Structural Reinforcement, by Sister Ose Imonikhe

Structural Reinforcement, by Sister Ose Imonikhe

The theme for the month “structural reinforcement” is timely as there are so many areas in our lives, families and church which need restructuring. Structural reinforcement simply put is an action or process of strengthening a structure so it can function properly and meet the requirements for which it was created for.

Why is Structural reinforcement important? It is necessary for strength, stability, order, rehabilitation, beauty, positive impartation. It is also necessary so an object, organism or structure become relevant again and functions even better than when it was initially created.

Three examples in the bible where structural reinforcement took place are firstly in Gen1: 1-2, where God the master architect had to make some changes to the earth because its current state which was formless and without void will not have been able to fulfil the purpose for which it was created for and with his spoken word things were put in place. Secondly in Romans 8: 2-4, Matt 5:17-18 Christ’s coming (The word became flesh) was a process of structural reinforcement because the law had become weak in fulfilling its purpose. He came to fulfil the law and the repair our relationship with God. Now through Christ our relationship with God is better because we have received the spirit of adoption and we can call him Abba father. Finally, in the book of Nehemiah structural reinforcement took place in the city of Jerusalem after Nehemiah rebuilt the walls (walls signify strength and protection) of Jerusalem in 52 days which was lying in waste and ruins. With the walls rebuilt the captives where able to worship God in the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah also ensured the Sabbath was observed again and also chased out Sanballat and Tobiah when he heard the evil they had committed while he was away.

Structural reinforcement has to proactively take place in the life of a Christian if he is to fulfil his/ her purpose in life. In Gen1:28 and Is 43:7, Matt 28:19 we can see God created us for his glory and wants us to be fruitful (raise Godly children both spiritual and physical) replenish the earth, subdue the earth (win souls and take people over for his kingdom) and have dominion (live like and sons who are royal priesthoods). This however is not an easy task because our flesh is weak and there are various challenges, circumstances warring against us fulfilling destiny (even the devil our adversary is also seeking to devour us). We need to evaluate and examine our lives as Christians on a daily basis to determine the aspects of our lives which need structural reinforcement. Ps 139:23. Having said that how do you go through structural reinforcement as a Christian?

  • Help from God/ having a relationship with God. In Psalm 91 and Psalm 121 we see that any one that seeks refuge from God and help from God is protected from evil and his life is also preserved. As a Christian strive to have “intimacy” with God your loving father, and build a strong relationship with him both in the good and bad times (as the deer pants for the water so does my soul longs for you).
  • Faith. Hebrew 11 describes faith as believing something is going to happen even though the current situation or circumstance does not represent what you expect to happen. Faith is rightly believing God will accomplish what he has promised. Great killers of destinies are doubt and fear. They affect our hearts and mind which shapes what you become (Proverbs 4: 23). 1 John 5:4 says every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.(NLT).
  • The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide and he teaches us all things. God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in sprit and in truth. The spirit gives us power, boldness and unction to function. The fruits of the spirit forms character, attitude and virtues which limits the flesh in us (Gal5:22-23) while the gifts of the spirit (1 Cor 12:8-11) provides divine assistance for service.
  • The word of God: Jos1:8, 2 Tim 2:15, 2Tim 3: 16-17. The scripture is inspired by God and teaches us what is true and makes us realise what is wrong in our lives. We are to meditate on the word of God daily, apply it to our lives and not just read it or hear it. The word of God has power it’s the same word that brought about a transformation in beginning when the earth was in chaos and that same word if put in
  • Prayer: Matt7:7, 1 Thes 5:17 Prayer is communicating with God. Its not just us doing the talking alone but God also revealing to us mysteries. Jer 33.3 “call unto me and I will answer you and show you wondrous things which you do not know” (Divine revelation from God). God can reveal opportunities, innovative ideas, and solutions to all areas of our lives both at work, home, school and ministry if we take time out to speak to him.

In Revelation 2 and 3 God revealed some changes to John which had to be made in the 7 churches of in Asia. He acknowledged their good works but however did not fail to establish other things which were not in place and which needed re-structuring because he wanted the bride (the church) to be perfect and blameless in preparation for the bridegroom’s coming. Let us examine our lives and make any change so we can function properly and so we can be perfect when our bridegroom (Christ) comes.