by Chino Eze
After several years away (about 7), I finally got a chance to visit home (Nigeria) and no sooner had I arrived, I got reacquainted with what I perceive is the Nigerian spirit; struggle.
In fact, right from Istanbul, Turkey, as I boarded the plane to Nigeria with my fellow Nigerians, it was a struggle; it was every man for himself.
At that point, I was really exasperated. I had been away from Nigeria for so long and with the understanding that had now been cultivated in me, I couldn’t figure out why my fellow passengers (Nigerians) were so impatient. Each one of them seemed to be so consumed with their struggle to progress with the journey.
It seemed like they all failed to realize that we were all travelling together, and that as long as they all had their travel documents intact, each of them was guaranteed a seat on the plane.
Touching down in Nigeria, I got another perspective to the struggle while riding in the car. As I noted the hawkers and the many business men and women plying their trade alongside the road, I started getting an understanding of the real struggle; the struggle to survive.
It was written on every face (both young and old), everywhere I looked it seemed as if the action of each individual was fueled by an unquenchable desire to live to fight another day.
Through nature, we learn that the weak die while the strong survive by learning to adapt. I find this to be true and applicable to the scenes I’ve witnessed in my stay so far. Because of the realities of life, we are forced to adapt to the harsh conditions we’re constantly faced with.
This struggle has been ingrained so deeply into the fabrics of our being that it now translates into nearly all aspects of our life, especially our relationships. It sets everyone on edge; always alert to make sure that they aren’t taken advantage of, and quick to strike if anyone dares to step out of line.
It sucks joy out of life and makes one question the reason for existence. However the questions should be; ‘Has the struggle so far been worth it? Am I winning the struggle?, do I have strength for the next round of struggle?
There ought to be more to life than the daily struggles for material things that will soon be destroyed.
I know the subject of my discourse might seem specific (only relating to Nigerians), but I believe it still applies to all because one way or another, we (as believers) are all involved in a struggle of our own.
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.” I Corinthians 9:25, 26
From the Scriptures, we are made to know that, in life there are fights that need to be fought, but there is a caution that we must exercise to ensure that we are on the right side, engaged in the right conflict against the right enemy.
As this year unfolds, we must take stock of our lives, failures, successes, near misses and all, and make adjustments to ensure a greater future. We must ensure that we are not setting out for another year of fruitless struggles but one initiated, led, sustained and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Please share and don’t hesitate to leave your comments. Thanks for coming through…
If you have questions you can write as a comment or send to theinspiredblog@gmail.com
Chimnomnso Eze (Chino)
Chino is a leader in a students-based church in Kharkiv Ukraine. He serves as a minster, brother’s coordinator and assistant choir director. He is passionate about spiritual leadership and consecrated service to God.
https://theinspiredlifeblog.com/about-the-writers/
Our struggle to survive must be guided by the Holy Spirit. The bible says in Romans 9 : 16 that it is not unto them that willeth nor unto them that runeth ,but unto God that showeth mercy. We need God’s mercy because people have already been carried away by things of this world. God bless you.
Amen! Thanks for the feedback, ma.
First of all, thanks for sending.
Good use of vocabulary, I admonish you to consider IELTS, your writing skills seems A+
Secondly, that story is so true. We just love to struggle, impatience is inbuilt in our blood stream. I don’t seem to get why.
But then again, the saying that the patient dog gets the fatest bone almost doesn’t apply.
Therefore, only God can open ours eyes to see and identify the struggles worth fighting for.
First of all, thanks for sending.
Good use of vocabulary, I admonish you to consider IELTS, your writing skills seems A+
Secondly, that story is so true. We just love to struggle, impatience is inbuilt in our blood stream. I don’t seem to get why.
But then again, the saying that the patient dog gets the fatest bone almost doesn’t apply.
Therefore, only God can open ours eyes to see and identify the struggles worth fighting for.
Thanks a lot for the feedback, much appreciated.
Am very proud of you.Beautiful piece of writing.May God continue to lead you!!
Amen!
Thanks Ruth, I appreciate your comments.
That’s a very beautiful piece. Thanks
Thanks Izraelity, your feedbacks are always appreciated.
Thanks for bringing attention to this unfortunate dilemma. Please keep up the good work. One might argue that being removed from the environment is also the answer but that is only temporary. Without the fruit of self control by the Holy Spirit, it will only be a matter of time before one reverts. The Holy Spirit by ministering the truth and bringing conviction, will harness that innate tendency just as the Greek word praus describes a war horse that is meek. May the word of God continue to build our faith and renew our minds. Please keep up the good work. This is absolutely a must share!
Amen!
Thanks a lot sir.
I appreciate your feedback, also your addition is on point.
Beautiful write-up. Great content. Thanks for sharing. When led by the Holy Spirit, it is no longer ‘struggle’. May the Lord lead us.
Amen!
Thanks for the feedback
Nice write up!
#Struggling for the incorruptible
Thanks! Appreciate the feedback.
Very true, I was in the bank today and a guy in defense rudely told an elderly man in defense he’d be at his back when actually he wasn’t trying to jump the queue then I remembered this writeup. True the Holy Spirit should be part of our struggle while on Earth so we don’t grieve Him. Thank you Sir for this piece.
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Thank you for sharing!
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is useful.
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks a lot for the feedback
Thanks for sharing. This piece is so inspiring. A good start for the year. Let me also reiterate that the need to pause at intervals and ask questions during our struggles in life is apt, else the whole essence of the struggle may be in futility. The purpose of Apostle Paul’s struggle(Phililians 3:13-14) was to end well, hence, struggles should be purposeful to attain better results that will not birth more struggles .
So so inspiring. Purposeful struggle is apt. Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 struggled for the prize of high calling…… , which is the ultimate of the hope of every child of God. Even when the drive for daily existence is at its peak, the struggle to end well should not be given less priority.
Indeed, the struggle for the prize of the high calling should be the priority.
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated