YOUR NEXT STEPS WHEN TIMES ARE HARD

11th JUNE 2023

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

Life has become extremely challenging as the global economy is witnessing a downturn. Side by side with the economic downturn is a breakdown of security or safety. In Africa, especially in Nigeria, life has become worthless as kidnapping and gruesome murder become the order of the day. You need to understand that, it is prevalent these days to witness abuse and pain being inflicted on the weak. Some of us watch others going through crises but are unable to help; humanity has come under heavy trauma, and this is the time to change every negative situation ravaging humanity. Africans, especially Nigerians have never been this hopeless, having to grapple with poverty and insecurity same time

Although God has given us the strength and courage to withstand and conquer every upheaval in life, there is still that jelly-like nature in us that is very quick to melt away or quiver in the face of trauma. Usually, when confronted with these kinds of situations, we usually feel desperate and wonder if God is still with us. The question that most people are asking is how to cope with these present global economic and security issues.  While the government is struggling to fix these problems for us, we can do much more at individual levels to complement the efforts of our leaders.

 First, you have to note that those who are caught up in the web of negative circumstances are not more sinners, careless and disobedient folks than the rest, it’s just the grace of God that is working to keep the rest multitude safe.  Therefore, do not take the grace of God for granted.

How do we live with these unfavourable circumstances and human weaknesses ravaging our world at the moment?

 One – you must understand that desperate times call for desperate measures; therefore, you must be fast in seeking help. The word of God is telling us today that God is present in all our problems, ready to help us overcome our travails. Therefore, begin to SHIFT your attention to God; Perhaps, we have been far away from Him.

Two – cry to God for help as the woman in 2 Kings 4:1-7. After each prayer section, wait for God to talk with you. Let God do His work.  Learn to talk with God from within; He lives in you! Learn to fellowship with the holy spirit, He is in you!

Three – Look beyond your problems. Do not cut down your faith like Peter by focusing on the problem. Instead, fix your gaze on Jesus. He knows what to do.  In the face of insecurity and poverty, it might be difficult to concentrate on God in constant supplications. Don’t be distracted by these negative happenings; Amid the chaos, lean on God nevertheless.

Four – Read the scriptures daily and confess the word of faith to yourself.  This is the time to believe in God’s providence and the power of His Grace.  Daily reading of the scriptures will open your sense of right belief; A belief that God is in charge all the time. If God is in charge, then we are safe and secure in every situation.

Five: Seek Godly or professional counselling in your church or workplace. Many are currently suffering from mental health issues and have become disillusioned and depressed. Where necessary, an expert will be invited to tend to your peculiar problems.

 Six – come out of your comfort zone to help others in need; lend a helping hand to someone in need, and help put a smile on someone’s face.  In a society ravaged by poverty and insecurity, we cannot stop helping and loving the weak among us. Therefore, loving our neighbours as ourselves brings forth the miracle to overcome our problems. Remember, those who give in times of trouble to help others are adequately compensated at an appropriate time and place.

Seven – Help to pray for world peace, especially, pray for the peace and prosperity of your country. When the Lord created the world, He declared that everything He created will remain good. Therefore, stand upon the declaration of the Lord God and declare peace and harmony upon the world.

PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I present my travails before you today, and I call forth your presence into my life. Therefore, I declare every mountain in my life is brought down NOW. Lord, as when the waters boil under fire, so your presence will tremble my adversaries and set me free from all forms of bondage. AMEN

FURTHER READING: Psalm 46:9-10