HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH
Intro:
Have you prayed and believed God for something and it appears He didn’t answer or His answer is different from your requests? This post brings you some encouragement. It addresses the devastation that many are feeling from the results of last week’s presidential elections in Nigeria that saw the incumbent declared winner. Many have described it as the biggest electoral heist in modern Nigerian history. But the message of this post is relevant to all who are feeling disappointed or confused by God’s seeming silence to their prayers or the answer He has given which doesn’t match their expectations.
[bctt tweet=”Disappointed or confused by God’s ‘silence’ or answer to your prayers? Check this out.” username=”edithohaja1″]
This week has been a nightmare for many Nigerians. Almost four years of suffering under the present government that has seen Nigeria become a flaming dictatorship and the poverty capital of the world seem set to be doubled following the electoral ‘results’ that have been announced. The implication is that tyranny is digging in but it is well. People are asking, “What was the use of praying? Why did we go to so much trouble to vote?” My dear, prayer is never wasted and doing the right thing should never be regretted even if it doesn’t yield immediate dividends. When you have done your part, you leave the rest to God.
Do not lose your faith when the situation you prayed for remains unchanged. Trust that God knows what He’s doing.
There’s a sense of déjà vu in all this. This horror or one close to it has happened before. Many are washing their hands off our perverted system. Many are exhausted from believing so hard that a positive change can come through the ballot box and working towards it. But we shouldn’t let the seeming triumph of the present evil, so brazenly orchestrated, overwhelm us.
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(Related: Be Patient When God Delays)
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We should remain committed to holding onto God for peace and progress in this country. We should keep looking up to Him for safety. If we lose our faith in Him, what else do we have, where shall we run to? So, keep praying, even if all you can do now is vent your anger. When David was persecuted, He ran to God and complained bitterly as recorded in the Psalms. Never believe the lie that He doesn’t care or isn’t working.
[bctt tweet=”It is okay to vent your frustrations in prayer. David, Habakkuk and others did.” username=”edithohaja1″]
Habakkuk the prophet was tired of the evil/injustice that prevailed in Judah even after much prayer and asked God some hard questions about it.
“2. O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence’ and you will not save? 3. Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” – Habakkuk 1:2-4 (ESV)
He could have taken the words from many a mouth in Nigeria right now!
God did answer Habakkuk but it wasn’t the answer he expected. God said He was sending the Babylonians to punish Judah. What? Habakkuk was bewildered. How do you punish Judah through an even more evil nation? How is that justice?
“How can you, whose eyes are too pure to see evil, who can’t look at wrong, stand by and watch silently while the wicked consume those who are more righteous than they?” – Habakkuk 1:13 (paraphrased).
God assured Habakkuk that Babylon will later be punished and that the good things He purposed for Judah will yet come to pass. In Habakkuk 2:3, He averred that,
“the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
And in verse 4, He stated that “the just shall live by his faith.”
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(Related: Noah And The Flood: A Lesson In Patience)
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Habakkuk came out of that conversation strengthened and glorifying the Lord. God had not forsaken His people, He was still in control. Although He allowed certain things to happen which contradicted their prayers, He would ultimately deliver them. See the level of confidence and joy with which Habakkuk ended his report:
“17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18. yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
The same God is our God! So, pour your complaints to Him. I’m certain He will tell you something that will comfort you and lift up your spirits. Also pray for wisdom and courage for the leaders of the Nigerian opposition. They are caught between a rock and a hard place. What will be the benefit of a legal challenge or any form of protest in the face of the incumbent’s ruthlessness and disregard for the rule of law?
Conclusion:
Do not let yourself unravel as a result of what we’re seeing now or any challenge you face in life. Do not give in to despair. Let us see what God will do for us as individuals, as families and as a nation. He alone is God. And He is good; His mercies endure for ever.
[bctt tweet=”God is always working even when we don’t perceive it.” username=”edithohaja1″]
Remember, the mills of God grind slowly, an English proverb says. But they do grind and you get the best flour afterwards.
Relevant scriptures:
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” – 1 Peter 3:12.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” – Psalm 55:22
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” – Psalm 16:8
Prayer:
Almighty God, You are forever faithful and those who trust in You can have the confidence that You work everything out for their good. Prevent a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria. Save us from systematic and state-assisted killings of Christians in the North and different ethnic groups in the South. Ambush those who cling to power to pillage the country and reduce her to destitution, dear Father. Frustrate every Islamic agenda and land grabbing by the ruling Fulani. Grant us justice, peace and progress, O Lord, and let the things we have suffered lately lead to a massive spread of the gospel in Nigeria. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Hi! Would love to read your reactions to this post. And kindly drop a prayer for Nigeria in the comments.
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The scriptures in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible except where otherwise stated.
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English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Lord, preserve our country Nigeria because irrespective of who is President, you remain our King.
Amen. Our God reigns forever. Have a great new month, Chisomebi!
This post has brought uplightment and encouragement to me, one thing that I learnt from this post is that my prayer is never waste. God answers my prayer, only that it might not come to manisfestation now but it will definitely happen at the appointed time, so no need for me to worry, because God always hears me.
It can only be delayed but not denied…but the truth is that, all these things are easier said that done or should I say held on to..we all need grace to even have faith at some point…God will see us through because at the end we all need patience
Since the holidays, I have been praying and believing God for my school fees and accommodation fee. It seems like he shut his ears to me. I cried, I fasted and even went for vigils. Ma, thanks for this message cos as I saw it, tears ran down my eyes. I’m at a loss of what to do…. I can’t go back to school. I needed this encouragement more than anyone. Thanks so much.
So sorry to hear your problem. May God provide speedily for you in Jesus’ name. In the meantime, come back to school and stay with a friend or relative to attand lectures. When God eventually provides for you, you will find it hard coping if you missed too many classes and this semester is extra short due to the long strike.
God knows the best for his people even though we tried to remove the selfish and bad leader but it didn’t work out , we shouldn’t be sad in all things God works for good. We should just pray and believe in God and have faith that everything will be fine one day by his grace.
Thank you, Edith. This season I am seeing things i never thought would start to emerge. Your write is so timely. God bless you. Love ya..
My dear sister, there has been evil in the world from the earliest of times but it’s getting worse as the Bible predicts. Yet, the just shall live by his faith as God promises in the book of Habakkuk! That is our inheritance in Jesus’ name. Love you too! ❤️
It’s been a long time since i visited your blog aunty Edith but reading this post and feeling such encouragement from your words, i realize i should never have stopped. Your words of wisdom and hope are sorely needed right now when millions of people have gradually given up and have resigned themselves to another four years of hardship. I believe that there’s a reason things happened the way they did and i’m sure that though things may seem bleak for us now, God’s will must prevail. Thank you so much for this post aunty.
I’m glad you were encouraged, Kat. God is definitely in control and He will see us through in Jesus’ name.
My heart goes out to you all. Praying his mighty hand covers the believers there and surrounds you with his mighty angels.
Amen. Thanks a whole lot and may God protect the Christians in your own country too, from the corruption of the world and from harassment from the political correctness crowd.
This presidential election was the worst so far but irrespective of who is on the seat, the Lord is the overall leader. I hope we survive this period and there’s never a time God is late in answering prayer. He wants everything to be perfect for his creation. Thank you.
Yes, God is the ultimate ruler and we should trust Him to fix things for us. May He intervene in your personal affairs too and bless you according to your needs in Jesus’ name.
Indeed, this post brought some encouragement to me. I will keep believing in God and keep thanking him in what he does in my life. God bless you ma
All things work together for good. God knows everything, even the things that will happen in the future.
All through the campaign,my church has been praying seriously about the election……but the result shocked everyone. Anyway, I believe that God has a reason for everything and he will still do something.
God has, will and always answers prayers. Irrespective of what the outcome of our prayers is, we should always know God has better plans ahead.
We should always believe in God in whatever we do,in all our daily activities,we should always believe that this country can change for the better. God has a reason for everything. Thanks ma for this wonderful post.
We should have it in mind that God has great plans for us
God will surely see us thru
Amen
Even God does not lose faith in us his children no matter what we do so we shouldn’t lose faith in him either because of a delay to our prayers
He is a miracle worker and I know with him our country Nigeria will truly be a better place
Hold on to your faith, pray fervently n believe that it is answered. For a truth will not fail us even when it seems hard, God wants us to display that trust we have in him.. I hope n trust God for our Country Nigeria, that it shall be a great nation.
God bless you Ma!!!
las las, everything works for good for those who believe in God, eventhough it might take time, the will of God will definately be done, as we had already put everything in his control , he will fight for us. Jeremiah 29:11 is a consolation
I was truly disappointed when Buhari was named President, I hoped that maybe it was fake news and the real story will soon be released but it didn’t happen. We still hope in God.
I felt bad after the results of the presidential election was announced.I was like ”God we told you about this…..Father you promised to deliver your children …You promised to hear us when we call” and lots more.I was really hurt because I knew how the church prayed ,fasted and cried unto God but it seems our expectations and prayers weren’t for the right time..Perhaps i pray that lets God’s will be done and manifested in Nigeria .
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9. remember his thoughts are for good and not of evil, sometimes he answers our prayers not immediately we prayed or how we said it, but when and how he deemed it fit.
It is really frustrating when the efforts of the people to remove a bad leader comes to nought. I pray that God gives us the grace to look up to him for direction.
I personally wished and prayed the elections would be for the best, but God has a reason and knows best why it turned out the way it was. And I believe He will surely see Nigerians through.
This post reminds me of when I was seeking for admission, I made 250 in my first sitting but still I couldn’t get an admission but I still prayed.I felt so sad and inferior. In my second sitting,I made 230 and I got TWO admissions in diffrent departments!!!
Having faith is not always easy but is really worth it.
I believe that no prayer is left unanswered, because God might actually be making us to wait for a better result. we should hold on to our faith at all times even though its not really that easy.
Many of us lose in God In hard times and tend to think he has forgotten us but one thing that make people backslide is always wanting to always have everything we want instantly but that it possible God want to test our faith. So don’t give up on God cause he won’t give up on you.
God will certainly see Nigeria through and will satisfy her with good things. Amen.
Today i asked God for something. I pleaded with God to do that thing for me. He did not do it. I almost cried and i asked why but then i heard a voice tell me not to question. And now i saw this post. I found out that the ability to trust God even when things does not go as we expect or pray for, is FAITH.
God’s time is the best. One thing I understand about our God is that when he answers, we even get the best results later that is much more than what we asked for. Be patient!
Nothing is as heartbreaking as praying persistently for something and it still doesn’t come to pass. I had given up on Nigerian politics, so I didn’t bother praying for God to intervene in the election because Ndi APC would do anything to remain on that seat.
But asides politics, God has a way of doing his works. I can testify to that. You might feel like he is not listening, he is not doing anything but he is definitely working and his ways are so mysterious. The only thing Christians need to do is to persevere despite all odds, be patient and never give up like I once did because our maker is never ASLEEP.
Nobody knows the mind of God. He alone know the plans he has for our country and at the right time it will come to fulfillment.
As Hebrew chapter 11 vs 1 rightly said that faith is substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen.
So when I pray and i’m not receiving the answer ,I dont relent but i have faith and pray more.thank you ma for the post its really an encouragement.
Though it hard to keep holding to our faith when it seems God is not hearing our prayers. However, God a times keeps silent to test our faith in him and when we remain persistence in him, he answers our prayers in a mysterious way, the type which when heard, you have no other option but to praise him for what he has done.
Everyone goes through challenging times. During those times, it is understandable to feel down.
Luckily for us, we have the bible to turn to when we are faced with such difficulties.
It is normal for a Christian to pass through the test of time but we should understand that everything happens for a reason and alsoGod’s time is the best
Do not let things happening around you weigh you down. God has a plan for every one of us, His thoughts for us are of peace and not evil; to bring us an expected end. So, we should keep the fire burning and hold on to our faith. God would see us through ever trial and tribulations.
This saying that the ways of the lord is different from the ways of men and that his wisdom supersedes all. We humans we only see and know of today but tomorrow we are ignorant of; we can’t seemly stop praying because who knows what would have turned out to be if we hadn’t pray. What may seem as a bad condition may be a stepping stone to your breakthrough in life. Go and ask Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers that evil act of his brothers was a path in his destiny that brought him closer in becoming the second in command in Eygpt after Pharaoh the king.
It is so hard to have faith when nothing is happening, our rational mind is always like ” its pointless having faith when you haven’t seen any outcome “. But it is when your faith is faltering that God takes control.
May God give us strength and grace to hold on to him. The results of the recently concluded Nigerian general elections have discouraged many from taking part in politics or even relying on him to answer our prayers. Truly, God has different ways of answering our prayers(which may not be in the form we expect). So, we just have to hold on to our faith and trust in him.
I pray for Nigeria. I pray that things get better, that our leaders be divinely directed to do the will of God in Nigeria in Jesus Name, Amen. Thank you Ma for this post. At this point in my life, I need this. Personally, I believe God is working out something for me and for Nigeria as well.
Bless you ma. Someone once said, ” God choose a leader to lead his people whether good or bad leader, whether good or bad governance, there is always a reason”. That is what I believe because God can not fold his hands and watch his children suffer without a cause so let’s hold on to our faith and wait on the lord, I believe he has better plans for us.
God is always making a way , where der is no way. Dats why I love and trust him.
I pray he bless our country and make it better
Faith and perseverance are important virtues in the life of a Christian. No one knows the mind of God, he works at his own designated time for a particular reason. We need not question him because he has better plans for us, what he demands from us is faithfulness even when it appears he doesn’t listen to our supplications. He knows about every situation of our lives.
Faith is an essential element for us as Christians but as humans at some point we might feel like giving up but God is ever faithful, so he will eventually come through for us, no matter how long it may take…Nice piece ma.
Faith is indeed a strong hold we are meant to operate as believers, if our faith is as small as mustard seed, it can move mountains. Habbakukk exercised faith, faith makes us do the unseen. I want a stronger faith Lord!
A nicely written piece ma. In times like this, its quite hard to keep believing in the positive when everything around you resonates with the negative. However, it is indeed wise to hold on to His word and in due time, things will change for the better.
In all honesty, it took me a long time to accept that we were back to another four years with this government. Four! 4! I still don’t want to imagine how it’s going to go down. Thank God for your post Aunty. I pray God keeps us safe no matter how dark or how unbearing the country becomes.
Hmmm, the past presidential election was something else, to say I wasn’t discouraged and heartbroken is an obvious lie. Not withstanding all things work together for good, am encouraged. God is in control.
Once again ma, you bring to us the horror of the country we call home. A country that was meant to be great now a shadow of its former self. Any time I think about the present situation in this country, am always filled with a deep sorrow knowing that there might never be a better tomorrow.
Nigeria, the giant of Africa. May we be great again.
In what ever situation you are going through always remember that God is our father and will not let us down,
We should always have faith in him that is able to do all and never stop praying for it to get better. Try to challenge him with our faith
Late last year I kept on praying for a particular thing but everywhere was stagnant.I felt it wasn’t the right time that is why God put it on hold.i was right! When it finally happened I was better satisfied
God answers prayer in three folds; Yes, No and Wait. Sometimes HE gives us answers totally different from what we asked. Why? It’s HIS will. Which of course is for our good. Thank you.
In this world, God does what He wants, man proposes while God opposes, we should wait on God, for His time never and will never expire. We might be in recession, but the Shepherd of Israel neither slumbers nor sleep. What God does not know does not happen, we should patiently wait on the Lord and hold unto our faith for that His purpose for us must surely come to pass, for the scripture says ” that the plan He has for us is of good not of evil” and even heaven and earth shall pass away His word will not pass away. His words must surely come to pass.
Indeed, our prayer is never wasted and doing the right thing should never be regretted even if it doesn’t yield immediate dividends. Our faith keeps us going even when we think the answers to our prayers are not forth coming. Likewise, our prayers for Nigeria will and can never be in vain.
I now know that even if I does not look like it, God is good. I’ll try to always trust in him, he is my faith.
No conditin is permanent , that we didn’t have a fair change of government doesn’t mean that things will not change so in as much as we have prayed and it looks like God is not answering us, we should still hold on to our faith. I believe things will turn around for good.
Losing faith in God is not an option at all. God can never fail and even though we have prayed and we have not gotten any answer from him yet, that doesn’t mean he does not hear us. God will give us the answer at the appropriate time.
The lyrics of a song I know goes thus
“HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH; WHATEVER THE DEVIL IS DOING AROUND YOU, HOLD ON TO YOUR FAITH”
This is a reminder that there is a God in heaven the most powerful. The God who created the universe and knows all that goes on in it. The situation of the country may be saying otherwise but the Lord has better plans for us and better days ahead set aside.
There is something about God that I love so much; he is the master planner. Nigeria is in the hands of God!
God knows the reason for every action He takes, so hold on to that faith. Though the presidential election moved against my wish I still believe it is the will of God, He never abandoned us, it’s only a test which will last for a while.
God’s not dead. He knows our problems even before we say them out. It may look as if it, it is taking long for your prayers to be answered, but the truth is that He always do it in His time and His time is appropriate. So, never give up on your faith. Hold onto your faith. Lo, He is with us even till the end of age.
Where can we go from His presence? Absolutely nowhere. In Him lies the solutions to all problems. Though the bible says that the long waiting heart is a cold growing heart, but God also gave us the confidence that even if it seems it’s getting long,we should still wait on Him. We need to anchor to the words of God with faith even amidst the tempest. Trembling, double mind won’t help the situation but give room for the destroyer(The Devil).
I believe that God’s plans for us is of good and not of evil. Even though sometimes things don’t work out the way we want. we should always have faith in God because with him all things are possible.
No matter what seems to be happening in this country today, i believe that God is still in charge of them all. The way we think that things will go might not even be how God wants it to go, for everything is working together for the good of those that trust in Him. God can even use our enemies to change things in this country. In everything God is in control
The best thing for Nigeria is continuous prayers, we should keep praying until something happens. by the Grace of God, we would get the change we are expecting.
I wish this administration would really right their wrongs this time. As a matter of fact, ever since Yakubu called the said result, I decided not to expect anything from the administration so that i wont disturb myself lamenting when they do nothing but lucky them, reading this post has actually made me feel obligated to pray for them since its the much I could do
We should Never give up on God even when it seems like nothing is working we should always know that God is at work. And we can grow our faith by consistent reading of the word and then we will see ourselves having the kind of faith the prophets had.
Though some situation may seem worst and irredeemable, but somewhere I believe lays a great hope for us (i.e. for Nigeria). A strong trust in God’s decision for us and prayer will lead to the redemption God holds for us (Nigeria). He knows our current situation and I believe he has a plan for us just hold on to your faith. Amen!
Well, I always hold on to my faith. However, I still believe that God can still answer through Court Judgments. Atiku can still reclaim his mandate, I believe.
At some point in life we feel down, hate our lives and crave peace of mind. Then when we turn to God and it seems like he’s not there we become even sober. But you see, the only place to go after you have been down is up, God is a loving father and he doesn’t fail. Keeping knocking on the door, he will open.
God has his own reasons for not answering our prayers when we pray sometimes maybe because it’s not yet time for us or it may put us into trouble when answered that time, so lets keep on praying and having faith because God’s time is the best.
We should hold on our faith in God always no matter what. Sometimes some situation or challenges that faces us a test to know how we can extend our faith in him.so any time trials come always believe it is well.
Thank you ma for reminding us that in everything we should hold steadfast to our faith and that nothing is too much for God. And that even though his reply may not be immediate or might not even be the answer we were waiting for, that his time and his plans for us are always better than what we think we want
God never forgets his people, what we have to do is to remain steadfast in prayer and also put our trust in the Lord. It’s in this trying time that we have to put our faith in God because he will surely deliver us.
Despite the condition of this country, God is watching over us. The situations of the country may make us doubt God and wonder if he even cares about us, but despite the situation we find ourselves in this country Nigeria, God is with us, and in him we shall trust. It may not easy, but we must keep trusting in him.
No one bosses God. We can only propose and expect but, He decides. Though, that doesn’t detract from the awesome fact that the thought He has for his children is of good and not of evil. I enjoin all Nigerians to be patriotic and supportive even though the expected change in government failed. Nigeria will be great, hopefully. Joy cometh in the morning.
There are things I’m still praying to God for. Sometimes I get frustrated especially when something doesn’t work out for me. He answers prayers, His time is the best and His time we do not know He just keeps on surprising me. Thank you Jesus
At times situations or conditions we find ourselves in tend to bend us to doubt our faith, which is really not good, hard times are periods in which we as Gods children are meant to demonstrate our faith in him, but we don’t.
No matter the turmoil or tribulations, never let go of your faith, God might just be working in your favor at that moment you’re about to throw in the towel.
Let your faith set you free.
In as much as most times, it seems God has forsaken us and is not listening to our demands. We should never loose hope in him because He said in his words that His hands are not too short nor is He deaf to listen to our supplications. Maybe that moment we are about to loose hope, He’s about to do something so wonderful in our lives. We keep persevering and not losing faith only by His Grace.
Jesus said to Peter “Peter on this rock I shall build my church ” this just sums up what this post is about never to let go of our stand before GOD no matter the circumstances surrounding us … Thank you Aunty . Praise God
faith is really important in been a Christians , without faith i dont think there is something called Christianity. holding on to our faith in trying times are very important, we shouldn’t let those times discourage us because its through those trying time we exercise our faith and this therefore makes Christianity/
Personally I do not believe prayers doesn’t work, it is just a matter of time what we asked for will come to pass. Whatever happened in the general election has happened and God knows the best, the only option we have is to pray to God for his infinite mercies and providence.
Now I understand that sometimes one can pray for one thing to happen and the contrary will be the result. I Believe the message in this post goes beyond the last concluded Nigeria election to other cercumstances in life. But one thing we have to understand is that God knows the reason why. Some people with little faith may doubt the saying that “our God is the God that answers prayers” when the results of their prayer contradict their expectations. I thank you ma for putting us on the right track with this post. Remain blessed!
This year election was the worst I have ever seen. Rigging in high places we all knew what happened but no one could speak up. May God help Nigeria
The problem with Nigeria didn’t start today but we Nigerians will keep praying and having faith in God that one day our story will change.
We pray oh Lord!
Sometimes when I pray for something and it doesn’t happen I just calm down even though it’s not easy but then I believe when the answers to the prayer come the wait would be worth it
Ultimately, God’s time is the best. He alone could have allowed the present government continues in tenure notwithstanding the strong opposition party, all we can pray for right now is that God’s will be fulfilled in our country Nigeria and also in our personal lives
In whatever that happens or is happening, we should all keep trusting in the goodness of God.
He alone is God and he is the master-planner. He loves us and the thought he has towards us is that of good and not of evil. In all circumstances give thanks.
I really can’t wait for a breakthrough in the Nigerian government. We will keep on believing because we know that God has the thoughts of good for us. Irrespective of whatsoever we will continue to believe in him. Just exactly what Christians need to know during this trying times.
It is well, even though God may seem distance but one thing I know very well is that He is still in charge. And whenever He wants to show His Supremacy He always allow humans to do their own. My fellow Nigeria let keep on depending on God. Who knows whether He allow this to try our stand in faith
I believe God has a greater plan for us even though it may seem against our personal wish, desire or prayer. But one good thing is that “it shall all end in praise” just like Habakkuk realized God’s sovereignty. Thanks ma for your words of encouragement.
Truly this post have brought some encouragement to me and more others that read it. I will keep believing in God and keep thanking him in what he does in my life.
These goes a long way to satisfy us that God do things at his own will, when it will be suitable to us.
Sometimes, God fail to answer our prayer directly not because we have not prayed enough nor fasted to his taste but because that which we are requesting, if given to us, at that moment as requested it might cause the negative impact.
So, God do foresee our future and knows what is best for his children.
He does things at his own will in order to be compatible with our faith, for instance a man asking God to give him a car and God himself has seen if that should be given unto him, he might have an accident with the car.
Thus, he decided not to answer the prayer just to save life.
In nutshell we should not oblivion our faith for God knows when best to answer our prayers.
The ways of the lord are not the ways of man, he works in mysterious ways. He has heard our cries and has seen our afflictions and he will definitely come through for us
Holding on to God is the only lasting solution in our country. Sometimes when I pray I feel God is not listening but I know he has the best solution and sometimes I get confused because it is said in the bible he knows our thought, needs and desires then why pray. Sometimes patience is indeed a virtue one must possess because it is the testing of our faith which brings blessing. Nice one ma.
Holding on to our faith is something which is not rosy at the beginning but would definitely yield dividends. Like you said ma, the mill of God grindeth slowly but afterwath bringeth the best mills.it is also not wrong to question God, as great men in the bible questioned God and he was moved to turn things around. Nice one ma.
Holding on to one’s faith takes courage and grace from God. We should know that he know the end from the beginning, he is God and not man. He cannot lie. He always knows what is next. The event from the election threw everybody into panic as it meant another four years of suffering and tyranny. We should never loose hope, we should trust in him as he always has the last resort. Nigeria is in the hands of God, we should take a cue at the Egyptians who they Israelites tremendously suffered at their hands what later happened God rescued them, so we should have faith for he will never disappoint us.
A timely one for us all ma. There are moments or times in life where I feel abandoned but I held on to the lord. for his mercies surely endureth forever. It is even said sorrow may last in the night but joy surely comes in the morning. Affliction shall not rise the second time. even if the country is in despair, God surely knows the best and his end is to give us a deserving and fruitful turnaround. A wonderful one.
I have read lots of materials about Abacha’s regime, his dictatorial bravado and his eventual sorry end. God who felt slighted by his show of power, ruthlessness and rescued us from him will certainly rescue us from this present administration. I believe there is a reason for everything under the sun and God will come through for us when this reason is accomplished. We should only pray for the grace and strength to live each day as it comes.
Christians like sharp sharp miracle and ones things dont go their way, they tend to give up or divert forgetting that God has better plans for us. Nigeria shall be better someday.
Let not that which seems so difficult pull you down, some times what we ask God for might not be his plans for us or maybe not the right time. God knows the best but our problem is that we are always in a hurry and we lack patience and faith..let’s learn how to understand the silence of God in our life and always check ourselves properly because you can not be asking God for a favour while you are pulling other people’s glory down.
We should not lose our faith but rather strengthen it. Everything that happens is according to the will of God; for it is written in the bible God said ‘my ways are not your ways neither are my thoughts your thoughts’
Personally I do not believe prayers doesn’t work, it is just a matter of time what we asked for will come to pass. Whatever happened in the general election has happened and God knows the best, the only option we have is to pray to God for his infinite mercies and providence.
Nigerian’s problems seriously is beyond human aids. Considering the happenings in our electoral system and the country in general. Only God knows our problems and will do His will onto his people. Only Him !
The last presidential election was not what I prayed for because the result turned out to be the reverse and I was really disappointed but still we all should never stop praying to God. Some of us may think that God doesn’t listen to our prayers but that’s a lie, he listens to them and he knows what is best for us all
Patience is a virtue I must say. We must all endeavor to have patience especially when we are expecting something from God Almighty for his time is the best.
Yes, you are correct ma;no prayer is a waste. Its manifestation is either now or later not never and when it does, it lasts forever.someone once said that faith is like a toothbrush, everyone should have one.just like we care for our toothbrush such that nothing stains it not even the dirt in our mouth so should our faith be cared for.Our faith should be nurtured and cared for in such a way that not even the challenges in our life or delay will shake it.
Faith is a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual conviction rather than proof.. (Faith is a supernatural gift from God which enables us to believe without doubt what Gid has revealed).. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11: 1. Faith is the connecting power into the spiritual realm, which links us with God and makes Him become a tangible reality to the sense perceptions of a person. Faith is the basic ingredient to begin a relationship with God. In the Gospel of Matt 21:22 it says ” And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”. We might be facing so much as individuals, community or a nation but that is not the end of it all. Surely there are moments of trials and tribulations but God made it clear to us that Even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed we can move mountains. We hold should hold on to our Faith and continue to hope in the Lord. with FAITH, We need to PUSH (PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS).
This life is not easy ,one have to suffer and toil to meet up to standards.even if things go bad i learnt that we should hold on to God and his promises for us his children. We should pray and hope on him and never lose faith on him. This write up lifted my spirit up.
As it is said that God’s time is the best so as his answers to our every situation. We should not be discouraged when we think that God hasn’t answered our prayer rather we should continue praying and see the various good that God has done for us.
Good promised Abram at 75 and fufilled it at 100. He gave him a son but he promised he will be the Father of many nations. Abraham must have wondered how Isaac could be the many Nations, but he believed God. Therefore we should undoubtedly hold on to our faith in God because he knows beyond our wisdom.
In all things give thanks to God, everything happens for a purpose,our prayers can never be in vain..we should also know that God’s time is the best, God has never completely forsaken his people, maybe our prayers might seem not to be answered but God will surely work his purpose out
No matter what you are passing through, always hold on to your faith for your break through. What Nigeria needs are leaders who will make this country a better place. But our leaders are greedy. God never forsake those who trust and have faith in him. Never give up or loose hope when you are going through trials hold on to your faith cause, your miracle is on the way. Thank you ma for this motivational post
The electoral results was nothing to write home about, what we expected never came to us even after the incessant prayer but as you have said in this post ma that we should not give up on God because he has a way of coming to our rescue let us wait and see what he has for us.
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
This scripture stands as a faith builder, let’s hope for better things ahead and pray for grace to stay strong and fit. Our faith goes a long way in our prayers. Let’s stay positive
Faith is the only thing that can keep you going as a Christian. No matter what you are going through always believe it’s for a reason
I am one of the people who subscribes to the notion that ”there is nothing or rather not much that can be achieved with complaints”…so for me the only way for all of us Nigerians to survive this current situation of things,is to first of all to pray, keep the hope as the post suggests and finally work…all things will come to unto good if these three thing are upheld with utmost dedication.
I am usually very guilty of giving up too early, and as that, this post has served to not only educate me but also inspired me to get up,and keep faith through prayer whenever I am faced with a challenging situation. I only wish Nigerians at large can see this too and know that with faith we can overcome.
God’s timing is different from ours,he does not ignore our prayers, he will actually act at the appropriate time. We should not be dismayed,when it appears as if the wicked are thriving, their fall will be terrible.
An for Nigeria,i pray that, God will bring the activities of evil men and Islamic terrorists,where ever they are, to nought and frustrate every plan to islamize Nigeria,in Jesus name.
I have been comforted by this heavenly inspired Post, my heart has been soothed by this divine piece. I find myself not thanking God just because he didn’t answer my prayers the way I want, this marvelous article has changed a whole lot. As you said above, “Prayer is never wasted.”
Faith is the only thing that will keep us going in these turbulent times. We all live by God’s grace
No time is late for God to do something. Like that of Lazarus in the bible, all hope had gone before Jesus came and raised him from death. Please be patience and wait for God’s time, for “it is the best.
God is always working behind, he knows the best and we just have to trust him and hope that he has the best planned out for us.
The mill of the Lord grindeth slowly but afterwards bringeth forth yields. Everything has a season Patience is all we need. Everything will surely take place in due time.
Let me adopt Gburugburu slogan, “Nigeria is in the hands of God”. He alone knows best.
True many felt pained, and, regretted their efforts going to exercise their franchise this last election. Regardless, we should continue to commit this country of ours, through prayers, to the hands of God.
Faith is what we believe in that has not yet been done. I learnt that we should keep hold of our faith,believe God and be thankful for everything and situation; and everything will walk out for our good.
Hmmm… “Prayer is never wasted and doing the right thing should never be regretted even if it doesn’t yield immediate dividends” These words just caught the essence of it all. God’s ways are not ours. Truly, we feel terrible, the fact that we got nothing close to what we expected. It doesn’t mean that God is not aware. This write up has helped in lifting my spirit concerning this matter cos words cannot describe the disappointment and dismay. One thing I’m sure of is, “they looked up to Him and their faces were lightened!” May God’s words find good expression in our nation Nigeria. Amen
Our God is wonderful he never sleeps nor slumber we should get that we should always remember that he works in mysterious ways.we would conclude sometimes he allows evil but we are wrong,he works for our good,so that everything could fall in place in place at the appointed time.holding on to our faith is a test nor only for our country but strategies situation in our lives.
If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that God’s silence don’t mean His absence. He expects us to hold on to our faith even in the most daring situations. He encourages us to be of good cheer because we are well equipped to handle the situation. The word for today is: Remain confident in this, you will live to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Faith is one thing that helps one trust and believe in God, although many times we claim to be faithful in God but after one or two things happens we begin to ask God where are you, as Christians we should not always expect things to work the way we planned it because we do not know God’s plan for us we only seek and God grants it, if it will be of favor to us so why panic.
Has God ever changed?
No!!
God cannot and will always never change because it’s only Him who is capable and big enough to deliver us from this troublesome generation of vipers and maliciousness.
#####He never fails######
We must grip tightly to our faith in Christ through prayer and mediation on a daily basis Then, whether our day is like a tried old nag or a bucking bronco, holding on to our faith keeps us in the saddle until the ride is over. However, if we look to ourselves or at the “beast,” whatever that may be, then we will always feel weak, helpless, and afraid.Lets be positive.
One thing I know for sure is that God answers our prayers, we may not see it now but that doesnt mean that he doesn’t answer. At times he is waiting for the perfect time when you can handle what you prayed for
Leaders can be changed but GOD ramaineth at his throne forever.
No matter who is on top of affairs, our prayer should be for God to use him/her to favor us because they all God’s instrument.
One Day Nigeria will be better, God never sleeps nor slumbers. He is still GOD.
Prayer has been the surest way of dropping our burden to God’s feet to take care of… In doing this we should trust and believe that he alone can take care of that burden ..we should also bear in mind that God may not answer those prayers in the way we expect but we should still trust him to be an unfailing God.
I will continue to pray for Nigeria, for us to get to our promise land, what ever is happening now is just a stepping stone to better things ahead. We continue to pray and believe that all will be well. The Lord will lead us to greener pastures in no time Amen
Just like Habakkuk says, “the vision is for appointed time……”. I believe God has three answers to our prayers 1. Yes 2. Not now or 3. I have better plans in mind. That God is silent does not mean he is absent. So we have to hold unto our faith and believe in Him.
I really feel encouraged with this post. May the good lord grant us all our heart intentions. To everyone out there, be patient, God sees us and our problems, before you pray he knows what you are praying for, as it is said God’s time is the best, so he knows when to answer. Hold on to your faith.
God will and always answer prayers. Irrespective of what will be the outcome of our prayer is, we should always know God has a better plans ahead.
I believe that God is always working even when we don’t perceive it. Most times people seem to be faithless especially when they feel that their prayers are not being answered. Just keep your faith alive and believe that God will definitely answer you.
It’s quite obvious that the situation we face today in this country is beyond any human’s control…In other words, it’s only God that has the solution and we ought to hold on to Him and allow Him to do things His own way.
God has been a faithful God, He is and will always be. so matter the situation, i always trust and believe that one day my prayers will be answered. Just pray and believe in the Lord, everything will be alright. Thanks a lot ma for this.
A very nice piece ma, But one must understand that faith without work is dead. people tend to do things under the shadow of faith or believing in God. You see a student doing all sort of things instead of studying for an exam and few minutes to the exams, he prays and asks God to help him in faith. This is wrong and must be corrected. Work and pray then and miracles happen.
God answers all prayers. He either tells you yes or wait. He knows what is best for everyone and satisfy everyone at the right time. Never give up on faith. A wise man said “when you have run out of rope, hold unto faith. Bless you ma
God’s pattern are not our pattern. Just commit that case to God believing that it is done, and you will be marveled at what God can do for his children. God is merciful. Test and see that the Lord is good.
A lot has happened in my life and I was like does God really exist ,but as time goes on ,you will realize that the things you asked for beginning to happen,I pray that patience will not make us look away from God
When we pray and makes a request to God and it doesn’t turn out the way we want,we should not be in despair. God is the sole controller of life’s affairs and has the answer for our prayers.
I also felt the prayers offered as regards the past election was a waste but upon a second thought i decided to let it all fizzle out of my mind;the confusion and questions directed to God.
Keeping up with faith is indeed something impossible that would need God’s intervention.
Nigeria hold on to your faith even when it seems like our prayers was not answered there is always a way where it seems to be no way. Even in the mist of economic and political instability I trust and relay on God for an unfailling help and intervention. I pray for God’s grace to always keep our faith alive inspite all odd amen.
So encouraging, even when it seems like you’ve prayed and its like there is no response we should hold on to our faith. The scriptural verse that touched me is 1Peter where he said ‘the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers’. So encouraged that what the Lord has promised he would do. The vision must come to pass. Thanks for this
Our problem most at times is that we pray without waiting to hear from God,Habakku said that he will stand his watch and hear what He (God) will say to him, as Christians let us learn to wait to hear from God after talking to him because He always has something to tell us. Peace
God never fails those who trust in him he has preserved our great country this long despite all the problems we are facing as a nation this is the time we need to stand together as one and pray for the peace and progress of our great country this post is a reminder that God is still with us.
Sometimes we pray and feel that God doesn’t respond to our prayers, we should know that God does things at the appointed time therefore we should even praise him for prayers answered already.. This single act is faith put to work.. We should never lose trust in God because all his promises shall come to pass.
I believe the outcome of the past election was the will of God.Despite everything, I know God is in control. There is nothing that happens, without the consent of God.
We should Never give up on God even when it seems like nothing is working we should always know that God is at work. Like his words say. “i know the plans i have for you, the plan of good and not of evil, to give you an expected end”. God never fail those who trust in him, he has preserved our great country this long despite all the problems and he will still continue to preserve us if we keep holding unto our faith.
God’s way and time is the best, we pray thinking that he does not answer or hear our cry, the only thing we need is to build our faith,trust in God and have patience. Human being always like sharp sharp thing ,where is it happening that’s why we fall victim of fake pastors, God is everywhere pray with faith have patience and you see things working out.
“Do not lose your faith when the situation you prayed for remains unchanged. Trust that God knows what He’s doing”.
This part really got my attention.
Whoever that’s on the presidential seat doesn’t matter. He who sits on the throne sees all and knows exactly what he’s doing. After all every disappointment is a blessing in disguise.
Let God Do His Work!
God knows the best time. At times he delays his promises to test our faith. Then shocks us and those looking down on us.
Each time I feel like losing hope or rather each time I feel like my faith is draining due to situations around and the answers to my prayers are not forthcoming, I remember romans 8:28 that says “All things work together for good to those who live God and are called according to His purpose” and also Jeremiah 29:11 that says the plans God has for me are for good and not for evil, to give me an expected end. God bless you ma for this piece.
Truly, to regret our prayers and right actions will bring us no good. We humans are so limited to understand the best ways of the Most High. We only need to trust and obey Him. He allowed it to happen that way and He is not wrong.
Amidst pressures and suffering I have always rely and depend on God,because I know life without Christ is crisis.Even though when it look like our prayers are not been answered,we should learn how to be patient and hope in him. According to his words,he said he know the thought he has for,thought of good and not of evil and to give us an expected end.
Job is a perfect example of holding on to faith, he was patient and remained faithful regardless of all that he was going through, even when his friends and family encouraged him to curse God and die, he didn’t succumb.
Sometimes God does certain things in order to test our level of faith and patience.
I pray that when God decides to test our faith, we shall not be found wanting.
Thanks for this, Ma.
Holding on to our faith is one thing the whole nation needs.the whole event or situation of the election is something Nigeria should hold fast,stand strong and let God do his work.I know how it feels sometimes when you pray,consecrate all your hope, faith in something and its look shaky or slow, we should not be perturbed because he has the solution for every Goliath in our life.wonderful one.
We really need to have stronger faith. Only the Most High knows the best time to effect a perceptible change in this land. so we have to hold onto him strongly.
Just learnt again that I should not lose my faith when the situation I prayed for remains unchanged. Trust that God knows what He’s doing. Amen
Praise God!
Have faith in God, he hears our prayers we should be patient, because there is always something to learn in every situation, there’s always a bigger picture. look at Nigeria for example, we’ve through a lot as a country but we know God is still there for us no matter what.