23/05/2020
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
It was a warm, bright February afternoon; I remember the day in 2010 like it was yesterday. We were in-flight with my spiritual parents and family between the Republic of South Africa and Ghana.
There was the underlying euphoria of transitioning into a new decade. The world was full of hope and great expectations. We had enjoyed a successful missions trip in southern Africa and were excited about what west Africa held in store. Then, it was also mum's birthday and a nice cake, cards and gifts had been 'smuggled' aboard.
Matter of fact, we were celebrating her birthday when we flew into gusty turbulence. It soon became obvious that the Gulfstream jet was battling contrary winds and I studiously kept a straight face. What else could I do? I was with the Apostle of Faith, Dr. Frederick KC Price himself. I couldn't let the side down and besides, none of the other eight or so passengers and crew was perturbed. Or if any were, did not show it.
Status quo remained till the pilot announced on the tannoy 'Please do not be concerned about the tubulence. These jets are built to withstand these winds and we will climb to a higher altitude and fly above the storm.' Needless to write, within minutes, all was calm again and the celebration of God's goodness continued. We landed safely in Accra a few hours later.
We stepped into 2020 with enthusiasm, even grandeous expectations but have run into a corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19) storm. Its bellowing winds have brought human vulnerability and mortality into sharp focus, brought the global economy to its knees and left lives and livelihood direly threatened.
However, we must shut out all fear-mongers. Despite appearances, this is not by any measure the worst threat to the human family. A century ago the 1918 influenza outbreak tore across the globe, infecting 500 million (a third of the world’s population), ending the lives of 50 million people, 25 million in the first 25 weeks. The Bubonic plague of 1346 was even worse. It ravaged Europe, Africa, and Asia, with an estimated death toll of between 75 and 200 million of the estimated 443million global population.
At the time of my writing, there have been 5.3million Covid-19 infections globally and 320,000 mortalities while 85million people died in the 2nd world war alone.
It is not my intention to trivialize the current crises, but to put it in context. I have received letters asking if this heralds the end of humanity. No, it does not. This too shall pass.
What we must do is raise our altitute and fly higher by the revelation of God's word and FAITH. When He comes, it will be for a glorious, victorious church, not a sick and dying one.
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Please focus on the word of faith and obey advice given by health care professionals. You shall arrive safely at destination having flown over this current but passing storm IJN.
Ola-Vincent Odulele Ph.D
Saturday May 23, 2020
BASIC Trust International
https://youtu.be/lUs-rfC2h0M
www.basictrust.org.ng