TRUST IN THE LORD
Dearly beloved, I bring you greetings in the name that is above every other name, Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, and our soon coming King. What a joy it is to be alive, on this first Sunday in the month of May. Thank God for His goodness and kindness towards us. It is of His mercies we are not consumed, great is His faithfulness.
Let me quickly share a few things with us this morning;
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV)
Beloved, more than ever before, I believe that we need to get back to the foundations of our faith; part of which is to know and understand what it truly means to trust God, and hope in Him. More especially now with the situation caused by the pandemic, when most people are filled with anxiety and confusion, not knowing where to turn or what’s going to happen next. Coupled with the fast pace of this technological and internet-based age, the advent of artificial intelligence, everyone is trying to find their place. However, I want to ask you sincerely, “In the midst of all this, do you trust God?” Is God your hope? Please, do not be quick to give me your answer, reflect on the question carefully.
Now don’t misunderstand what I’m saying; trusting in God does not mean that you will be docile and do nothing. Neither does it mean that you spend all your time praying without taking any action – none of which will lead to experiencing God’s blessings. What it means is that you rely totally on God to direct every move you make, every decision you take. It means that, after you have prayed and received a blueprint from God, implement it. Solomon captured it in the best way possible in Proverbs 3:5-6, “…in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths”. As humans, we are limited in our understanding, and so must always connect to God’s omniscience, in order for you to flourish and remain at the top.
Beloved, part of the blessings that you enjoy when you trust in the Lord is that you will “…not be careful in the year of drought…” Do you know what that means? It simply means that even in austere conditions while others are complaining and saying there’s a casting down, you will not be anxious, but will in spite of the negative conditions, continue posting great results and achieving great things. How else do you think Isaac was able to reap 100-fold harvest in the time of famine? He trusted in God! He put his hope in God, and he was not disappointed. (Gen. 26).
Child of God, it does not matter the economic postulations, predictions, or the policies in place, I declare that you will soar above them. This year, as you trust in the Lord, you will experience His manifest Grace in every area of your life.
Maranatha!
In His Royal Service,
Dr. Mike Okonkwo
The Presiding Bishop
