TALITHA KOUMI… Death is presumed when all signs of the natural human life have ceased to exist. Jesus rebuked the mourners in Jairus’ house - “The child is not dead but sleeps”. Death is but ‘sleep’ to the believer; for the body rests until the time of resurrection- This truth is great encouragement to all of us who have had Christian loved ones depart in physical death. Arise from the sleep of death! When the Master of life gives forth a verdict for life, there is nothing the recipient of the message can do but to comply! And having laid hold of the hand of the child, he says to her: Talitha Koumi (Mark 5: 41); which is interpreted, Damsel, I say to thee, arise. It was easier for Jairus to trust God while his daughter was still alive, and whilst Jesus was still walking with him to his house. But Jairus was just about to lose his faith when Jesus stopped to heal the woman with the blood issue, and someone from his house came with the bad news of his daughter’s death. Fear is an enemy of our Faith in God. What we experience is beyond our understanding but long as we trust Him, The Lord “delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken” Psalms 34:19-20 (NIV). The presence of mourners in Jairus’ home is proof that the girl was actually dead, for the family would not have called them if there had been even the slightest hope that she was still alive; the professional Jewish mourners were always summoned when a death occurred. It was traditional for them to wail loudly and lead the family and friends in a dirge. We have probably given way to doubts when circumstances overwhelmed us. Sometimes God has delayed and we have wondered why. "The child is not dead but sleeps!" were Jesus' Words of hope to Jairus and his wife. Now, we need that special "Word" from God; we only receive it as we spend time in His Word. Unbelief laughs at God's Word, but faith lays hold of it and experiences His power. The Word of love and power- Talitha Koumi! Jesus added, "I say unto thee". It was by His authority that her spirit returned to her body. Jesus holds authority over all conditions of life that threaten peace! The girl not only came back to life, but was also healed of her sickness, for she was able to get out of bed and walk around. God is the conqueror over danger, demons, diseases and death. This illustrates and assures us that He is able to help us today. This does not mean that God always must rescue His people from danger or heal every affliction but it does mean that He holds the ultimate authority and that we need never fear. God seeks to re-establish a covenant relationship with Nigeria, the reason that He has led us to this point in history again. We remember our independence, same time that our amalgamation as a nation was initiated 52 years ago! This valley of Achor, of troubles, death, scarcity and travails will hence become our door of hope (Hosea 2:15)! Nigeria will be utterly transformed; even our nature will work agreeably. "On THIS DAY, I will answer your prayers," declares the Lord. "I will speak to the sky, it will speak to the earth, and the earth will produce grain, new wine, and olive oil. You will produce many crops, (Nigeria)”. Hosea 2:21 &22 (GOD'S WORD). The light that God has graciously given to her will blend with His Glory to form a light that will banish the entire stigma that the world has known Nigeria with. God will cleanse her of the reproach of corruption, terrorism and all these stains from hell! With the blood of Jesus, this beloved will be given a brand new slate. But "Come, let's talk this over!" says the Lord; "no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!” Isaiah 1:18 (TLB). God’s promise results into prosperity, peaceful faithfulness to God and His absolute defense. Like the Heavenly Jerusalem, God will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones (Isaiah 54: 11-12). O (Nigeria), you suffering, helpless city, with no one to comfort you, “All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings”. Psalms 36:7 (NLT). Nigeria, "ARISE, my people! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the Lord is streaming from you” Isaiah 60:1 (TLB). Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded her helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for her deliverance! Beloved, ARISE from this sleep of death! ARISE from the depression that circumstances have kept you! Be radiant, for your light has come, God’s Glory rises upon you! Jesus is saying to you in your language: Tashi ka haska! Dide tan imole! Bilie Chakee! Talitha koumi! ayanfeLAMPROS. NOTE: AMP (Amplified Bible version) NIV (New International Version) NLT (New Living Translation) TLB (The Living Bible)