Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The wife of the immediate past governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mrs Martha Udom-Emmanuel has counselled Nigerians to rest their hopes on God especially in this trying time, noting it is only God that can guarantee them unlimited joy.
Mrs Udom-Emmanuel, who is the Founder/Initiator Family Empowerment and Youths Orientation, spoke on Sunday, at the Victory Women’s International Conference, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The conference with the theme “Unlimited Joy” was convened by the wife of the founder of the Victory Life Bible Church International, Reverend (Mrs) Fola Achudume.
According to the former First Lady of Akwa-Ibom State, friends, family and material possessions are incapable of giving people the desired joy, insisting only God that can guarantee unlimited joy to the people.
She noted that despite the prevailing hardship manifesting in the form of wants, deprivation, unmet promises and dashed hopes in all fronts, people should always lean on God.
Mrs Udom-Emmanuel said it is the original plan of God for people to be joyous, but the devil thwarted that plan by stealing the joy, counselling ,however, that no matter the problems, people should always look upon God for provision of all their needs and joy
“The original plan of God for us is to be joyous, but the devil plans to steal the joy. Do not allow the devil to steal your joy; do not allow circumstances to make you lose your joy.
“The joy of the Lord is our stronghold. When you have the joy of the Lord, you have the stamina to endure every situation, no matter how trying or precarious”, she further counselled.
While harping on the need for people to have confidence in God as well as strive to be a positive influence in the lives of their families by helping to mould them to the right path, she urged women as home makers to always be well guided in the upbringing of their children.
The Convener of the Conference, Mrs Achudume observed that as victorious women, it’s important for people to know their worth, saying such identity and reality will shape their approach to life.
She said: “You have to align your life with God’s will for you to be a victorious woman. It is those who know their God that will be strong and do exploits; know your stand and do not compromise. The thoughts of God towards you are good and not evil”.
She, however, listed things that secure unlimited joy for people to include selfless service to humanity, giving to the needy, total obedience to God’s will, contentment and divine guidance.
In his goodwill message, the founder of the Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume described women as special creatures of God, pointing out that the earth would have been meaningless and shallow if the female gender was not created.
He submitted that people should always run to God when they have challenges, just as he described women as an integral factor in national development and growth.