Good afternoon. Our first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader is Pastor Joe Ochei, Jesus House, City of God pastoral team ecumenical officer.
Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you for the opportunity to address you this afternoon.
Reflecting on the different challenges I have experienced in my relatively short life, I have come to understand the importance of faith, hope and deliberate resolve to keep pushing on in the face of harsh constraints and realities.
The journey of life is different for every person in our diverse communities, as are the challenges that people face daily. These challenges prepare and equip us for the opportunities and uncertainties of the future. Challenges are also an opportunity for critical reflection and improvement. It appears that our world has been experiencing crisis after crisis, from the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war increasing the migration crisis to the cost of living crisis. There is now an overwhelming desire for even a moment of reprieve.
While we may not always get a crisis-free period, we are encouraged by Romans, chapter 5, verses 3 to 5:
“But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!”
The attitude required in any crisis is a problem-solving attitude, and not despair or succumbing to the crisis, guided by the virtues of hope and faith.
Today, I will focus on being an overcomer. There are so many stories in the Bible that tell of how people lived through and overcame challenges. One of them is the story of Job, which is one of extreme human suffering. Job, chapter 1, verses 1 to 22, clearly shows a catalogue of difficult situations that any human can experience, with the loss of his family, his businesses and even his health. However, by staying steadfast, Job recovered all and was blessed by Almighty God.
I encourage everyone to understand that having a positive attitude and a disciplined sense of purpose in our response is crucial to overcoming any difficult situations. Also, with the right mindset, challenges can be building blocks for a prosperous and rewarding tomorrow.
My message for this Parliament is that we all have what is required to overcome any difficult situations and that we must continue to have faith, have hope and prepare adequately to respond positively in any difficult situation.
Thank you and God bless.