Many years ago when I was young, Naerobe City in Africa was known as the city of lights. As the country side was engulfed in darkness, we could see lights of this city high up in the skies and far away in the horizon. In the country side we were used to darkness. Our eyes became so sharp even in the dark. You could know things by their figures ...even calling people by their names.
But when I grew up and came to this city, I found a new meaning. It's about struggle to success.
Fast forward in Naerobe ,the African city, struggle has taken a different meaning, something you never thought about! On this particular day I am walking down a street on my way to bus a terminal. I am on my way to an upcountry business appointment. Today I am not driving, I will take a country bus.
As I am walking down a crowded back street towards the bus station, suddenly, I bump into a man pushing a handcart. He hits me hard with the edge of his cart. Writhing in pain, I turn. I realize that my leather jacket is scratched, cut. He didn't care, and in seconds he was gone, not looking back. Before I got angry, I realized that it was me who was not keen on the street. I should have sidestepped to avoid a collision...that's the rule and no one cares about your weakness!
You see this guy is one out of several millions who live in this city. To hassle and to struggle is the order of the day. It doesn't matter what profession or occupation you are in. You got to stand up and make ends meet, alone. That's the bottom line.
There is a saying in this city-"Chunga yako nichunge yangu". It literally means "guard what is yours, I will guard what is mine". Everyone takes care of his stuff: oranges on the street, your wares on the street, your car on the street...Don't hit me and I will not hit you!
If you are new in this city and happen to board a public transport taxi called "Hakuna Matata" (no troubles), you may have to close your eyes during the ride. Their speeds breath taking and sometimes they pass each other with just a few inches between them. Remember the rule: Do whatever you want to do on the street but don't touch me!!
If you are already surprised listen to this:
So everyone here is smart, vigilant, and fast. As Lance Armstrong would say ..."Every second counts"...Make money very quick or no one cares. There is no government welfare or handouts.
And so I guess what would the devil do in such a city? He is already overtaken!
People struggle so much they are already heroes. If these are the qualifications for the coming kingdom of Yahshua, they are already registered!
But wait a minute, these are not the parameters, the Bible says that it is the keeping of God's commandments and having the faith and testimony of the savior Yahshua the Messiah. (Jesus Christ)
Wherever you are in the world I would invite you to visit this city. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two about faith.
That whatever you do in life the game is the same. Fight the devil the way you fight your daily chores!
And if you can survive in this city, you can defeat the devil hands down and at any time!
Bring it on Satan...your game is over!
James 4 .7-8
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