MADE TO BE GREAT 11: KNOW WHAT TO IGNORE

When I got into ministry in Eruwa, there was one person I was scared of meeting. Why? I was not sure how he would take it when I told him that I had decided to abandon legal practice so I could serve the Lord full-time in ministry. Truly, I was scared. 

As destiny would have it, I ran into him one evening heading home from work. There was no escape route. I had to spill the beans that day. This beloved cerebral visionary looked at me and said: 

“Temi, a lot of people may not understand the decision you have made. They will likely call you names like stupid, foolish, or zealous for nothing. Do not mind them all”. I was surprised. He then added, ” When I was coming to Eruwa thirty-three years ago (as it then was), all my mates thought I was mad. But 33 years down the line, none of them have a better legacy than I do”. It was a liberating conversation. I left him with wings ready to fly. 

Beloved, greatness comes with huge demands. You must know what you want. You must know what to ignore. There are times it is painful but you must trudge on in faith. Sometimes, those who are closest to you may not even understand the purpose or vision you are running with. 

Do you know we are the ones who read about Jesus Christ and see the awe of all that he did? For a long time, his family did not believe in what he did. There is a particular episode that sends shivers down my spine every time. They told Jesus that he was beside himself (simply put, he was acting insane). Reading it in my language (yoruba) got me scared. 

Then Jesus went home, but once again a large crowd gathered around him, which prevented him from even eating a meal. When his own family heard that he was there, they went out to seize him, for they said, “He’s insane!”

Mark 3:20‭-‬21 TPT

While he was pursuing his vision and running after the assignment, his family called him ‘insane’. 

It was not just the only time. There was a time when his brothers told him that if he knew that he could do miracles, he should have shown himself to the world. 

For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

John 7:4‭-‬5 NKJV

If you stop to attend to all situations, you will never become great. You must know what to ignore. You must know that there are some answers that only the future can give. Let the vision that speaks at the end settle the contention. The siblings of Jesus Christ eventually became a part of the early church. 

Until the rod buds, the murmuring will continue. A budded rod is the answer to many contentions. 

Buds will sprout on the staff belonging to the man I choose. Then I will finally put an end to the people’s murmuring and complaining against you.”

Numbers 17:5 NLT

Focus on growth. Focus on the vision. Care genuinely about people. Walk in love with others but do not allow sentiments to cause you to derail on the path of greatness. 

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa