As we finish off what is usually deemed the month of new beginnings and approach a different season, I want to remind you that God is on track with his plans for you and has you exactly where you need to be. Perhaps the month hasn’t turned out the way you anticipated or it somewhat did, but you’re hoping for more.
If anyone can relate, it’s Martha. During her one-to-one with Jesus – after He seemingly turned up late for his on-call shift, She said: “If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died”. I have a feeling that this might be your stance about now – if you had given me that job, business deal, loan, connection, or treatment? Or if my ‘heifer’ weren’t plowed, then this situation wouldn’t be as complex or complicated.
It may seem that all hope is lost right now; however, it’s important to take hold of your thoughts, words, and actions. Are they full of faith or fear? Do they engender hope or despair? Are your assumptions optimistic or pessimistic? Selah!
I love the fact that in the midst of the loss, pain, anger, frustration, disappointment, exhaustion, and mood swings, Martha had a ’knowing’ and perspective that things could turn, and for the better. She said:
But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask him for. John 11:22
Herein is today’s reflection:
But I know: This speaks of faith – a confident assurance and expression [verbalization] of something expected in spite of the current evidence. The ‘But’ contrasts the present experience and introduces an alternate reality or possibility. It counters the status-quo by motioning the new. Why don’t you put those words into the atmosphere? I may be sick but I know, might be broke but I know, may have fertility issues but I know!
For I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him]. 2 Timothy 1:12
And we know [are convinced] that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28
Even now: I imagine Martha drew from the same leaf Pa Abraham did when: He believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became. Rom 4:18. I believe his condition was so hopeless and dead no virility drug or therapy could help, hence the account that “he believed the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist”.
You may be dealing with a ‘dead’ or ‘buried’ situation like a loved one in a coma or in the mortuary, homelessness, or hysterectomy but God can still turn it around, even now. Release your faith by decreeing that things will change for the better, the circumstances notwithstanding. It’s never too late, God can step into your now and create something new this very moment… at once … in a flash …. tout de suite…. straight away…instantly… immediately…even now!
I will make you well again; I will heal your wounds, though your enemies say, ‘Zion is an outcast; no one cares about her.’ I, the LORD, have spoken.” Jeremiah 30:17
The LORD heard the voice of Elijah, and the life of the child returned to him and he revived. I Kings 17:22
God will give you: What an amazing perspective to have especially when something has been taken from you. Do you believe that God will take or give? It was during his most trying time that Job shared that “The LORD gives and takes away. May his name be praised!” Whilst there’s some truth in this concept, Job maintained an attitude of praise and obedience. No wonder his narrative ended with: “The LORD blessed the latter years of Job’s life more than the earlier years”.
He received more because God gave more. God has always been and will continue to be in the business of giving, but if you do not believe that about him then it may not be your reality. Do you believe God will restore [ give you back] your life, finances, womb or whatever your desire? Then say it! God will give me perfect health, supply all my needs, and multiply my seeds.
I, the LORD your God, will make up for the losses caused by those swarms and swarms of locusts I sent to attack you. Joel 2:25
His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3
Whatever you ask: This connotes that there is no limit to what you can have provided you ask for it. If it is in the earth realm or beyond even to the highest heavens, God owns it all. A cattle on a thousand hills, silver or gold, or the glory of Lebanon, they’re all his. Jesus encourages us to ask:
Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for —believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
The good thing about this is that you are not constrained by your ask list or prayer points. Why? Because God can do exceedingly more than you can ask or think; hence, often supersedes whatever you ask. So what are you going to ask for?
I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” 2 Chronicles 1:12
He asked to live a long time, and you promised him life that never ends. Psalm 21:4
One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you and go look for the donkeys. 1 Samuel 9:3
So far in this series, we have discussed that life happens to all kinds of people, the benefits of having somebody or people to journey along with, and why pursuit is critical to accomplishing anything significant. Today, we’ll look at one of the triggers God often uses to align people with purpose – Missing things.
You may have come across the saying that your strength lies in the area(s) of your test. Similarly, I believe that those places where people tend to struggle, experience shortfalls or have delayed fulfillment, are pointers to their callings, capabilities, or graces. In other words, their ‘power plants’.
Let’s talk about Pops Ab for a moment. He was a father of none as far as men could see, but God saw and said he was the Father of many. Now, it took a while for the spiritual reality to manifest in the natural, but in the fullness of time, it happened. Isaac was born and he begat the tribes from which the nations are birthed. What shall we then say about Aunt Han who was long bullied and ridiculed for her infertility till she could no longer speak audibly? But when God turned it around, she testified:
Those who were well fed are now starving, and those who were starving are now full. The childless woman now has seven children, and the woman with many children wastes away. 1 Samuel 2:5
I want you to pause right now to pray and prophesy those words into your life: Wherever there’s been lack, there’s superabundance, where you were delinquent, there’s an endowment, and in or through your weaknesses, strength emerges. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #privatejetcometh 💃🙌🕺
So then we can be confident that when things are seemingly missing or misaligned, all things work together! For Saul, the donkeys had to stray so he could connect and make acquaintance with the most powerful figure of his time – who by the way, was Aunt Han’s baby, receive counsel about his present and future, do and be things that he never would have. Friend, are you getting this?
We’ll explore this further but for now please note that there is a greater purpose for your challenges than you know. The ‘missing donkey’ is only a ploy for your divine appointment and upliftment. I encourage you to praise, pray, and prophesy through this season – this too shall pass. You will testify! Your mouth will be enlarged over your enemies!! Your head will be lifted in honour!!! If you believe and receive this, #hollaapraise because #fulfilmentcomes 🙌🙌🙌
That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times (MSG).
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed in us (YLT).
For I am certainly persuaded that the afflictions of this time, are not worthy of the glory which shall be shewed upon us (BB). Romans 8:18
So Saul took one of the servants and travelled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. 1 Samuel 9:4
Successful people are in constant quest and pursuit. Some are in search of opportunities, insights, and methods, while others are on the lookout for mentors, partners, and proteges. They engage in a cycle of continuous professional development – they never stop discovering or searching, little wonder they are always innovating and growing.
The above text shows that Saul took action after mobilizing his team. He realized that lost things are meant to be found much like the broken need be healed, or the ruined, restored. To emphasize the significance of pursuit, Jesus launched the A.S.K method during a coaching moment with the disciples. Here’s a breakdown of the method:
Ask (A): You won’t always be handed things on a platter. What you request or ask for is usually what you are given.
Seek (S): Making an effort or attempt at something automatically moves you from inactivity towards a journey of endless possibilities. Seekers are always finders; even when their expectations are seemingly unmet, that in itself is a learning.
Knock (K): Between you and your next level is a door. A knock indicates your readiness to be allowed entry, passage, or exit.
For many, their ‘deliverance’ or breakthrough is wrapped in their pursuit (ASK) and not just in a prayer meeting. I encourage you to proactively activate and facilitate your restoration. Do not leave things to chance, pursue! Pursuing is a recurring process – you may not find what you are after immediately, but you will, eventually.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
So, Saul took one of the servants and travelled through the hill country of Ephraim, the land of Shalishah, the Shaalim area, and the entire land of Benjamin, but they couldn’t find the donkeys anywhere. Finally, they entered the region of Zuph, and Saul said to his servant, “Let’s go home. By now my father will be more worried about us than about the donkeys!” But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honour by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” 1 Samuel 9:4-6
There are some journeys you need not travel alone. Many projects require a team in the same way certain business ventures involve partners. No man is an island, we all need somebody. We need family, spouses, friends, colleagues, associates, acquaintances, sponsors, mentors, partners, and supporters, to aid on those occasions we appear a little short, vice versa.
I’m grateful that Saul heeded his Dad’s advice to take someone with him otherwise he may have discontinued the search and returned without any results. Imagine all the opportunities he would have missed had the servant not been with him?
There are 2 great lessons here:
Leaders do get discouraged. They are human and need support and encouragement every now and then. Be nice and love on them.
Leaders don’t always have the answers. Followers often extend their strong networks and mastermind the strategies their leaders execute. Never underestimate your ability to make a valuable contribution regardless of your position or location. You have something to offer!
You need folk with the ‘let’s go’ attitude in your life. People who won’t dessert you in your moments of despair. Individuals with a growth mindset who won’t stop at anything until you become the best version of yourself. I mean those who understand purpose and will continue to prod you towards its fulfilment. Men and women who can advise you on the right way to go. Persons of good repute.
I believe people are one of the greatest assets in life. They can make or break you so be careful how you select and treat those in your circle. #hollaapraise #fulfilmentcomes #people #networking #growthmindset #motivation #teamworking #collaboration #forming #storming #norming #performing #adjourning #leadership #followership #strategy #project #letsgo
There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2His son Saul was the most handsome man in Israel—head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land. One day Kish’s donkeys strayed away, and he told Saul, “Take a servant with you, and go look for the donkeys. 1 Samuel 9:1-3
Just as rain falls on the just and unjust, life happens to all kinds of people: wealthy and poor, influential and inconspicuous, handsome and unattractive, tall and short, etc. There are seasons or ‘one days’ in which assets are lost, a pandemic strikes, a partner strays, a child leaves, a loved one falls sick or dies. Usually, these are unexpected or unprecedented times that require a great deal of strength and courage to navigate.
I have no idea what may have strayed from or slipped through you, but you are not alone. There is good news:
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Instrument of Praise is a Music Ministry which operates on a national and international scale ministering physical, emotional and spiritual healing to the afflicted....
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