ZAMBIANS from all walks of life should unite today and take part in the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer.
This event should not be taken for granted since it is a day to be thankful for what God has done.
As Christians in a country that has been declared a Christian nation, we should always realise the power of prayer since in 2 Chronicles 7:14 the Bible tells us that ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’
Today’s event that has united Zambians in prayer to the living Lord to intercede and fight the nation’s battles is no ordinary event but a spirit-guided one.
Cynics who have been scoffing at President Lungu’s declaration of October 18 as a day of Repentance, Prayer and Fasting in response to the economic crisis the country should be ashamed since it has to come to pass as citizens remember God in prayer.
Zambians should also realise that they are honouring a Livingstonian decree made by the Scottish explorer and evangelist David Livingstone when he set foot in this region introducing the three Cs-Commerce, Civilisation and Christianity.
On 1st May, 1873, Dr Livingstone, who was dying at Chitambo Village in Serenje dedicated this region to God when he prayed that “Lord, on this land where I rest my bended knees let it become a mighty Christian nation, a beacon of hope to the African continent and a light to the rest of the world”
It was by that divine decree that Livingstone made Zambia a Christian nation and we strongly feel he is rejoicing in his grave at West Minister Abbey.
By officially declaring Zambia a Christian nation, the second
Republican President Frederick Chiluba was just endorsing the clerical crusade initiated by Dr Livingstone.
In short, we are not Christians by accident, but by some awesome divine intervention that has seen God’s Spirit guiding this country.
Despite some people trying to derail such an important event, we are happy that the call for national prayers has received massive support from all Christians who are believers in the living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Zambians should bear in mind that though from a human perspective, the problems facing the country seem insurmountable, with God, they are easily solvable.
As stated above, the Spirit of God has for many years prevailed over this country as evidenced in the relative peace and stability the country has enjoyed since independence from Britain in 1964, when most of our neighbours were grappling with internal conflicts.
It is also heartening to note that long before missionaries introduced Christianity to this part of the world, religion was part of us though we did not worship the real God.
We are happy that this event is an annual one for Zambia to live up to the Christian nation declaration.
The power of prayer should not be underestimated since James 5:16-18 declares, “…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We should also note that biblical figures like Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” God most definitely listens to prayers, answers prayers, and moves in response to prayers.
Jesus also taught, “…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).
The same Bible in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
The Bible in Ephesians 6:18 urges us to, “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.’’
God bless our head of state, God bless Zambia!