When Sade, with the cute dimples, invited me to her church about a month ago, I never imagined that honouring her request would be tantamount to cashing out, literally.

You know how people say “it felt like a personal message to me” when talking about a sermon? Well Sade’s pastor instantly had that effect on me.

During the very first sermon I heard him preach, he emphasized on how couples must make it a goal to be equal contributors in the kitchen, bedroom and every single aspect of their matrimony – simple message. But something clicked in my head and I have one of those rare moments where a man is united with his gut feeling. For some reason, I couldn’t shake off the inkling to settle for score draws in all the matches I would later select on my football betting slip. Highly unlikely odds, I had thought, until my obedience was amply rewarded.

Then came the next sermon, which had the burden of determining if my last winning was a fluke or not. This time, Pastor Obasoto focused on David and Goliath and how God has equipped us to be giant killers. I obliged by putting my money on the underdogs for my next bet and it paid off. Again.

After four straight winning tickets, my joy knew no bounds and I couldn’t help but bear witness.

“Lekan, are you insane?” Sade had asked.

“First of all, gambling is a huge sin; secondly, claiming God has been aiding and abetting you through a pastor, is beyond blasphemy.”

The following Sunday, Sade and I sat at different pews but every now and then, I caught her glaring at me as I jotted down sermon notes or betting predictions, if you like. I paid her no mind.

Yes, any seasoned bettor would tell you not to bank hundred percent on predictions from experts, but so far so good, God has hasn’t failed me yet.