President of Journalists for Christ, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin has given insight to how journalists and indeed Nigerians can wade through the present trying times even when all indices are to the negative.
In his message at the monthly meeting of the body which held online today May 23, Otufodunrin stated that the first step is to agree that times are hard.
He said there is no point denying that things are not going on well.
“There is a general definition of FEAR which means False Evidence Appearing Real. But in the case of what we are going through and the pandemic, it is real. The figure of affected people is climbing and people are losing their jobs due to the disruptions in business. So the attitude is to first accept that what is going on is real. We should appreciate that the human fear is understandable”
Otufodunrin said further in the message titled, trusting God in uncertain times, “The fact that what we are facing is real does not mean we should now whine about the situation and involve in self-pity. It is not also a time to complain because that will not solve the problem at hand.
‘Instead of getting worried about a situation we can’t help it is better to make our requests known to God. Paul admonishes us in Phil 4v6 to be careful for nothing but in everything with prayers and supplications make our requests known to God. when Paul made the above statement he was in prison awaiting trial.
“My understanding of what Paul was saying is to take whatever issues we have to God in prayers. Even before we turn to God he knows what we are going through. We should not feel unduly diminished. We should give thanks in all things. We should pray for God to take control of all situations. We should ask him for clear direction on what to do. Lapsing into depression will not bring solution. It is time to wait on the Lord and be sure that all will be well.
While stressing that tribulations and turbulence are realities of life. He said “there are many practical steps to take to wade through the trying times. Look for a new job. Even in this pandemic there are job opportunities. I have had to recommend some people for jobs. There are vacancies here and there. You can also work on ideas that you have abandoned for long. All is not doom in the media industry. What we are experiencing now is just a phase.”
He said those who lost their jobs or are experiencing any form of downturn should appreciate that what is happening is not because they are not good. “It is just the reality of the time. This too shall pass.”
He however added that “There are new possibilities we must open our minds to. We need to be honest with ourselves and acquire new skills that will make us relevant in this period. For those who are not affected by the crisis, we need to reach out to those in need and support. However uncertain the times are, our trust in God must remain unshakable. There is a difference between worry and planning. Rather than worry let us prayerfully make strategic plans to wade through the crisis.”
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