Text:           Esther 9:1

By:              Igbava, Godbuilt Godwin

Don’t break down. See hope in the Nigeria’s situations.

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So on March 7, the two decrees of the king was put into effect. On that day, the enemies of the Jews had hoped to destroy them but quite the opposite happened.)

INTRODUCTION

The Jews were carried into captivity with king Jeconiah of Judah tribe by king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Babylon has over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces. One king, Ahasuerus reigned from India even to Ethiopia in Africa continent. His palace was in Shushan. Mordecia, a Jew was in the palace in Shushan. Mordecai brought up his uncle’s daughter whose name is Hadassah. This is Esther. Esther was chosen to replace the queen because of the queen’s disobedience to the king, Ahasuerus, her husband. One of the king’s princes whose name is Haman hated the Jews and he plotted against the Jews with a decree from the king Ahasuerus to destroy all the Jews in Shushan kingdom. That demands the Jews putting their houses in order and God gave them victory over the plot of their enemy. Tell someone next to you, “let’s put our houses in order by prayer”.

According to Wikipedia, hope is an optimistic state of mind that based on expectation of positive outcome with respect to event and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As verb it’s definition include, expect with confidence and to cherish a desire with anticipation.

Hope is a discipline, a determination to believe in God’s reality and power even when the world seems to be crashing down around you. Hope is a small word but thus one of the most powerful, why because in hope lies the power of the human soul to turn to God and live as if His promises are going to come through. These are some example of words of encouragement from the Psalmist, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” Psalm 31: 24. Why, my soul, are you downcast, why are you disturbed within me. Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Saviour and my God. Psalm 45:5.

Who is brother hope or sister hope in the hall. Perhaps you can help me drive this message home. However, everyone seated in this auditorium is hoping for something. For we are saved by hope but hope that is seen is not hope for what a man see why does he yet hope for. Rom. 8:24.

OUR CURRENT SITUATION NOW (NIGERIA)

How do you feel about it? Without gain saying we all feel disturbed as Nigerians. God made us choose this land and put us here. He blessed the land for our sake. Nigeria is a replica of the promised land of Canaan for the children of Israel. A land flowing with milk and honey. Here, there is no part of the country that is not having one natural endowment. Let’s ask ourselves, what went wrong?

I must say with all regret and submissiveness to our God who cannot lie nor show partiality that Nigeria as a country or nation has sinned against God just like the children of Israel did in their generation. We are stiffed-necked people. But we all must repent and pray God for forgiveness. When the Godly are in authority, the people rejoice but when the wicked are in power, they groan.

I might not be right to say, we all (Nigerians) have sinned, like one of the Bishop explained when teaching from the book of James 2: 1-13, that it is wrong to judge all people bad from the face value but we must all repent.

THERE IS HOPE FOR NIGERIANS

Our hope should not be lost or breakdown. Let us see hope in the situation we are now going through. In

2nd Chronicle 7:14, then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sins and heal their land. The hope of the Godly result in happiness but the expectation of the wicked are in vain. Brother G. Eyiangho, in his book titled “The Beauty in Trial”, listed eleven factors responsible or as causes of human sufferings otherwise called TRIALS. Sin and bad government is some of them. Go buy the book and read it. Such things were written in the scripture long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promise. Rom. 15:4. So, we have encouragement here. How do I mean? And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love. Let’s pick up from here by faith, patience and hope including love to fight on and we will win and overcome.

THE PVC

In addition to that, put your faith to work with your PVC. As Christians we have two PVs, and we must put them to work for our hope to be fulfilled. hold your PVC. Ask your neighbour, do you have your PVC? Will you use them or not? I understand God is not a politician, but He allowed the human government on earth. Rom. 13. What is PVC? Permanent Voter’s Card. Good, but see what I mean, in addition to your physical Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, PEOPLE’S VERDICT CARD OR PRAYER VERDICT CARD. There are many cards people operate with but this card is spiritual for all who will vote and those who will not vote. All need this PEOPLE’S VERDICT CARD OR PRAYER VERDICT CARD and you do not queue to get it. It is spiritual. It is near you, in your heart, in your mouth, the words of faith. Eph. 6:11-18. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all the tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. Against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in heavenly realms. Stand your ground, put on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. In every battle, you will need faith as a shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. Remember, Abraham pleaded to God for the sake of the righteous when Sodom was to be destroyed, though not many righteous was found. God heard his plea. Gen. 15: 23, 26.

ASSURANCE

We have more assurance of victory if we shall build on hope in total obedience to put all machineries to use, our PVCs. Those who hate Nigeria, shall not continue to have their way again. As in the game of football, they only need twenty-two players on the field as the game lasted except otherwise offenses that brings red cards. However, supporters are needed to cheer them up to victory. Some of us may not be able to go out and vote, for example, the nursing mothers, sick people, those who were not up to the age of registration, etc. But we can all contribute with our prayers verdict card to support who you think is qualified or disciplined to change the situations, GOD HELPING US.

OUR PRAYER

Forgive us our sins and transgressions. End the wickedness of the ungodly to help all those who obey you for you look deep within the mind and heart, o righteous God for when the wicked are in authority, sin increases but the Godly will live to see the tyrant downfall. Please say to the person by you, we will see Nigeria glory again and the fall of those that hate us. Yes, they shall not succeed, they shall all fail in Jesus name. Amen!

CONCLUSION

Critical situations and moments abounds, that is what we are going through for many years as Nigerians but that has opened our eyes through the patience we have and our patience has produced experience. That experience has brought hope in us. The hope will not fail us nor shame us. Rom. 5:5, Phil. 1:20.

May God bless us and bless our great Country, Nigeria in Jesus Christ name. Amen!

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