Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has encouraged Nigerians to adopt an attitude of gratitude towards God, despite the challenges they may face.
During his sermon at the church’s annual thanksgiving service, titled “All Round Praise,” held at the national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye emphasized the importance of appreciating God’s mercy during difficult times.
Addressing the ongoing economic hardships and rising prices, Pastor Adeboye said, “If you don’t know what to thank God for, thank Him for His mercy. You are alive today not because of your own ability, strength, or wisdom, but because of His mercy. The Bible says, ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion.’ As long as you are breathing, there is hope for you.”
He reflected on the value of life and the often-overlooked gift of breathing, drawing attention to the challenges many faced during the COVID-19 pandemic when basic respiration became a struggle. “During the pandemic, those who couldn’t breathe needed oxygen masks to survive. As long as you can breathe, there’s hope, and those who have written you off will be surprised because your tomorrow will be alright,” he assured the congregation.
On the topic of gratitude, Pastor Adeboye shared a moving message regarding mental health, clothing, and societal values. “Maybe you didn’t have new clothes for Christmas, but you are not naked, and that shows you are not crazy. Many have plenty of clothes, but they have lost their minds. Nebuchadnezzar was a king with abundant clothing, yet he roamed naked among animals when things went wrong with his mind.”
Additionally, Pastor Adeboye criticized the growing trend of indecent dressing, calling it a form of practical nakedness. “Today, we see people exposing what clothes are supposed to cover. They celebrate this on television, but it’s not right,” he stated, urging a return to modesty and decency in appearance.
**RCCG Announces 100-Day Fast**
In another announcement, the RCCG has revealed its annual 100-day fasting exercise, which will commence on January 11, 2025, and conclude on April 21, 2025. Themed “RCCG Fast 2025,” the Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Pastor Oladele Balogun, mentioned that the spiritual exercise will include 30 days of focused intercession for Nigeria.
Pastor Adeboye highlighted the vital role of prayer during fasting, stating, “Without prayer, fasting is just a hunger strike.” He expressed confidence that the fasting period would lead to a divine turnaround for Nigeria and urged participants to maintain a prayerful attitude throughout the exercise.