He knew better than we could ever know, the kind of troubles we would have to face; and well ahead of them, He promised us His peace and gave it freely. “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Letting us know that in the face of serious challenges to our peace, when the only thing we see is trouble and fear, He has given us peace. That peace will overshadow and calm every storm in ways that only He can. “Peace, be still…” (Mark 4:39)
Nothing could have prepared them for what happened a month later. The whole village was caught unawares. We all woke up to a regular day and were going about our regular business. It was early, around 7 a.m. For Tobi and Laide, they had woken up early, as usual. Activities on their farm was off to an early start. Laide went to collect fresh eggs from the chicken pen and on her way, picked some fresh tomatoes to fry with the eggs. Although the farm had a big poultry unit, she kept her own chickens in a pen, within her reach. She also had a small garden of her own, where she grew a few vegetables for their needs. She delighted in serving her family fresh food. It was one of the perks of farm living.
A lot of us struggle with money, especially as Christians. There are many preconceived notions and misconceptions about money. Some even say that ‘Money is the root of all evil’, misquoting the Bible verse that says “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1Timothy 6:10 NKJV
When we work, do business, sell stuff and the money gets in our hands, what do we do with it? Does it fritter through our hands faster than it came, or we are able to retain some after all expenses have been paid?
I may not be able to explain why the things causing this pain have been allowed to happen or even linger. All I know is that when I call to Him, in my distress, He will answer me (Psalm 120:1). He will be with me in trouble. He will rescue me and honour me (Psalm 91:15). He is my Father and my God (Psalm 89:26) and I trust Him to make it all good in His time (Eccle.3:1,11).
It’s high time we came out of our shells and the limitations of culture and tradition and open ourselves up for health and healing by sharing our feelings. Like has been popularly said in counselling situations, “ How does that make you feel?”
I’m glad to be alive to celebrate this Easter and I am glad to shout with brethren, the world over “ He is Risen”. Can we also add to that and mean it, “He is Coming Again!”
I believe we are alive at this time for a reason. And whatever we need to survive and thrive in this world has been made available by God. When we look to Him for guidance and help, He will provide all the help that we need. He says “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 NLT
COVID-19 is still there. Like an irritant that refuses to go away. And there is still only so much I can do, but I am getting something done. I feel such a relief! I thought my life was over. It’s funny how people around me have been going about their normal business. I just couldn’t get myself together. Mind you, I tried. I avoided listening to the news, I kept my conversations positive. And yet.
The Lagos State governor, in an address recently stated “After almost 18 months of daily confronting this virus, it is understandable that many are tired and want their old, pre-pandemic lives to return. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice in this regard, and fatigue is not an option. We cannot afford to be tired, frustrated or distracted. The enemy is formidable – and opportunistic…”
For those with similar stories, my new book, “Your Money & You” will help you to come to terms with your financial realities and provides tips and habit changes required to ensure you attain some level of financial stability and independence.
I agree that it is time to move on, but we must be properly equipped for the journey ahead. This is not a journey for the fainthearted. We must focus on the Good Shepherd who knows the way and the destination. Why? We have not travelled this way before. The terrain is strange to us and we do not have a map to follow. But, we have the Way with us. He is ready and willing to guide us. His thoughts towards us are good and He has good plans for us.
A life of no regrets is unrealistic. However, this does not mean we should go to town, misbehaving at will. While it is true that human nature is fallible, when we rely on God to help us and guide us, we can live a fruitful and productive life, where we are constantly learning and adjusting our behavior as we go through life. That is an enabled life. A life of marvelous help from God. That is what we should aim for.
Why is it that seemingly overnight, the nation has turned into a war zone? Kidnappings everywhere, ethnic clashes, terrorist attacks, bandit attacks, traffic robberies, insecurity, name it. All of these happenings are ruining the peace of the populace and yet, no voice from the top leadership. Do they no have anything to say and do for the people of Nigeria?