by Pastor Afolabi Oladele

In the re-engineering of the society triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have realised that they do not require as much headcount as they carry to achieve the required output in terms of work. Some under the argument of cost management in a worsening economic environment have chosen the path of downsizing the number of workers; with the attendant effects of loss of income to support their families (health challenges, depression, suicide etc). This is another dimension of the ‘dark hour of the soul.’ How does one triumph over such adversity?

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:1-7).

2 Corinthians 1:1-7 speaks to our role and responsibility as children of God, particularly those who have gone through a similar situation.

Are you under affliction of this nature or of another? You don’t have to wilt under its pressure! Ask the Lord to send you helpers who have walked in your shoes during your hard time, such as would fulfil Isaiah 50:4, such as would know when to speak and when to be silent; when to stop by or when to just drop a note, whose prayers will have will have the strength to put into words what you have trouble to put into words what you cannot express. While they may not have the power to change your circumstances they are empowered with comfort that touches you in the midst of this trial. So child of God there is lifting up (Job 22:29).