LEGIT EXCUSES AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
I was already in the city of Ibadan before I sent Papa (my grandfather in the faith) a message that I wanted to drop a gift as sent by my Dad in his office. He replied and said, “Bring it tomorrow please. I am out of town”.
Now, it would have been easy to say to him that “Sir, I am already in Ibadan. I have to return to Eruwa today because I have a tight schedule tomorrow”. He would likely tell me to simply drop it in the office. But I refused to. I simply responded with “Yes sir”.
I had to return to Eruwa that same day. I preached the opening session at my Dad’s convention early the next morning and began a return trip to Ibadan again. And the road was not even a comfortable drive.
But something happened after I had delivered the message. First, Papa asked me to come back because he wanted to see me personally and ask about an important decision in my life. Second, as I was to leave his office, he said some very powerful words to me that became a life-shaping encounter.
He said, “Son, I just returned from a retreat to prepare for ____ (their flagship meeting for the year), you are the first person I am seeing, let me bless you”. Yes, he did.
Beloved, you are made by following. Jesus said to the disciples, “Follow me and I will make you…” (Matthew 4:19). The Christian walk is not an isolated one, neither is it a solo run.
Second, following will never be cheap. The demand will be high at times. You must be willing to pay the price. Peter mentioned a huge price they paid in following Jesus:
Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
Mark 10:28 NIV
There are times following would mean leaving all behind to follow God and the one God has ordained to train and equip you for the assignment of God upon your life. You cannot be emotional or sentimental about it.
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. 1 Kings 19:21 NIV
Some decisions you make while following your God-ordained destiny link would look stupid to those who do not understand destiny decisions. They will see you as Ruth following Naomi who has “nothing” to offer. Stay focused. Stay humble. Stand learning.
Don’t be discouraged. There is a divine parcel that is tied to your obedience.
For someone questioning why we should follow a man (since we have Jesus already):
that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 6:12 KJV
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine and learn from those who follow our example.
Philippians 3:17 NLT
God will always bless us with pastors and worthy examples. Follow accurately.
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