Happy New Year

2011…what a remarkable year! When I look back, thanks giving wells up in my heart. For life, good health, for family, for friends, for the victories and the trials, for the successes, and in the failures, for the abundance and in the lack….where do I really stop?

One of the most remarkable events happened in April 2011. Like most of you, I weathered the hot sun and went out there to cast out my vote for new leaders and you know what?  I am glad that I did for two reasons. First, I was not denied my right as a citizen of Nigeria and secondly, like other sons of God, I was led. When you’re led, it’s never a mistake! The outcome of those votes to me is not really the issue because with my two strong reasons, I did the only thing I could.

New leaders emerged and true to what I confess, none could have emerged if it wasn’t the will of the Almighty God, the One who sets one up and puts another down.  Over the last couple of weeks and in particular after the very sad and unfortunate incidents of Christmas day, I cannot but think about leadership and the future of this great nation and as I turn to the Scriptures the answers that I find are amazing. No where have I discovered that the way out of all of this is to curse our leaders or use derogatory terms, or speak hopelessness concerning Nigeria. Unfortunately when we get really emotional these become the norm and we forget that our words have power. I shudder at the weight of negative words we have spoken concerning this land and her leaders. What I see in the Scriptures is a need to humble ourselves and pray. I see that we should pray for our leaders and those in authority. I also see that we should pray for and love those who have hurt us. I am convinced that when we do our part, God will do awesome and terrible acts that would fix this nation. Too many times we speak blessings through our prayers and with the same mouth we curse and speak hopelessness. What do we really want?

I do not minimize the hurt, the injustice, the pain….my heart is heavy too and I am concerned about the future of Nigeria but if the Word of God is truly what we live by, shouldn’t we just do the Word of God?  There certainly is nothing wrong in seeking justice or protesting or making public outcries but in so doing, recognize that your words have power. In addition, perhaps if we cared more about one another, if we lived love, is there a possibility that some of the bloodletting, the greed, the corruption and the ills that we have witnessed in our society would stop or at least diminish greatly?

As families come to their altars this week declaring a future of prosperity for themselves in 2012, my earnest prayer is that we would include positive declarations concerning our leaders and our nation. And after we have declared, each of us would go out to DO those things that would help bring Nigeria on the path it ought to be and you know what? We all have a part to play.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Blessings,

Kemi Adeniran