Fruitful Living

10 things to stop taking for granted after the pandemic (part one)

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:28-31

INTRODUCTION

When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever end. When the thunder is crashing and the lightning is flashing, we start to think the storm is there to stay. We see the storm as all-consuming and frightening. Logically, we know that at some point, the sun will peek from behind the dark clouds, the air will clear, and the water will dry up. But convincing our emotions and fears to listen to logic is often a losing battle.

When we’re parenting prodigals, nervously eyeing our dwindling bank accounts, taking care of aging parents, or going through a health battle—the storm can seem never-ending.

COVID-19 pandemic has felt the same. Worry, anxiety, and concern abound over all the what-if’s and unknowns. I don’t know about you but I have struggled with the illogical questions of “what if this never ends? What if we’re stuck in our houses forever?” But, like every storm, COVID 19 pandemic will eventually pass. There might be lingering damage in its wake, but the waters will recede. Our country’s “new normal” might look a little different than it did before the pandemic, but there will be a new normal. Life will resume.

The question becomes—

Will we be ready?
Will we forget the lessons learned during this pandemic?
Will we go right back to complaining about the heat of the sun and forget about the torrents of rain that just ended?
Or will we have a heart that’s permanently grateful, focused on thanksgiving, and ever counting your blessings?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO STOP TAKING FOR GRANTED AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

1. CHURCH

The Bible is clear in its command to meet with other believers on a regular basis.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” – Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV).

The church needs each other. Many churches were able to meet via online sessions during the pandemic, while others had drive-up services where each family stayed in their car. While the church itself isn’t a brick-and-mortar building, there’s something very beneficial in meeting together, in person, in a building on a weekly basis. When the pandemic is over, let us be sure not to take for granted the blessing of fellowshipping together in church.

2. THE LORD’S PRESENCE

When people are going through hard times, the presence of the Lord is stronger than ever in their lives. Typically, this is due to the pressing need and lack of distractions. When we truly feel our need for the Lord, idols fade to the background. Our need for Christ is the same every day, but in times of trial, it weighs heavier on the heart.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

After the pandemic, let us be sure not to let the Lord’s nearness and our need for Him fade. Let us keep that in the forefront through praise and prayer.

3. SOCIAL LIFE

One thing I know I’ll never take for granted again is the ability to go and socialize with others, outside of the house. Eating inside a restaurant, leisurely strolling through the street and enjoying a crowded concert or watching football at the stadium will never be the same again. Hopefully, we’ll all be grateful in new ways for these old joys and simple pleasures.

4. PHYSICAL CONTACT

Physical affection is a legitimate need for many. Having to refrain from handshakes, high fives, and hugs has been difficult for me and I am sure for a lot of people. When the pandemic is over, let us be careful not to take for granted the freedom to give and receive affection.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 (ESV)

5. EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The pandemic has separated many families. With the government-issued direction to avoid other households, many extended family members have not been able to communicate in person—especially those at high risk. When the danger of the pandemic subsides, let us remember how eager we were to see our family and friends, and let us make the most of it.

Fruitful Living

Khutba for the blessed month of Ramadan

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen. We begin this Khutba by extolling the greatness of Allah (SWT), the Lord of the worlds, and thanking Him for His infinite blessings upon us. We praise Him for His mercy and guidance, for allowing us to witness another Ramadan—a sacred month unlike any other.

We send peace and blessings upon His noble messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Seal of the Prophets, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection.

May Allah make us steadfast in following the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

The Blessed Month of Ramadan

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we are on the brink of welcoming Ramadan, a month that Allah (SWT) has uniquely blessed for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar, a month that Allah has made sacred by filling it with mercy, forgiveness, and rewards for those who engage in acts of worship.

Importantly, Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Qur’an, the ultimate guidance for humanity, was revealed.

Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185).

This verse establishes the connection between the Qur’an and Ramadan, reminding us that fasting is not only an act of worship but also an opportunity to reflect upon the guidance of the Qur’an and implement its teachings in our lives.

Additionally, in Surah Ad- Dukhan, Allah (SWT) highlights the significance of the Qur’an’s revelation during a blessed night:

“Indeed, we sent it [the Qur’an] down during a blessed night. Indeed, we were to warn [mankind].

On that night is made distinct every precise matter— [every] matter [proceeding] from us. Indeed, we were to send [a messenger]” (Surah Ad-Dukhan, 44:3–5).

This ‘blessed night’ is Laylatul Qadr, a night that is better than a thousand months. It is a night when Allah, in His infinite wisdom, decrees the destiny of all creation.

This connection between Ramadan, the Qur’an, and Laylatul Qadr underscores the profound spiritual significance of this sacred month.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the link between fasting and the Qur’an, saying: “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for a servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, ‘O my Lord, I prevented him from food and drink during the day, so let me intercede for him.’

And the Qur’an will say, ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, so let me intercede for him.’ And they will both intercede” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 6626).

The Obligation of Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting in Ramadan is a divine obligation, a duty decreed by Allah upon all Muslims who have reached maturity, are of sound mind, and are physically able. Allah (SWT) says: “O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).

The goal of fasting, as indicated in this verse, is to cultivate Taqwa—a state of heightened awareness of Allah, leading to greater obedience and righteousness.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

“Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of faith and seeking its reward, all his past sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 1901).

This Hadith further emphasises the spiritual benefits of fasting, encouraging Muslims to engage in this act of worship with sincerity and hope for Allah’s forgiveness. (To be continued)

The author is the Metropolitan Chief Imam of the Kpone Katamanso Metropolis

Email: chiefimaamkponekatamanso@gmail.com

By Imam Alhaji Saeed

Abdulai,

Fruitful Living

How can I learn to trust that God is in control?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Introduction

LIFE often presents uncertainties, challenges, and moments of deep frustration that leave us questioning if anyone is truly in control. As believers, we are called to trust in the sovereignty of God, but what does that really mean? How can we confidently rest in the assurance that God governs all things? Before we can fully embrace this truth, we must answer critical questions: Is God truly sovereign? How much control does He actually have? If He is not in complete control, then who or what is? Most importantly, how can we grow in our trust that He orchestrates everything for His divine purpose? By exploring these questions through the lens of Scripture, we will gain a deeper understanding of God’s supreme authority and find peace in His unshakable rule over all of life’s circumstances.

Is God Really in Control?

The concept of God’s control over everything is known as His sovereignty. Nothing gives us greater strength and confidence than understanding this divine truth. God’s sovereignty means His complete and independent authority over every creature, event, and circumstance at every moment in history. Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent, God does what He pleases, only as He pleases, and always as He pleases. He governs every molecule in the universe, and everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His own perfect purposes.

Isaiah 14:24 affirms this: “The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand.’”

Nothing in life is random or by chance, especially in the lives of believers. God has deliberately resolved to do what He will, and nothing and no one can stand in His way. Isaiah 46:10 further declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” This is our powerful and purposeful God who is in control of everything. Recognizing this truth should bring us great comfort and alleviate our fears.

To be continued……