Hope in time of trouble

“And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward” (Isaiah 8:21)

Life is too hard for the average Nigerian as a result of insecurity, unstable economy and high cost of domestic needs. The exilic experience of Israelites was a traumatic experience. They had been cut off from their ancestral home and were faced with hunger and hard labour. Prophet Isaiah gives the description of the Israelites’ situation and their reactions to their leaders and God. Though, sin led the Israelites into exile, they were not totally abandoned to their fate. Two things were mentioned in the passage: “bestead and hunger.” The root meaning of bestead is to be in distress, and lack of food that could sustain them physically. The current state of our nation is a picture of Israelites exilic experience. Majority of Nigerians are in distress, living without hope of surviving. The hunger in the land is without measure, as the prices of food are skyrocketing. This has affected the people’s wellbeing and health. Both the kings and political leaders are blamed for these hardship and ugly experiences in the internally displaced people centres across the nation. We are roaming around looking for better and peaceful place to live. But no matter the trouble of the time, when God intervenes, a solution is sure.

In verses 6 and 7 of Isaiah chapter 9, this gives us assurance that we have hope in the time of trouble. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God…Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…” Messiah is only the hope for the dejected nation.

The present government should embrace the Lordship of Christ and they should know that they are ambassadors of double kingdom. The policy can only work, when the Supreme God is directing every leader’s life. Human being may plan and will better things for their people, but only God can bring it into fulfilment.

Another step is for all citizens to look unto God in the time of trouble for divine counsel and not go ahead of God, but to demonstrate His wonders and mighty power over our situation.

Finally, we should acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace in the time of trouble. Prayer works by faith in Him. Jesus fed almost five thousand people in the past, and He is able to feed the hungry in the time of hopelessness. “Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” (Psalm 23:6a) In times like this, Jesus is our hope and He is able to turn the situation around for better. May you never lack destiny helpers in the time of trouble in Jesus name! Amen.
Rev Dr. Emmanuel Ojo, Christ the Rock Baptist Church, Mende, Maryland (08034538413)