Before Temitope Balogun Joshua (1963–2021) became a global voice for faith, he walked in quiet obedience, trusting God through humble beginnings. Like David, who faced lions in the fields before giants on the battlefield, T.B. Joshua’s journey to leading the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) was forged in private preparation. His ministry, shared through Emmanuel TV, touched millions with messages of healing, deliverance, and hope, often using anointing oil and Anointing Water as symbols of God’s call and power. This blog explores how Joshua’s life reflects the truth that anointing is not immunity from trials but empowerment through faith, set apart by obedience to God.
A Foundation Built in Faith
Born on June 12, 1963, in Arigidi Akoko, Nigeria, T.B. Joshua grew up in poverty, raised by a Muslim uncle after his Christian father’s passing. Despite financial struggles that ended his formal education early, Joshua’s heart was shaped by trust in God. He worked humble jobs, including at a poultry farm, before answering a divine call to ministry in 1987. Founding SCOAN in Lagos, he built a ministry that welcomed thousands weekly and reached millions through television, proclaiming God’s power to heal and restore.
Joshua’s life mirrors the biblical pattern of preparation before anointing. Just as David tended sheep before being anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16), Joshua’s early years of obscurity prepared him for a public purpose. His ministry’s use of anointing oil and Anointing Water became a hallmark, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s empowerment for those who believed.
Anointing Attracts the Battle
Anointing draws both attention and opposition, as seen in Joshua’s ministry. The Bible shows that God’s call often invites challenges—David faced Goliath after his anointing, and Jesus was tested in the wilderness after His baptism (Matthew 3–4). Similarly, Joshua’s bold faith invited spiritual battles, yet he taught that these trials confirm God’s purpose. “The greatest way to use life is to spend it on something that will outlive it,” he said, urging believers to stand firm in faith.
Joshua’s use of anointing oil and Anointing Water was an act of obedience, not a magical solution. Rooted in James 5:14–15—“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord”—these tools were points of contact for faith. For example, Harriet Mpinganjira from Malawi shared how, after prayer and ministering Anointing Water, her chronic tooth pain vanished, a testimony she attributed to God’s power through faith. Likewise, Rebekah Ahorsu from Ghana praised God for her husband’s promotion after using Anointing Water in prayer, fulfilling their dream to build a school. These stories highlight that the oil or water was a symbol, not the source, of God’s work.
Anointing: Empowerment Through Faith
Joshua’s ministry emphasized that anointing is not immunity from struggles but empowerment to overcome them. As Psalm 23:5 declares, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” God’s anointing thrives amid challenges, equipping believers with divine authority. Joshua distributed Anointing Water freely at SCOAN, encouraging prayerful use to activate faith, whether for healing, provision, or spiritual breakthrough.
His approach reflected the biblical role of anointing oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, seen in the Tabernacle’s lampstand (light), showbread (fellowship), and altar of incense (worship). Joshua’s faith echoed David’s in 1 Samuel 17:37: “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion… will deliver me.” He taught that trials refine believers, preparing them for greater assignments.
The Attacks Reveal the Assignment
The opposition Joshua faced was not random—it pointed to his calling. The enemy targets what God anoints, attacking peace to silence those called to bring calm, or stirring doubt to hinder those destined for boldness. Joshua’s ministry faced scrutiny, but he pressed on, trusting God’s purpose. As believers, the battles we face reveal what Heaven wants to amplify. If you’re under pressure, take heart—your struggles are proof you carry something valuable.
At The Anointing Oil Shop, we see anointing oil as a biblical symbol of consecration, declaring, “This one is set apart for God’s purpose.” When you anoint in faith, you align with God’s power, just as Joshua did, trusting Him to work through obedience.
Lessons for Today’s Believers
T.B. Joshua’s life offers timeless lessons for walking in God’s anointing:
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Faith Fuels Anointing: Anointing oil is a tool of obedience, not power itself. Like Joshua, pray with faith, trusting God’s strength.
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Trials Confirm Calling: Opposition signals God’s purpose. Stand firm, knowing battles prepare you for victory.
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Balance Faith and Wisdom: Seek medical care as needed, trusting God’s guidance, and stand in faith when He confirms healing.
Forged for Purpose
T.B. Joshua’s journey shows that anointing is forged in the furnace of faith. Before the oil flows, God builds character, obedience, and trust. His use of anointing oil and Anointing Water was a declaration of faith, empowering believers to face battles with divine authority. At The Anointing Oil Shop, our anointing oils are crafted to support this biblical practice, symbolizing your surrender to the Holy Spirit. Let Joshua’s faith inspire you to anoint, pray, and trust God, knowing that your trials are shaping you for a purpose that outlives you.
Embrace your calling, and let God’s power shine through your faith.