John ESENE

     Our political leaders promised to set Nigeria free from economic hardships, insecurity and corruption and return Nigeria to her position as the Giant of Africa. But as usual, after the election the situation became worst. Yet, before they clocked two years in office, they began to campaign for second tenure. And we all folded our hands watching them for fear that they would kill us if we protest as they did to the HUNGER PROTESTERS!

    An old woman said recently, “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 neighbors boldly say to me daily, ‘Where is your God?” Psalm 42:11 asked and answered the question thus, “Why are you cast down, my soul? Why groan within me? Hope in God; I will praise him still, my Savior and my God.” If only you can meditate on the above calmly when you are troubled, you will end it with a beautiful smile as God consoles you! God who created us has not finished with us. He foresaw our problems and has solutions for them but we need to come very close to Him to enable us experience and appreciate Him.

     My God neither sleeps nor slumbers: He waits patiently for men 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 enslaving the Israelites in Egypt, they asked same question, “Where is your God?” and when God sent Moses to say, “Let my people go!” Pharaoh had no choice rather than to let them go. When God arises, fraudsters roasting Nigerians will go forever. But we all need to play our roles and wait on God to fulfill His promises.

    Like the people of Nineveh, let us repent sincerely and pray to Our Lord and God who has the power to set us free from the political leaders who are there for their self-esteem. But we cannot go to Him if we refuse to despise the perishable things of the world and aspire only after the things that are eternal.

    Proverb 27:17 says, “People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.”  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? O God, we need your consolation!

    Our God is a God of justice and has not changed. He who sets the Israelites free from Egypt will set Nigeria free if we confess our sins and cry to Him with faith. Mt 10 .28 says, “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.”

    On our part, we should treat others the way we want to be treated kindly and respectfully. Treat others with compassion without compelling them to reward you. Do not mock those who are confused, wounded, sorrowing, gone astray, weary and hopeless. Most times, we compare ourselves with others and look down on those we rated below ourselves and envy those above us. Everybody has his or her needs: nobody exists without problems and every problem has its expiring date.

     Be careful what you say or do as a child of God who watches over you. Most times we say or do certain things contrary to the Christian Faith we professed especially when we forget that God sees us 24/7.  When Aaron and Miriam were murmuring against Moses, God reprimanded them thus, “How dare you speak against my servant Moses?” Num 12:8.

      2 Tim 2:12 says, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us.” The economic recession has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. Yet, I say to you today, do not deny Jesus and follow the way of the world. Every problem has expiring date.  Continue to trust God and do good things irrespective of your trials and tribulations. God cares for you and sees all that is happening to you! “A good name is better than precious ointment” Ecc. 7:1. By your good work you can evangelize others and save yourself too!

    When you pray and allow God to open your eyes and ears to see and hear, your feet will be on the road to eternal: the beginning of a new life. You will be generous to others even if they are not generous to you. Before people offend you, you will have forgiven them. You will be kind to others and not just your friends alone. You will be patient with others even when they are impatient with you and kind to others even when they are unkind to you. These changes in you will attract people who see you as a living saint to you and will make them to emulate you as their mentor! In the process, your account in heaven will be increasing daily as your reward is in heaven. The saints did ordinary things in extra ordinary ways!   

    As Christians, it is compulsory for our actions to portray our religiosity: the message of Jesus Christ as handed over to the Church and avoid hypocrisy at all cost.  We should not allow wealth or status to blindfold us while we look forward to God for rescue. Let us put God first in all our situations even if we have to suffer and pay dearly for it like the Apostles of Christ did. After all, Jesus bore our infirmities, He was wounded for our transgressions and by His stripes we have been healed. So, the penalty has been paid in full. We have been ransomed and redeemed, sanctified and set free by Christ! Let us rise and follow His command in faith and trust.