adminhas come in with its estimation of a 7,8 percent growth while Minister Biti remains optimistic that a GDP growth of between 7,8 percent and 9 percent could be registered this year.
Other economic analysts and schools of thought have weighed in with their projections. They have stated factors that could encourage growth and those that could impede the anticipated level of recovery. Most of these arguments are logical. But God has spoken!
Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of the United Family International Church on Tuesday announced to his congregation that God is now ready to take Zimbabwe to a new level.
During the sermon as he was praying and proclaiming blessings on his congregation God told him to bless Zimbabwe.
“Ipapa ndiri kunzwa rimwe shoko riri kuuya kwandiri ririkubva kunaJehovha riri kuti muranda wangu kanda ropafadzo pamusoro peZimbabwe! (Today the Lord is blessing Zimbabwe!),” said Prophet
Makandiwa much to the excitement of the thousands that attended the service at the City Sports Centre.
Many could not help but jump in jubilation as the main auditorium and those in the overflow tents outside City Sports Centre broke into song and dance at the news, a clear demonstration that Zimbabweans are hungry and thirsty for a flow of milk and honey in their motherland.
As they received the Word, their faith was anchored on the fact that a prophet is a representative of God which ultimately meant that God had spoken. Some of us do not even doubt the spiritual credentials of the messenger – Prophet Makandiwa – and we know that once he says so, it is done.
A quick check on the internet defines a prophet as “God’s spokesman, a servant of God who speaks forth the words and commands that he receives from God”.
Zimbabweans have been in a desperate mode for sustainable economic recovery and eventual growth. They have been eager to witness political and social stability and the message was that God has answered our prayers.
To those that believe in God, I found the message to be loud and clear. The word of God, which is very much relevant to the economic and socio-political well-being of this country and the world at large says: “By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved.” – Hosea 12v13. For Zimbabwe God has raised Prophet Makandiwa.
He told of a story in the Bible in which the people of Samaria suffered for long and it only took a prophet – Elisha to proclaim that within 24 hours, the economy of that country would have changed for the better and it happened that way.
“Then Elisha said, ‘Hear ye the word of the Lord.’ Thus saith the Lord, ‘Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria’. – 2 Kings 7 v1.
Tuesday’s sermon was largely on the importance of the spoken Word, which Prophet Makandiwa said wielded power to change the destiny for Zimbabwe.
A few months ago, Prophet Makandiwa said if the nation became more prayerful, the country would begin to witness an “eruption” of mineral deposits which would transform the economy. He said mining would become Zimbabwe’s economic mainstay, ahead of agriculture.
Zimbabwe has been recovering over the past two years but sad stories of challenges in hospitals, schools, communities, churches themselves and other spheres of life required a tonic from God. And He has been faithful.
Many a time, stakeholders such as Government, business, labour and civil society look more to trends, both local and international, rely on books and other such material to forecast the future but the Author and Perfecter of our Faith – God Himself has always had the answers to our questions as a nation.
He has the final say!
The above proclamation also got me thinking that the church, as a key, if not central stakeholder, should have a say in the economy.
Would it not be more beneficial and less cumbersome if the Minister of Finance were to consult the prophets of God in this country and the church at large as he prepares his budget?
While consultations with the business community, the fundis and even the people at grassroots level are in order, would his budget not be better informed if the church was involved?
Would it not make a difference if, in crafting the Medium Term Plan, Minister Tapiwa Mashakada and his permanent secretary, Dr Desire Sibanda, consulted the church body, particularly those that have been blessed to hear the voice of God?
Food for thought!
In God I trust!
Online Reporter