John ESENE

When I remember the Nigeria of old, day and night, I weep uncontrollably as there is no food for me and my family. And my enemies boldly say to me daily, “Where is your God”.

Now that insecurity and hardship have become intolerant, most of us have begun to question God Our Creator who has been merciful to us beyond our expectations. James consoles us in chapter 1:2-4 when he said, “My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trails come your way, because you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trails, the result is the ability to endure. Be sure that your endurance carries you all the way, without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

       “Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise Him still, my Savior and my God” (Ps 42:11). If you allow the devil to persuade you to believe God has forsaken you, he will eventually dominate your life and lord it over your soul. So, watch and pray not to be overpowered by ignorance and lack of faith in God who brought you out of Egypt. My people say, “He who forgets the tree that sheltered him from the rain is an ingrate!

Are you being oppressed? Is your heart broken? Is your spouse intimidating you? Has your situation degenerated to a state where you find yourself in total hopelessness? The Redeemer who lives and reigns will rise and ensure all your enemies are scattered. But how clean are you? Those who go to equity should have clean hands. So, I suggest you confess your sins and be repentant. Have you abandoned the Lord? Is your will in conformity with God’s will for you?

Jer 29:11-14 says, “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plan to bring about the future you hope for. Then, you will call to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land”.

    When our prayers are not answered immediately, most of us will conclude that God is too busy to hear our prayer. Sometimes we ignorantly give God conditions as we pray to Him and insist that our will must be done. “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what you will” Mk 14:36. Like our Lord Jesus Christ, let us submit ourselves to God’s will at all times. “You Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands. I am always aware of the Lord’s presence; He is near, and nothing can shake me.” Ps16:5, 8.  God knows all you are going through and He will surely come to your aid at His own time.

Our God has not changed. He will see us through all our difficulties and open our eyes as He did to Hagar that we may see our miracles and testify to God’s goodness in Jesus’ name! Every problem has expiring date: we should not give up thinking that God will not answer us. No! He is not on holiday. Since He created man, He has not rested because He cares for man.

     Our God neither sleeps nor slumbers: He waits patiently for us to repent and return to Him. Will He who created heaven and earth allows evil men to crush us forever? No! When the Egyptians were lording it over the Israelites, they asked the same question, “Where is your God” and when God sent Moses to say, “Let my people go!” Pharaoh had no choice but let them go indeed. When God arises, fraudsters roasting Nigerians will go. 

      What we are experiencing today, the Israelites experienced same but turned to God who heard their prayers and saved them. Where is the Moses in our midst to lead us to the Promised Land or moment of peace and joy that comes from above? O God, we need your consolation!

The Israelites suffered in Egypt (a foreign land) for 430 years but God took them out of that land in just one night. When the odds are against us, we should try to remember the past wonders God did for us rather than murmur against Him like the Israelites in the wilderness.

     Our God is a God of justice and has not changed. He who set the Israelites free from Egypt will set Nigeria free if we confess our sins and cry to Him with faith. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

     There are very few people today who have refused to abandon their righteous way of living because of the situation in our country. “A good name is better than precious ointment” Ecc 7:1. By your good work you can evangelize others and save yourself!

     Jesus said in Mathew 10 .28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell.” David never looked back nor gave up his hope and trust in God irrespective of his situation. Daniel did not change his life style because of persecution from friends and enemies. When his problem expired, God rescued him. Your name is neither David nor Daniel but you are also a child of God.

     Dear readers, let us form the habits of Godly life: a  life of prayer, faith in God, meditation on the word of God, obedience to God, dependence on the Holy Spirit, giving to God and others, forgiving those who offend us. Ensure you thank God daily! Please, try to possess them as your habits and you will not regret it.