John ESENE

     We saw how Bartimaeus ignored those who wanted to block him from meeting Jesus and shouted the louder, “Jesus Son of David! Take pity on me!” And Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He answered, Teacher, I want to see again.” Jesus told him, “Go, your faith has made you well.” And his life changed for good. Read Mk 10:46-52 for the full story.

Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela followed same protocol when oppositions, jail term and other difficulties came their ways as they worked had to fulfill God’s dreams for them as we saw in last Sundays publication. We too can do same to get to our destinations.

     When Solomon encountered God in 1 King 3:5-15, all went well and he made great strides. God asked Solomon, “What would you like me to do for you?” Solomon answered, “Lord, give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?” 1 King 3:5, 9. With God on his side, Solomon was able to rise and do great things. 

     In our efforts to achieve God’s dream for us, we have to see and hear God’s words to enable us identify the objectives. So, do not jump to conclusion that you know it all and so decide to manage yourself without the Spirit of God guiding you. We should not allow pride to blind us and make us cling to self-reliance and rejecting God’s guidance. Yes! A proud mind rejects the plans of God saying, “ I  can manage my life by myself!” do not resist stepping beyond your comfort zone when you know it will hinder you from doing the will of God. Appreciate Christ’s humility and resolve to obey God’s commandments to enable you do his will.

     The journey to achieving God’s dream for you may be rough but if you see faith in God as your bedrock and remain focus on Him, you will get to your destination irrespective of the problems that may come your way. Note that you need the spiritual strength to flow from God through you as you journey the beginning till the end. Recall how the Apostles went through their difficulties and eventually made it to the end because they experienced the Descent of the Holy Spirit and depended on Jesus all through.

   You have to keep the light burning even when you face hardships. God is with you in every situation, strengthening and guiding you as you journey to fulfill His plans for you. “We know that in all things God works for good with those who love Him, those whom He has called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. So, rather than question God when we face difficulties, let’s put our trust in Him to enable us improve on our mission for success. God uses both good and bad situations in our lives to shape us into the people He created us to be. 

      When Mohammend Munlaila proposed to stage a protest against President Buhari for his ambition to run for the second tenure, people mocked him saying “That’s your business. We will survive any hardship any President melt out for us. We will not trek with you.” So, on August 23, 2018 he boldly trekked from Lagos until he arrived Abuja on September 25, 2018.  Munlaila has done his part though President Buhari still succeeded because of our fears.

    Don’t give up your good intention even when the odds are against you! Your good did will speak for you. Joseph suffered in silence as a slave for 13 years in a foreign land without complaining to anybody. So, rather than complain about others and our problems, let us take our worries to God who is always there to counsel and strengthen us in our trials and tribulations.

      Today we are complaining of harsh economy, insecurity, etc. and refuse to protest against those who made us to labour in our land as slaves. Our true fear is not in our inability but in our potentials we have not engaged. Bob Marley is telling us to “Get up, stand up, Stand up for your right. Don’t give up the fight!”

    “The best defense against the devil is to be so God-centered that we give no place to Satan” Andrew Womack. The devil does not like those who want to follow the path God created for them. So, as you pray and fast, be watchful and avoid all possible distractions from him. He tempted Jesus, Our Master during his 40days of fasting and prayer. So, do not take things for granted. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” Jam. 4:7. Make yourself available to God like Noah and He will protect and raise you to a level beyond your imagination.

     We should allow our hearts to be fertile for the grace of God to dwell in us such that the devil will not find a home in us because the idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Evil thoughts listen to Satan. Tell yourself the truth so that the devil will not disgrace and destroy you. Be careful because this is the time your faith will be tested.  

    Criss Jami said, “Listen to God with a broken heart. He is not only the doctor who mends it, but also the Father who wipes away the tears.” We may have to pray thus, “Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another’s life, please do not take it away!” With the unconditional surrender of our lives to His loving care and control, God in His infinite kindness will grant us strength, peace, wisdom and purpose through Jesus His Only Begotten Son.

    Let us pray for God’s grace to discern His will to enable us follow His ways. And if we prioritize our devotion and allegiance to God with focus, it will enable us align our lives with God’s purpose. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these shall be yours as well” Mt.6:33. And Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.”