When you are in a desperate situation time seems to take forever. A
minute wait seems like forever. Such was the case in the life of Jairus,
the ruler of the Synagogue...
He had gotten the attention of the
miracle working Jesus, He had agreed to come and rescue the dire
situation, Jairus daughter laid dying on her sick bed. Luke 8:41-56 NKJV
"And,
behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the
synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he
would come into his house:
42 For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
43 And
a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her
living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
45 And
Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were
with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and
sayest thou, Who touched me?
46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
47 And
when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and
falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for
what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
49 While
he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house,
saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
51 And
when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter,
and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was
done."
If Jairus could, he would have carried Jesus
on his shoulder so there will not be any delay in getting to his
daughter. But the crowd thronged Him... And the because we all have
issues, the woman with the issue of blood, the crowd pressing for one
thing or the other, oh if only Jesus could hurry up!
Alas! a
messenger came from Jairus' home to deliver the evil report full of
sadness and failed expectation, Jairus' daughter had died, even the
servant encouraged his master not to trouble the Master. But
in the midst of the chaos Jesus heard it...
That is an assurance
that regardless of what you are going through,how many people are
giving testimonies around you, how long that issue has been outstanding,
Jesus will hear you. He gives time and priority to each one of us, the
crowd, the woman with the issue of blood got her own miracle while so
much was going on, you will get your miracle. I know you are saying "I
am desperate and God seems to be slow" but He will come and He will not
be delayed.
When doubters are passing nasty comments that make
you feel like just disappearing to space, know that Jesus has heard you
and He will make it to you. When there seems to be no precedence to
assure you that God can come through in your peculiar situation, hold
on, He will get to you."Our marriage is on the verge of collapse you
lament, my husband has moved in with a strange woman, nobody has
succeeded in getting through to him, you say" Jesus has heard you, just
hold on, "my teenage daughter is suicidal for no reason" Jesus restored
life back to the dead daughter of Jairus, he will not allow you to mourn
yours.
Even though there are so many people pressing for
answers to their prayers, God will hear you and deliver your own miracle
only believe. The end of the week
does not signify failure at achieving your goal, it only provides you
space and time to regroup and refire. Even though the crowd throngs
Jesus He will answer you.
Shalom!
Friday, 19 October 2012
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Carefully Placed
Understanding the fact that God has a single purpose but He has chosen
to use the variety at His disposal to accomplish it is crucial.
As a member of the body of Christ, God has deposited diverse gifts into diverse vessels so that at the end of the day all glory will belong unto Him once His goal is accomplished. Then it is important that less attention should be placed on title, positions and hierarchy. Apostle Paul used the analogy of the different body parts to show us the importance of each one of us within the body of Christ. The ears can not be jealous of the eye, neither can the feet of the head. Why? Regardless of how carefully and meticulously woven in complexity the brain is with the head, it can not do the work of the feet that are so close to dirt.
1 Corinthians 12: 3-18 The Message
12-13 "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.
14-18 I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “I’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it".
In a family unit called the home, the man has his own functions that his innate qualities and giftings allow only to carry out, so also does the woman. Ever since I have been married and I observe a few things God has given my husband to do, I thank God for his life, I learn from him but I do not try to do things to compete with him in order to prove a point. As a woman, my husband blesses God for the grace of God upon my life and my abilities without any need to compete, discount or put me down.
Have you ever try to understand why spouses, friends, brethren and other people come into ourlives? There are people in our lives for reasons and seasons. It is important to understand the different seasons in ourlives so we can maximize the importance of the reasons why we have individuals around us. Learning from our mistakes, looking forward to apply life lessons ahead of us add to the growth,experience and maturity we attain.
I am very important in the lives of those God has surrounded me with and I live everyday to ensure that I do my bit. Let us appreciate what God has created us for, and let us focus solely on that without looking into another man's field. No matter how beautiful and expensive a pair of shoes are, if they are not your size, they are bound to disgrace you one of two ways; if they are too small they will hurt you or if they are too big they will make you fall, you will be luck if you do not lose a tooth in the process...lol
Ensure you occupy where God has carefully placed you and bring out your very best. God has given you your wife/husband for a purpose, put in your very best into their lives so that God will acknowledge your good work and promote you. If there is work to be done in your spouse's life, ask God for grace and commence the work and before you know it, you both will look back and rejoice in the fruit of your labor. You have been carefully placed, invest your best into where you are now.
Shalom!
As a member of the body of Christ, God has deposited diverse gifts into diverse vessels so that at the end of the day all glory will belong unto Him once His goal is accomplished. Then it is important that less attention should be placed on title, positions and hierarchy. Apostle Paul used the analogy of the different body parts to show us the importance of each one of us within the body of Christ. The ears can not be jealous of the eye, neither can the feet of the head. Why? Regardless of how carefully and meticulously woven in complexity the brain is with the head, it can not do the work of the feet that are so close to dirt.
1 Corinthians 12: 3-18 The Message
12-13 "You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.
14-18 I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, “I’m not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don’t belong to this body,” would that make it so? If Ear said, “I’m not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don’t deserve a place on the head,” would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it".
In a family unit called the home, the man has his own functions that his innate qualities and giftings allow only to carry out, so also does the woman. Ever since I have been married and I observe a few things God has given my husband to do, I thank God for his life, I learn from him but I do not try to do things to compete with him in order to prove a point. As a woman, my husband blesses God for the grace of God upon my life and my abilities without any need to compete, discount or put me down.
Have you ever try to understand why spouses, friends, brethren and other people come into ourlives? There are people in our lives for reasons and seasons. It is important to understand the different seasons in ourlives so we can maximize the importance of the reasons why we have individuals around us. Learning from our mistakes, looking forward to apply life lessons ahead of us add to the growth,experience and maturity we attain.
I am very important in the lives of those God has surrounded me with and I live everyday to ensure that I do my bit. Let us appreciate what God has created us for, and let us focus solely on that without looking into another man's field. No matter how beautiful and expensive a pair of shoes are, if they are not your size, they are bound to disgrace you one of two ways; if they are too small they will hurt you or if they are too big they will make you fall, you will be luck if you do not lose a tooth in the process...lol
Ensure you occupy where God has carefully placed you and bring out your very best. God has given you your wife/husband for a purpose, put in your very best into their lives so that God will acknowledge your good work and promote you. If there is work to be done in your spouse's life, ask God for grace and commence the work and before you know it, you both will look back and rejoice in the fruit of your labor. You have been carefully placed, invest your best into where you are now.
Shalom!
Monday, 8 October 2012
Do It Afraid
Salvation is a personal experience, it is a process; someone leads you to the truth and you give your life to Christ and He becomes your Lord and saviour. However, after that, you have to maintain and sustain the relationship by working it out, improving communication,discovering and understanding the love of the Father.
It seems very easy to fellowship with others, mouth Christian lingo and do things just to please those around you or do it because that is how others do it. Over the years, I have found out that in walking with the Lord, you have to cultivate a personal relationship, understand how the Lord deals with you in all areas and refuse to compare yourself with others but willing to learn from everyone. You will have to go through your dying process yourself...
Phillipians 2:12 The Amplified
12 "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ)".
The phase of working out your salvation with fear and trembling is broken down in this verse and I love it! May I point out somethings that speak to me here:
Work out: Cultivate, carryout to the goal, fully complete
This speaks to improving daily, determination, focus, avoiding distractions in any form, avoiding compromise, refusing to water down the truth you have come to believe and accept.
Fear & Trembling: self distrust, serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation,timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ!
This is my focus, how many of us feel comfortable about doing things that discredit the name of Christ just because we have "men of God" who do the same? How many of us are willing to give in to sexual pressure, cover up a pregnancy just to ensure we get married in church? How many times do we "cook" the books, give kick backs and follow the multitude to do wrong just because we have to "make it"? Do we get uncomfortable when we see a "brother, deacon or Pastor" beat up their wives just because the women do not listen? What are those things we would dare not touch years back but wink at them as "they wont stop me from getting to heaven" now...
Lying gets things done these days...but it is still on the list of reasons why people will go to hell, sycophancy gets you the title, slyness and hypocrisy gets you some favors...but the foundation of the Lord stands sure. For all of us who will make it to heaven, the fear (holy reverence and awe of God) must guide our everyday dealings and walk with God. Living each day as if it would be the last, a lie is a lie not "applying wisdom". If you are not going to marry the lady, do not lead her on, do not corner a man by getting pregnant for him, stop hanging out with thieves so you too can live comfortably.
When we get too bold and indulge in sin, we can not escape the judgement of God regardless of how many scriptures we can quote. The walk of faith requires fear and trembling. So do it afraid!
It seems very easy to fellowship with others, mouth Christian lingo and do things just to please those around you or do it because that is how others do it. Over the years, I have found out that in walking with the Lord, you have to cultivate a personal relationship, understand how the Lord deals with you in all areas and refuse to compare yourself with others but willing to learn from everyone. You will have to go through your dying process yourself...
Phillipians 2:12 The Amplified
12 "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, [i]with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ)".
The phase of working out your salvation with fear and trembling is broken down in this verse and I love it! May I point out somethings that speak to me here:
Work out: Cultivate, carryout to the goal, fully complete
This speaks to improving daily, determination, focus, avoiding distractions in any form, avoiding compromise, refusing to water down the truth you have come to believe and accept.
Fear & Trembling: self distrust, serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation,timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ!
This is my focus, how many of us feel comfortable about doing things that discredit the name of Christ just because we have "men of God" who do the same? How many of us are willing to give in to sexual pressure, cover up a pregnancy just to ensure we get married in church? How many times do we "cook" the books, give kick backs and follow the multitude to do wrong just because we have to "make it"? Do we get uncomfortable when we see a "brother, deacon or Pastor" beat up their wives just because the women do not listen? What are those things we would dare not touch years back but wink at them as "they wont stop me from getting to heaven" now...
Lying gets things done these days...but it is still on the list of reasons why people will go to hell, sycophancy gets you the title, slyness and hypocrisy gets you some favors...but the foundation of the Lord stands sure. For all of us who will make it to heaven, the fear (holy reverence and awe of God) must guide our everyday dealings and walk with God. Living each day as if it would be the last, a lie is a lie not "applying wisdom". If you are not going to marry the lady, do not lead her on, do not corner a man by getting pregnant for him, stop hanging out with thieves so you too can live comfortably.
When we get too bold and indulge in sin, we can not escape the judgement of God regardless of how many scriptures we can quote. The walk of faith requires fear and trembling. So do it afraid!
Thursday, 4 October 2012
The Power of Consistency
The Power of Consistency
I woke up this morning with three words in my heart; growth, consistency and
persistence. I knew I had to string them together in the place of prayer and
meditation.Luke 18: 1-5 The Message :
1-3 "Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, “There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: ‘My rights are being violated. Protect me!’
4-5 “He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, ‘I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won’t quit badgering me, I’d better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I’m going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.’”
Growth is defined as the act or process or a manner of growing; development, gradual increase. I love the last part of the definition, gradual increase. A lot of times we want to experience growth overnight, all of a sudden. We talk about the microwave generation, put it in and its out and ready. I have reduced my use of microwave oven because I am not always satisfied with the end result even though it is very fast. Growth in itself connotes a process of increasing over time.
Consistency is steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form, solidity or firmness.
Persistence: doggedness, continued effort or existence.
God expects us to grow, increase and become better at everything we do and most especially our relationship. I was putting an equation together as I wrote this
Consistency + Persistence = Growth
How often are we in a hurry? Wanting to get to the end of the race and if what you are working at does not seem to yield immediate result, you dump it and go to the next new thing. Most times, that fails to yield immediate result and you dump and go. After 10 years of dumping and running you find out that you can not lay your hands or show any meaningful growth or productivity. Meanwhile, someone who has patiently stayed and worked at something will have result to show. This is not limited to career or business but also in our marriage relationship. How many times have you questioned the rightness of your choice in marrying your spouse? Perhaps your friend’s wife is quiet, keeps the house, hardly goes out? Your own wife is the life of any gathering, always involved in one thing or the other, you wonder why she can not be like your friend’s wife...According to your own judgement, your husband is the worse man on planet earth and you wonder why you had the misfortune of marrying him...hmmm you must have heard the saying “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure”, if you lose your heaven ordained spouse in the name of fault finding, you will never get it right till you rest in peace.
Marriage was designed to be a life time thing and when you walk and work with God, he gives you a life time guarantee on your relationship. Every relationship will go through its own phase of challenges, learning and flourishing. You can not omit one phase and expect to get to the other because the phases are interdependent, one leads to the other just like the different phases of metamorphosis. Consistent prayer will give you the direction you need to travel when you are going through each phase. Not giving up too soon, keeping at it and believing in your mind that this man/woman is the right one God has given me and I can only grow when I have allowed patience to have its work in me.
Persistence: continued effort at listening, communicating, adjusting to each others strength and weaknesses as well as minding your manners, appreciation for the little things done for you all add up to help you retain your form or solidity in your marriage relationship. Little as these qualities seem, when they are lacking, over the years, resentment, disrespect, selfishness take over. Therefore, instead of working for each other's good you work to destroy the other person so you can win.
May I chip in here that in a marriage relationship, when you have your differences, quarrels, disagreements and your point is accepted at the end of the day, you have not won because it is not a battle or game, you have just successfully agreed on a way to move forward. Marriage is teamwork not competition. When you set out the goal you want to achieve and you have closed in on it, that is growth! It is not when you compare yourself with your friend, brethren, siblings or contemporaries that you measure growth. You must set goal and work hard towards it.
Consistency guides your growth when you are persistent and you are able to achieve your set goal.
Shalom~!
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Delilah - Woman on a mission
I have realized that entering every and any environment as a learner
will make you better and wiser. I also discovered that learning from
others help you avert unnecessary mistakes.
A few things I would like to share about Delilah and some positive qualities she used in caring out her devilish mission.
Judges 16:4-20
=> She conquered the heart of a destiny carrying man even though she lived in a valley
Lesson: God is able to bring you the right partner regardless of your location
=> She knew exactly what she wanted and she worked hard at getting it, she was frank and unpretentious about her intentions with Samson
Lesson: God has a purpose for your to actualize in the life of your husband, do not be distracted, focus and get it done.
=>She worked hard at achieving her goal; she pampered, pet, caressed him
Lesson: Give your husband the right treatment, do not allow another woman to win the trophy of his heart, be the best friend, lover and confident.
=>She was consistent and persistent
Lesson: She repeated the same question over and over again, she did not get discouraged by the initial tricks. She did not give up. How often do we give up when doing laudable things that can bring promotion? When we fail to get the desired result at the first attempt we throw in the towel, we need to persevere and exhibit patience.The fact that your husband has tried a couple of business ideas and failed does not mean you should allow him bury his head in shame, encourage him,back him up and nudge him towards success
=>She ensured the abortion of Samson's destiny into the hands of the Philistines (same people he was raised to destroy)
Lesson: Stand in the place of prayer to ensure the successful delivery of your husband's destiny. Delilah had her reward, how much more will you too when you ensure God's will is established in your spouse's life.
There are so many other Delilah's in this world, they are waiting to destroy what God has invested in your husband but God is counting on you as a woman on a mission to destroy the plan of the enemy. Receive God's grace to overcome.
A few things I would like to share about Delilah and some positive qualities she used in caring out her devilish mission.
Judges 16:4-20
=> She conquered the heart of a destiny carrying man even though she lived in a valley
Lesson: God is able to bring you the right partner regardless of your location
=> She knew exactly what she wanted and she worked hard at getting it, she was frank and unpretentious about her intentions with Samson
Lesson: God has a purpose for your to actualize in the life of your husband, do not be distracted, focus and get it done.
=>She worked hard at achieving her goal; she pampered, pet, caressed him
Lesson: Give your husband the right treatment, do not allow another woman to win the trophy of his heart, be the best friend, lover and confident.
=>She was consistent and persistent
Lesson: She repeated the same question over and over again, she did not get discouraged by the initial tricks. She did not give up. How often do we give up when doing laudable things that can bring promotion? When we fail to get the desired result at the first attempt we throw in the towel, we need to persevere and exhibit patience.The fact that your husband has tried a couple of business ideas and failed does not mean you should allow him bury his head in shame, encourage him,back him up and nudge him towards success
=>She ensured the abortion of Samson's destiny into the hands of the Philistines (same people he was raised to destroy)
Lesson: Stand in the place of prayer to ensure the successful delivery of your husband's destiny. Delilah had her reward, how much more will you too when you ensure God's will is established in your spouse's life.
There are so many other Delilah's in this world, they are waiting to destroy what God has invested in your husband but God is counting on you as a woman on a mission to destroy the plan of the enemy. Receive God's grace to overcome.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Back to the familiar?
I went to pick the mails and it was a huge pile. I sorted the bills from
the flyers and I had just one card in the big pile that was a birthday
card. I got home and placed the bills on the fireplace totally unsure
where to turn my eyes, mind and thoughts. I have looked severally to the
mountains, hills and everywhere, no help seems to be forthcoming. I am
seriously thinking of other ways of making things work. If others are
systematically committing fraud and by so doing making ends meet, maybe I
should try at least until this siege is over... I came here with a
degree in Economics and I have completed my Masters degree in same yet,
it is from one entry level,menial job to another. I pay my tithes and it
is almost insulting to listen every time to people share their
testimonies about how they were considered for positions they were not
qualified
for...
We finished a three day fasting and praying program specifically for women trusting God for the fruit of the womb and the visiting pastor said, "go home, anoint your bed and God will do what He alone can do". It has been about a month since then and I just got my period again. I am so tempted to "help" myself and put an end to this ridicule...
The brother who had asked me for sex before marriage and I said no, is getting married to a sister in the church!. Can you imagine how that hurts? So does that mean this sister gave in or am I being foolish? Maybe I should have just done what everyone does to get answers and free myself from frustration and misery. I think am taking things too seriously and perhaps I should just do what Romans do since I live in Rome. It is either the other sister gave in to his request or something is wrong with me...
I have pledged and sowed just because I want God to touch this wayward, wandering man I call my husband. He seems to be getting worse with every act of faith I display, if he is not hitting me, he is ridiculing me before our friends. I have made up my mind to "take care of things" and everyone will hear at that time...
It is hard not to revert to what you are familiar with when faced with a difficult situation. The Patriarchs of old had their own challenges and we learn from each one about how they handled their peculiar situations. Let us consider John 21: 2-4 KJV
"There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus".
Simon Peter, Jesus' right hand man, bold, courageous, willing to stand by the master in the face of challenge went back to the familiar. He was a fisher man when Jesus met him and perhaps he was expecting things to continue just the way they were when Jesus was around but life had become boring, no Jesus, miracle, influence or aura of the Lord Jesus, they were no longer invited to places where they were regarded as celebrities (Wedding in Cana of Galilee), as a matter of fact, the Pharisees were out for their heads and throats...Peter the rock, reverted back to human nature, solution and way of taking care of things. He went back fishing but the result was still the same; nothing, emptiness, failure...that is always the result when we go back to sort spiritual dilemma through human ability.
Since I do not know your situation and what you have been up against, it will be totally wrong to assume anything about your situation. However, I have a Father, a God who knows all things and He has not changed, He knows your name, He sees and cares and He wants you to trust Him once more.
May this new month bring about wholeness and completeness in all areas where you are tempted to help God or revert back to the familiar.
Blessings.
We finished a three day fasting and praying program specifically for women trusting God for the fruit of the womb and the visiting pastor said, "go home, anoint your bed and God will do what He alone can do". It has been about a month since then and I just got my period again. I am so tempted to "help" myself and put an end to this ridicule...
The brother who had asked me for sex before marriage and I said no, is getting married to a sister in the church!. Can you imagine how that hurts? So does that mean this sister gave in or am I being foolish? Maybe I should have just done what everyone does to get answers and free myself from frustration and misery. I think am taking things too seriously and perhaps I should just do what Romans do since I live in Rome. It is either the other sister gave in to his request or something is wrong with me...
I have pledged and sowed just because I want God to touch this wayward, wandering man I call my husband. He seems to be getting worse with every act of faith I display, if he is not hitting me, he is ridiculing me before our friends. I have made up my mind to "take care of things" and everyone will hear at that time...
It is hard not to revert to what you are familiar with when faced with a difficult situation. The Patriarchs of old had their own challenges and we learn from each one about how they handled their peculiar situations. Let us consider John 21: 2-4 KJV
"There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus".
Simon Peter, Jesus' right hand man, bold, courageous, willing to stand by the master in the face of challenge went back to the familiar. He was a fisher man when Jesus met him and perhaps he was expecting things to continue just the way they were when Jesus was around but life had become boring, no Jesus, miracle, influence or aura of the Lord Jesus, they were no longer invited to places where they were regarded as celebrities (Wedding in Cana of Galilee), as a matter of fact, the Pharisees were out for their heads and throats...Peter the rock, reverted back to human nature, solution and way of taking care of things. He went back fishing but the result was still the same; nothing, emptiness, failure...that is always the result when we go back to sort spiritual dilemma through human ability.
Since I do not know your situation and what you have been up against, it will be totally wrong to assume anything about your situation. However, I have a Father, a God who knows all things and He has not changed, He knows your name, He sees and cares and He wants you to trust Him once more.
May this new month bring about wholeness and completeness in all areas where you are tempted to help God or revert back to the familiar.
Blessings.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Uno Momento - One Moment Please!
Patience is a virtue but a very tough one to exhibit. Whether you are dealing with God or man, it is very challenging to be patient.
When you have a sore point in your life, it blinds you to every other thing that functions and runs smoothly in your life. Sometimes you assume it is given to just pass a professional exam at a sitting because you have studied. Some other time you plan that after the first six years of marriage you should be done with baby making business or latest by age 24 you should be happily married and have your future all set and awaiting fulfillment one step after the other... When things are 'slightly' out of place, we wonder where God is and if He no longer answers prayers. Is there anything wrong with having goals and expectations you ask? No, not at all, as a matter of fact, it is important to plan and have an organized thought about where and what you imagine yourself doing in a few years ahead.
However, our plans do not always work out the way we set them out to. That is because God rules over the affairs of men! "They have come again o".... I have experienced a few hitches in my life in areas I thought I had everything figured out. One thing I have learned in my short years of sojourning on this terra firma is that you need to do your part and allow God to do His. How he will do it is strictly His own prerogative. I came across a scripture that I believe will cause your faith to rise and strengthen you in the face of whatever challenge you might be facing.
Romans 5:4-5 NKJV
"And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
These very words sustain me daily and in the face of whatever I face, I have come to realize that I can not speed up the hand of God by getting anxious or wasting tomorrow's strength by exhibiting undue agitation today. If I am of marriageable age and am successful in other areas of my life, I should know that God is not mean or wicked, He will not allow me to waste my youthful days and not bring me to His perfect will for my life. I cannot go on the street and grab the next man/woman that comes my way, I will wait on Him and am assured He will cause my joy to be full.
Maybe I should yeild to pressure of having sex before marriage after all I am no longer a baby... It is not about you but about what God has laid down in His word. He has said I will not be barren therefore, I will learn patience, acquire experience that will enhance my hope. God will not allow me to go back to school, endure the rigour of academics only to walk the street endlessly and become a nuisance to everyone around me. He is preparing a testimony that will resound and cause men to use me as a point of contact for good things.
I can tell you without an aorta of doubt that HOPE in God will never make put you to shame. Although it is extremely and excruciatingly painful sometimes but my soul will wait on you oh Lord!
When you have a sore point in your life, it blinds you to every other thing that functions and runs smoothly in your life. Sometimes you assume it is given to just pass a professional exam at a sitting because you have studied. Some other time you plan that after the first six years of marriage you should be done with baby making business or latest by age 24 you should be happily married and have your future all set and awaiting fulfillment one step after the other... When things are 'slightly' out of place, we wonder where God is and if He no longer answers prayers. Is there anything wrong with having goals and expectations you ask? No, not at all, as a matter of fact, it is important to plan and have an organized thought about where and what you imagine yourself doing in a few years ahead.
However, our plans do not always work out the way we set them out to. That is because God rules over the affairs of men! "They have come again o".... I have experienced a few hitches in my life in areas I thought I had everything figured out. One thing I have learned in my short years of sojourning on this terra firma is that you need to do your part and allow God to do His. How he will do it is strictly His own prerogative. I came across a scripture that I believe will cause your faith to rise and strengthen you in the face of whatever challenge you might be facing.
Romans 5:4-5 NKJV
"And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
These very words sustain me daily and in the face of whatever I face, I have come to realize that I can not speed up the hand of God by getting anxious or wasting tomorrow's strength by exhibiting undue agitation today. If I am of marriageable age and am successful in other areas of my life, I should know that God is not mean or wicked, He will not allow me to waste my youthful days and not bring me to His perfect will for my life. I cannot go on the street and grab the next man/woman that comes my way, I will wait on Him and am assured He will cause my joy to be full.
Maybe I should yeild to pressure of having sex before marriage after all I am no longer a baby... It is not about you but about what God has laid down in His word. He has said I will not be barren therefore, I will learn patience, acquire experience that will enhance my hope. God will not allow me to go back to school, endure the rigour of academics only to walk the street endlessly and become a nuisance to everyone around me. He is preparing a testimony that will resound and cause men to use me as a point of contact for good things.
I can tell you without an aorta of doubt that HOPE in God will never make put you to shame. Although it is extremely and excruciatingly painful sometimes but my soul will wait on you oh Lord!
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