Amid the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has called on Nigerians to adopt a culture of gratitude despite difficult circumstances. In his powerful sermon during the Annual Thanksgiving service at the RCCG National Headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Adeboye emphasized the importance of giving thanks to God, especially in times of hardship.
The event, which was themed ‘All Round Praise,’ gathered congregants and leaders to reflect on the year gone by and express gratitude to God. In his message, Adeboye urged the attendees to recognize the mercy of God, even during tough times, and to give thanks for His constant presence in their lives.
“There is hope for a better tomorrow, as long as there is breath,” Adeboye declared, offering words of encouragement to those struggling. He recalled the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people found themselves unable to breathe without the aid of oxygen masks. “During the pandemic, those who couldn’t breathe needed oxygen masks to survive,” he reminded the congregation. “As long as you can breathe, there’s hope, and those who have written you off will be surprised because your tomorrow will be alright.”
The message resonated with many in the crowd, as Adeboye highlighted the importance of maintaining faith and hope, no matter how bleak the current situation may seem. His words served as a reminder to trust in God’s plan and to remain grateful for the breath of life, which symbolizes the potential for change and improvement.
The pastor also shared a thought-provoking analogy about material possessions and the state of the mind. “Maybe you didn’t have new clothes for Christmas, but you are not naked, and that shows you are not crazy,” he said. “Many have plenty of clothes, but they have lost their minds.” He referenced the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who, despite his wealth and abundance, lost his sanity and roamed naked among animals. This, according to Adeboye, serves as a stark reminder that material wealth does not guarantee peace of mind.
Adeboye continued his sermon by addressing issues of indecent dressing in modern society. He lamented the trend of people exposing what clothes are meant to cover, especially on television. “Today, we see people exposing what clothes are supposed to cover. They celebrate this on television, but it’s not right,” he stated, urging the congregation to maintain modesty and respect for God-given dignity.
During the service, Pastor Adeboye also took the opportunity to discuss upcoming events, including the RCCG’s 100-day fasting period, which began on January 11 and will run through to April 21. According to Pastor Oladele Balogun, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer, this extended period of fasting will serve as a platform for intensive intercession for Nigeria, particularly during this critical time.
“The 100 days fast will provide an opportunity for the RCCG community to come together in prayer for the nation,” Balogun explained. This initiative is expected to bring believers together to seek divine intervention and guidance for Nigeria’s current struggles, both politically and economically.
In addition to his sermon, Adeboye recently shared a personal testimony during the 80th birthday celebration of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a prominent Nigerian pastor. The general overseer recalled a difficult time in his life when he lost his son unexpectedly. “If you really, really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve Him whether things are pleasant or not,” Adeboye shared, reflecting on the strength he drew from others, including Ukpai, during his darkest moments.
He recounted how, after receiving a call from his son on a Sunday evening about the success of a program, he was devastated to learn on Tuesday that his son had passed away. Despite the personal loss, Adeboye had to preach that Friday. “The reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai. I know he lost more than one child in a day, yet he did not waver. He kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most,” Adeboye said, emphasizing the importance of resilience and continued service to God, even in the face of unimaginable grief.
