Did I ever tell you how we thought one child was all we needed? Oh yes, Patrick and I were perfectly content with Abiah. She was the perfect blend of cute and chaos, and we thought, “This is it. Our family is complete.” I even had a name for this philosophy: How to Have Dominion with Just One Child. Spoiler alert—it didn’t work out as planned.
I call this one: How to Have Dominion: A Story of Multiplication
Now, my mama always said, “Two kids are just to replace yourselves-husband and wife; you need a third and beyond to multiply and fill the earth.” Wise words, but at the time, I wasn’t buying it. Abiah was 8 or 9 years old, and peace reigned in our home. Well, mostly peace. Then one day, Abiah, in her 8-year-old wisdom, declared, “When I grow up, I’ll have 12 children! It’s not good for a child to grow alone.” Cue laughter and a bit of dread from me.
Well, God, with His sense of humour and impeccable timing, answered her prayer. Enter Ella.
Ella, our precious gift, also came with a talent for shaking things up. Suddenly, the harmonious balance between Patrick, Abiah, and me was replaced with sleepless nights, Ella’s dramatic flair, and endless activity. She filled the house with joy—and noise. It didn’t take long for Abiah to reconsider her dream of 12 children. “I think five is enough,” she said after one particularly dramatic Ella moment.
Here’s the thing: God is strategic. He doesn’t just hand you a trophy and say, “Congrats, you’re in charge now!” Nope. He told the Israelites in Exodus 23:29, “I will not drive them out before you in a single year, lest the land become desolate and the wild animals multiply against you.” Translation? God knows if you bite off more than you can chew, you’ll end up being chewed—possibly by a lion.
The lesson here is simple: Dominion isn’t just about taking over; it’s about growing into the responsibility. Whether it’s family, ministry, or business, growth is gradual, and numbers matter. Multiplication is God’s strategy for dominion.
Fast forward three years, and we had another baby, Ethan. Let’s just say the multiplication process slowed down a bit after that. These days, we cheer on the newlyweds to “fill the earth” while watching Abiah live out her love for children in a different way. She dreams of starting a children’s home to care for kids who don’t have parents to love them. Her dream of 12 kids may have evolved, but her heart for multiplication remains steadfast.
This post isn’t about birth control or the lack thereof. It’s about understanding that even in God-given assignments, it won’t always be easy—but you’re not alone. Growth, whether in numbers or capacity, takes time and effort. Starting small is scriptural, but staying small isn’t the goal. So whether you’re parenting, building a business, or working in ministry, remember: multiplication is the strategy. God is waiting for you to grow—and He’s got your back every step of the way.
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Here are the Lessons from the Story of Multiplication
- God’s Timing is Perfect
Dominion is not achieved overnight. Just as God told the Israelites He wouldn’t drive out their enemies all at once (Exodus 23:29), He prepares us gradually for the responsibilities He assigns to us. Growth takes time, and rushing it could overwhelm us. Trust His process. - Multiplication Requires Capacity
Whether it’s growing a family, ministry, or business, numbers alone are not enough—you need the capacity to manage and sustain growth. Peace and harmony can easily be disrupted if we expand beyond our ability to handle what we’ve taken on. Build steadily and wisely. - Challenges are Part of the Assignment
Multiplication doesn’t mean ease. Whether it’s sleepless nights with a newborn or navigating obstacles in ministry or business, challenges are guaranteed. But with God’s guidance, perseverance will lead to fruitfulness. Every challenge shapes us to handle more. - Start Small, but Don’t Stay Small
Growth often begins humbly, but it should never remain stagnant. Multiplication is a divine strategy for dominion—whether it’s expanding your influence, nurturing a family, or fulfilling your purpose. Be diligent in growing the numbers and impact in the area God has called you to.
This reminds me of a chapter in Faith Mathenge’s book, Yes Lord! Yielding to God’s Call Upon Your Life. The chapter is called “Called to Suffering.” Weh! Let me be honest—when I first opened the book, I was excited about the other chapters like “Called to Reconciliation,“ “Called to Sanctification,“ “Called to Unity of the Spirit,” Called to Making of Disciples,” “Called to Stewardship,” “Called to Raising a Godly Offspring,” and “Called to Finish Well.” But when I landed on this one, I paused. Who wants to be called to suffering? Not me! But the truth is, trials and challenges are part of life.
Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Notice He didn’t say, “In this world you might have a little hiccup or two.” He said many troubles. And while none of us would volunteer for the “Suffering Sign-Up Sheet,” Faith’s chapter reminds us that these trials are often the very tools God uses to prepare us for dominion.
You see, you cannot have dominion for God until you’ve first said yes to God. And saying yes means surrendering to His will—even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or downright hard. Faith’s book is an inspiring, heartfelt guide to living a life fully yielded to God’s call, whether it’s in the joyful moments or the “Ella crying at 3 a.m.” moments.
So, are you a follower of Jesus Christ yearning to understand, live out, and fulfill God’s unique purpose for your life? Are you wrestling with specific promptings from God that point toward your life’s mission? Or perhaps you’re just starting your Christian journey, curious about what it means to truly follow Jesus?
Grab a copy of Yes Lord! because trust me, you’ll need the encouragement when God starts calling you into territories that stretch your faith. After all, dominion isn’t just about multiplying numbers; it’s about multiplying faith, obedience, and trust—even when life feels like one big chapter titled “Called to Suffering.”
Meet the Author
Faith Nyokabi Mathenge is a minister of God’s Word, an award-winning author of Taking Possession with Jesus, and Yes Lord, a customs practitioner, and a capacity-building expert. She is also a mentor, blogger at reflectontheword.com, and an emerging researcher.
Faith is deeply passionate about equipping the body of Christ for ministry, dedicating her life to the teaching of God’s Word, discipleship, and mentorship. Her expertise spans customs, leadership, and finance, areas where she holds numerous professional and academic certifications. She skillfully integrates these proficiencies into her church and workplace assignments, all for the glory of God.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Faith is the last-born child of Joseph and Mary Mathenge and has four siblings. She currently resides in the historically-rich city of Brussels, where she continues her journey of faith and service. Faith is grateful for her supportive family, who have steadfastly encouraged her throughout her life’s journey.
To find more about Faith, and her inspiring work, please visit African Christian Authors Book Award – ACABA
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
African Christian Authors Book Award – ACABA
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