Keswick 24: God is at work today in the least expected places
Femi Adeleye
Two years ago, I was invited by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, to speak at the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC). It was to take place at the National Stadium in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
When I was told 30,000 young people were expected at the five-day event, I had some reservations. To my pleasant surprise, there were about 33,000 young people in attendance, and they were all irrepressible in their response. At least one third committed their lives to serving God’s purpose in their generation.
'New every morning'
“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3v22-23).
The context for many in today’s world may not be as devastating as the destruction of Jerusalem that provided the basis for Jeremiah’s Lamentations. Following its desolation and captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar, people in the context experienced significant suffering and deep sorrow as they faced exile and an uncertain future. It was in that situation of despair that the prophet Jeremiah in his lament provided glimpses of hope rooted in God’s mercies, compassion and enduring love.