“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin” Micah 3:8

The book of Micah has so much to teach us today as all other books in the Bible. The first few verses of chapter three describes the cruelty with which the leaders treat the people, which in no means is better than how most leaders today treat their people. When we look around the world, we see so much suffering, cruelty inflicted upon citizens in many different countries, mostly by insurgents and leaders. Every human being has a right to protection from insecurity, but lately, they have been used as a bargaining chip by leaders who seek power, wealth and pursue ideologies at the expense of their citizens.

In Micah’s time, he protested against the actions of these leaders, explaining the calamity that will befall them should they continue to inflict pain on the people. However, others (false prophets) who wanted to gain from these circumstances, declared peace when Micah was told destruction would come. To these prophets, Micah said, they will not have any answers from God (vs 5-7). Micah on the other hand, is filled with power, with God’s Spirit and with justice and might, which enables him to speak truth and expose the sins of Israel (vs 8).

They have trusted in bloodshed and wickedness, bribes, prices and use their positions to gain wealth. At the end of the day, they proclaim God as their support saying “Isn’t God among us? No disaster will come upon us”

Since I have been home after my studies, many people have been asking what my next step is. Obviously, I am home to stay and find a job. What will I accomplish with my Peace studies degree? Like Micah, I know that God has called me to be back home in Cameroon where so much is going on. I do not understand all of it myself, but I know and have a great feeling that God has wonderful plans for me. I want to see my country with God’s eyes and to love the people with a heart that loves God. I want to expose the cruelty that holds my people captive and suppresses them. The people are angry not just at the leaders, but they have turned to hate each other, especially those who tend to progress ahead of them. This is as a result of so much injustices, corruption, occults and many other factors that I am not aware of. I want to be filled with God’s power, his spirit and I want to see justice and might reign in this place. What can a small young lady like myself do? I am always reminded of the many people that God used in the Bible to accomplish the most impossible tasks. David, Esther, Gideon, Joshua to name a few, where very young men and women whom God chose to let his glory shine through.

Our society today is no different from the Israelites in the days of Micah. People use God as a cover up of their evil deeds, holding the Bible in one hand, holding a bribe or witchcraft in another. At the end of the day, they proclaim God’s providence, when someone’s blood screams in their hands. Many people are being killed in God’s name, when in actual fact God hates murder. People misinterpret the Bible for what pleases them at the expense of a whole population. What can I do as an individual in my society to help the helpless? Should I fall in line with everyone or should I embrace God’s divine love, mercy and justice and stand up for the truth? Should I use bribery to get where I want to be? Will that be me taking matters in my own hands or will I be trusting in the Lord’s providence? Where does my trust reside?

As for me, I am filled with power and a different vision for my future. The one and only king who called me to his service will lead and direct the path that I follow. For it was him who created this world and thought it good. If I can bring some goodness back into it no matter how small it may seem, I shall do exactly that. I am a Cameroonian and very proud of it. It may be chaotic right now. I may not have a job or money to use as my insurance, but that does not matter. For wealth disappears, but the one who has power to make a whole world out of nothing stands guard over his flock. He never fails and he is always the strength and voice that we lack. In him is found true justice, wisdom, courage and means to possibilities when we face the impossibilities. That is the one I shall put my trust in, and in him I shall find my strength and courage to stand up for justice and truth in my society. Come what may, I shall fight with everything in me, because I know he shall fill me with his power, his spirit and might.

Thank you Lord for always being there for those who put their trust and faith in you. Thank you for opening my heart and mind to your ways father. Teach me to speak your truth and stand out among the crowds with a smile and love on my face for the people of Cameroon. May you stand guard over my comings and goings, so that your will may be fulfilled through me. How awesome are your ways o Jesus? Teach me to love like you and to forgive like you. May my mind, heart and will be forever in tune with yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.