Text: Joel 2:12–13; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 4:1–11
We live in restless times.
Across the globe, uncertainty defines conversations. In Nigeria, economic strain, insecurity, moral tension, and political anxiety have left many weary. Institutions are under pressure. Families are stretched. Trust in leadership is fragile.
Yet in the midst of national and global turbulence, the Church enters a sacred season: Lent.
Lent is not a religious routine. It is a divine summons. It is God calling His people back to Him. The prophet Joel declares: “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning… Rend your heart and not your garments.” (Joel 2:12–13).
Lent is about the heart.
In Latin we say, Cor ad cor loquitur — “Heart speaks to heart.” This season invites honest conversation between humanity and God. It calls for repentance, discipline, reflection, and renewal.
Jesus Himself entered the wilderness for forty days (Matthew 4:1–11). Before public ministry came private victory. Before proclamation came consecration. Before power came obedience.
This is the rhythm of Lent.
Fasting without repentance is starvation.
Prayer without obedience is noise.
Worship without justice is hypocrisy.
God is not impressed by outward rituals if inward transformation is absent. Lent is not about giving up food alone; it is about giving up pride, bitterness, corruption, compromise, and indifference.
The Church must ask: Where have we drifted?
Families must ask: Where have we weakened?
Individuals must ask: Where must I return?
Scripture answers clearly: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray…” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Revival does not begin in political chambers. It begins in broken hearts.
And this brings us to Nigeria.
As we look toward the 2027 elections, Lent speaks prophetically to our national conscience. Leadership in any nation is not merely political; it is moral. The quality of leadership reflects the character of the people.
We must reject vote-buying, tribal manipulation, religious exploitation, and corruption disguised as opportunity. Power is not ownership; it is stewardship. Authority is not dominance; it is responsibility.
The manger of Christ teaches humility. The cross teaches sacrifice. The resurrection teaches hope.
To aspiring leaders: servant leadership is not weakness; it is strength. Servus servorum Dei — servant of the servants of God — remains the highest model of leadership.
To voters: conscience must guide choice. Integrity must outweigh sentiment. Justice must defeat greed.
Lent reminds us that righteousness exalts a nation. When values collapse, nations stagger. When justice prevails, societies flourish.
But beyond civic responsibility, Lent calls for personal transformation.
Let forgiveness replace resentment.
Let integrity replace compromise.
Let prayer replace panic.
Let compassion replace indifference.
The wilderness experience of Christ reminds us that temptation is real, but victory is possible. Nigeria’s challenges are serious, but they are not final. The cross was brutal, but it was not the end. Easter followed.
Fiat voluntas tua — Thy will be done.
This is not a season of despair; it is a journey toward resurrection.
*Prophetic Declarations for Individuals and Nation*
As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare:
• This Lent shall mark a turning point in your spiritual life.
• Every dryness in your faith shall give way to renewal.
• Every hidden struggle shall meet divine grace.
• Where you have fallen, you shall rise again.
• Where you have been delayed, divine acceleration shall locate you.
Over Nigeria, I declare:
• Violence shall not define our future.
• Corruption shall not have the final word.
• The plans of wickedness shall be exposed and frustrated.
• God shall raise leaders of integrity, courage, and wisdom.
• The 2027 elections shall not plunge this nation into chaos.
• Peace shall prevail before, during, and after the elections.
• Justice shall stand. Truth shall rise. Nigeria shall not collapse.
Fiat justitia, ruat caelum — Let justice be done though the heavens fall.
I declare that a new wave of moral awakening shall sweep across our land. The Church shall regain her prophetic voice. The youths of Nigeria shall not be wasted; they shall be instruments of transformation. Families shall be strengthened. Our economy shall recover. Our unity shall deepen.
Pax Christi — the peace of Christ — shall reign.
*A Final Appeal*
Lent is a gift. Use it wisely.
Pray more. Reflect deeply. Forgive freely. Give generously. Fast sincerely. Speak truthfully. Act justly.
Do not waste this season in distraction. Let it refine you. Let it reset you. Let it redirect you.
Before resurrection comes repentance.
Before glory comes surrender.
Before victory comes obedience.
As Christians across the globe journey through this sacred season, may we emerge purified, courageous, and committed to righteousness.
May Christ be formed in us.
May our nation find healing.
May God be glorified.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam — For the greater glory of God.
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The Rev. Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles, Senior Minister, Triumphant Methodist Church Nigeria, Abuja, FCT. He can be reached on Telephone: 08065908173.
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