SURVIVING IN HARD TIMES

GROW INTO CHRIST (PART 2 OF 2)

May 28, 2022

IN HIS PRESENCE

May 30, 2022

29th MAY 2022

‘The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.'” – 1 Kings 17:14

Except we are not fair in our judgment, we would agree that living has become increasingly challenging to most people, believers inclusive, thereby making most people live below one dollar per day. How do we rise against the awful situation?

The strongest, most inspiring people in history are compassionate persons with a great heart to love and care for others despite their difficulties and challenges. What gives people the ability to love where others refused to give love? Faith; Faith is the decision to love, no matter the circumstances. And the more you choose to love, the greater your faith will grow.

The story of the widow of Zarephath and Elijah tells how a faith-driven love opened the windows of abundance for a woman who was barely coping with life. Elijah asked her for a piece of bread, and the destitute widow used her last bit of flour and oil to bake for him. The prophet then blessed the woman and her child and assured them that their supplies of flour and oil would never be diminished or run dry. (1 Kings 17:7-16).

It’s easy to lose hope in this upside-down world full of poverty, war, and pain. Although love under these conditions can seem pointless—even weak. But sill, Love is the key to abundance. You have to give with love, without doubt whatsoever to succeed in our world. Love can be complicated though, but love is our most important purpose on earth. Love builds faith and nurtures hope so that our readiness to love God in service to humanity will sharpen our sense of charity.

To rise above hard times, we need to do the following things:

1.     Pray without ceasing.

2.     Develop a good relationship with God.

3.     Care and give to others in need.

4.     Get inspired by the people who have overcome distress through charity and faith.

5.     Explore the realm of gratitude for all the things you’ve received.

6.     Make every effort to obey the commandments of God; Confess and ask for pardon where necessary.

Without faith, it’s difficult to please God. Faith is the decision to love when it seems impossible. In difficult times, rather than give in and settle for less, set a daily intention to love—no matter how hard it may be. Then, watch and see how God’s blessings come down on you and your household.

PRAYER

Father, grant my needs in these trying times. By faith, I extend love in charity. Receive my thanksgiving in Jesus name. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Psalm 23; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 5:7; Mark 9:23.

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.