By Chiwuike Uba
At the combined prayer meeting of both men and women in the diocese, the Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese spoke on “Understanding the Times”. In any case, his text was 1 Chronicles 12:32. Many of us have said that Nigeria is at a crossroads and spoken negatively and discouragefully about our nation, Nigeria, and our leaders. In fact, many of us are currently feeling depressed about Nigeria’s economic situation. Is Nigeria really at a crossroads or we do not understand the times?
Without any doubt, Nigeria is losing the war, with the country experiencing economic hardship like never before, but becoming increasingly Godless and filled with immorality, senseless violence and destruction. Betting, pornography, drugs, and alcohol are becoming increasingly popular as coping mechanisms for people’s frustrations and problems. Identifying problems is not necessarily the same as understanding the times, because understanding is a spiritual eye that governs the spirit and physical realm. The word of God will provide us with the solutions we seek if we truly understand the times. To address Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges, we need to apply God’s revelation to the situation, which involves more than just using our intellect.
Understanding the times encourages us to take action, not to fear or be dismayed. People with a clear understanding of the times will not run amok, throw their hands in despair, or cry. “The sons of Issachar had an understanding of not only chronological time but also spiritual and political time. It was possible for them to understand what God was doing, why He was doing it, and when He was doing it. They had a clear understanding of who to follow and when to do so. Does that hold true for us in Nigeria today? My people perish for lack of understanding!
Unfortunately for us in Nigeria, because we don’t understand the times, we are primarily driven by religion, ethnicity, sectionalism, and the “what to benefit” syndrome. The current season is one of hunger for change and frustration, as people have become frustrated with circumstances, leadership, and lack. It is not the hunger to understand the times and apply God’s words to addressing our challenges. Are you aware that God is not the Author of confusion?
If we understand the times, we will know that, most times, there’s no leader without God’s permission. Therefore, we should be more interested in what God demands of us in every situation. Many of us are constantly and consistently saying and doing things that are directly contrary to the Word of God. Yet, we are crying for a positive change. How is that change possible, if we lack understanding of the times? Many leaders, including religious leaders, are responsible for perpetuating and encouraging evil in our society.
What Nigeria needs at this moment are men, not in terms of sensual knowledge, not in terms of wealth, not in terms of charisma or intellect; but wise men who understand the times. The sons of Issachar were so smart and spiritually sensitive that the entire nation relied on them to decide what to do and when to do it. Know that God is not a respecter of persons. Can Nigeria truly rely on you to decide what to do and when to do it? Ponder over this! Onye setire onwe ya exam, ogbaa first. It is a known fact that when one sets an exam for him/herself, there is a high chance that the person will come first in that exam.
Stop pointing fingers at others and starting changing yourself first. It may come as a surprise to many that most of our crises occur because we don’t have the required wisdom to know what to do, not because we lack power. Our eyes are still closed in many areas.
As we come to the end of the year 2023, ask God for the spirit of understanding the times. May the Lord help you understand the times and seasons of your life, and may He help you see them clearly. Nigeria has the potential to rise again! Wishing you a happy New Month. God is with us!
Ubanis a development economist. He sent in this piece from Enugu
