Nigeria, June 8 -- As a new believer, the Lord asked me one of His intriguing questions. He said: "Femi, would you like to be a prophet?"

I did not answer. The last thing I wanted to be was a prophet. I saw no glory in it but problems and difficulties.

Later, I addressed the question indirectly. I told the Lord I did not want the ministry of Isaiah. To me, Isaiah's ministry is frustrating. He is called to preach to people who will not receive his word.

God says: "Go and speak this message to the people: 'You will listen and listen, but never understand. You will look and look, but never see. Make these people stubborn! Make them stop up their ears, cover their eyes, and fail to understand. Don't let them turn to Me and be healed.'" (Is...