theme “Glory Ahead (2)”, Pastor Adeboye recounted a difficult decision he faced in December 1979, when his devotion to God’s work was put to the test.  

During his sermon, he narrated how he had traveled to his hometown, to visit his mother before heading to another village for a church program. However, upon arrival, he discovered that his beloved mother was critically ill. “I arrived at home to find that my mother was dying,” he recalled.  

As his mother’s only son and last-born child, Pastor Adeboye described the special bond they shared. “That woman loved me like nobody else. And I loved her like nobody else,” he said. Despite his deep love for his mother, he faced a painful choice—staying by her side or proceeding with the program he had organized.  

“People were gathering at Ejebuebo. I was the one who invited them to come,” he explained. With no mobile or landline phones available at the time, he had no way of staying in touch with his family. Torn between duty and personal emotions, he made the difficult decision to leave. “I told her, ‘Mama, you know I love you.’ She said, ‘I know.’ But I have to go.”  

To his relief, his mother reassured him of her understanding. “Thank God that she understood,” he said. However, throughout the program, he was unable to contact home and had no idea whether she was still alive.  

Upon returning, he was astonished to learn that shortly after he left, his mother experienced a miraculous recovery and lived for another 11 years. “It was just a test,” Pastor Adeboye emphasized. “God wanted to know, if I have to choose between Him and my mom, who will I choose?” 

Reflecting on the experience, he encouraged believers to trust God even in difficult situations. “When you pass through the fire, it will not burn you. But don’t let me deceive you,” he concluded, reminding the congregation that trials often serve as tests of faith.  

The testimony resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing the message that God rewards unwavering commitment to His service.