UNDERSTANDING AND PRAYING INTO TIMES AND SEASONS
Genesis 15:13, Exodus 12:40-41. Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.
There was a set time for Israel to be in bondage in Egypt; there was an expiry date to the oppression of the children of Israel. We have also seen other people and nations such as the Chinese throw off the shackles of economic lack and service to imperial masters. However, the shackles of Africa appear to be intact and unyielding for over 20 centuries.
But God is the master of times and seasons; He can change the times and seasons for Africa.
Daniel 2:20-21. Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Psalm 31:15. My times are in your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
There are kings in Africa who are part of the problems that Africa faces. There are also potential kings who have been kept away from gaining power and authority so that they can do good for Africa. God removes kings and raises up kings. Also, God is able to give Africa wisdom and knowledge to navigate the minefields of oppression and gain deliverance. For this to happen, Africa should commit its times and seasons into the hands of God and not idols and demons.
Understanding times and what to do
1 Chronicles 12:32. The sons of Issachar had understanding of the times, knew what Israel ought to have done, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.
The men of Issachar knew it was time to make David king of Israel. This was many years after Samuel had anointed David. David had progressed from the hero who killed Goliath, to a brilliant military commander under Saul to a fugitive from Saul. He at one time pretended to be mad and sought refuge with Israel’s worst enemies at the time – the Philistines. David’s followers were described as follows; 1 Samuel 22:2. “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.”
This was a period when many people could have been uncertain if David was still the right person to succeed Saul as king of Israel. But the men of Issachar had no doubts.
Questions
1. Who is directing the times and seasons for your life, family, nation and Africa?
2. How will you respond to the oppression that has plagued your nation and Africa for centuries?
Prayer Points
1. Pray that the systems of oppression, the workers of oppression and the manifestation of oppression will come to an end.
2. Pray that God will change the times and seasons of Africa and that He will give understanding that leads to the right action at the right time.
By James Abola