Despite Life’s Challenges, Maintain Gratitude to God, Rev. Oyelami Tells Christians

The Minister in charge of First Baptist Church, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Reverend Deji Oyelami, has advised Christians not to allow the challenges of life to take away their gratitude to God.

Reverend Oyelami gave the advice during his sermon at the 2026 Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Church in Gwagwalada, Abuja, with the theme, “Victory Through Thanksgiving”.

Taking his text from Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 16, verses 23 to 26, Reverend Oyelami said that regardless of their circumstances, Christians still have every reason to appreciate God, especially for the gifts of life, protection, provisions and His unfailing mercy.

He stated that the annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service was organised to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, celebrate His provisions and express gratitude for His goodness.

According to him, the Harvest Thanksgiving Service teaches Christians the virtues of gratitude, generosity and sacrificial giving.

“Our theme this year, ‘Victory Through Thanksgiving’, is apt in view of the current situation in Nigeria, where many people are confronted with economic hardship, rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and various social challenges.

“In the midst of all these difficulties, the story of Paul and Silas reminds us that thanksgiving does not depend on favourable circumstances. Hence, the need for Christians to cultivate the habit of giving thanks to God at all times towards attracting divine blessings and breakthroughs in their endeavours,” the Baptist cleric explained.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to put in place necessary measures that would cushion the effects of the current economic challenges in the country.

While urging religious groups not to relent in praying for a better Nigeria, Reverend Oyelami expressed hope that the country would soon overcome its challenges and take its rightful place among the comity of nations.

Some members of the Church, Dr. Mrs. Naomi Adelabu, Mr. Gbemileke Moses and Mr. Sunday Aboderin, who spoke on this year’s Harvest Thanksgiving, expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the grace to witness the programme.

Highlights of the Harvest Thanksgiving Service included songs of praise, thanksgiving offerings and prayers for Nigeria and its leadership.