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TELL SOMEONE working extra hours that he'll receive a reward at the end, and he will be glad. Tell a cancer patient going through chemotherapy that everything will be okay—and you'll give him hope. To persevere in hope, you must believe that things will be better—you must believe that things will change. Martha was greatly worried about Lazarus when Jesus arrived at Bethany. "If you had been here, my brother wouldn't have died. But I know that God will give whatever you ask Him," she said. And Jesus replied, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26) He seemed to be saying, "Martha, there's hope." The Narrative PAUL was in prison when he wrote the Philippians. These were some of his words: "I've learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I've learned the secret of how to live when I'm full or when I'm hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little." (Philippians 4:11-12) Paul spoke like a man hopeful about the future. But how can you be hopeful in difficult times? Be Joyful WHEREVER YOU find joy, hope is nearby. When Ezra read the scriptures to Israel, and skilled ministers explained things to them, they wept. They realized that they had failed God. But Nehemiah was quick to remind them that they could delight in the Lord—for the joy of the Lord is their strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Joy keeps you steadfast in your walk with God. (James 1:2) Give Thanks THANKSGIVING helps you take stock of what God has given you—it also reminds you that your lines have fallen unto you in pleasant places, and you have a goodly inheritance in Christ. (Psalm 16:1) And as you show your gratitude in prayer, the peace of God will fill your heart. The peace of God isn't the absence of challenges but tranquillity in chaotic times—and Paul had it. Think Right IT WOULD help if you guarded your peace by thinking the right thoughts. When you're more concerned about your desires than the Will of God or you are constantly agitated about tomorrow, you are anxious. But God doesn't want you to be anxious for anything; rather, he wants you to pray. Think about the things that are true, honourable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. (Philippians 4:8) These things will not only give you hope, they'll also give you a clear conscience before God and men. Learn to be content CONTENTMENT isn't something you receive—it's something you learn through life experiences. It's not dependent on anyone. If you depend on someone to make you happy, what will happen at the person's passing? Life and concerns are always changing—there will be discontent in wrestling moments—and the decision you make in such moments will determine if you are content or not. It does not depend on personality but your thinking. If it's governed by something outside yourself, then you'll be discontent. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE LEARNING CURVE may be steep, but it's vital. The high cost of not doing good will cause evil to reign. But when YOU do right, the Christian life becomes attractive to unbelievers. And YOU become the hope for the world.

IN THE CORE of our Christian walk, there is a life-altering truth that highlights our struggles, our feelings of inadequacy, and our lack of faith—we must understand that we are works in progress. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) The Narrative A NATION’S GRIEF, a prophet’s burden. Ahab ruled in Israel for twenty years and did more evil than kings before him. And Elijah said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” (I Kings 17:1) God told Elijah to leave and go to Brook Cherith. God had commanded the ravens to feed him there. They brought him bread and meat, morning and evening. When the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land, God told him to go to Zarephath. “Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” (I Kings 17:8) Elijah arose and went to Zarephath. At the entrance of the city, he saw a woman gathering sticks. He asked her for water to drink. And as she left, he requested her to bring him some bread too. But she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”  (I Kings 17:11) Perspective matters CONFLICTS result from having different viewpoints—she saw things differently and was honest about it. Elijah told her not to fear but make some cake for him first—the jar of flour will not be spent, and the cruse of oil will not be empty till God sends rain. Elijah gave her the promise of God. He knew that she was a work in progress. Perhaps she had struggled with the Lord’s command before Elijah arrived, it was time for her to decide. A similar thing happened when the Ammonites and Moabites came to fight Israel. Jehoshaphat told Judah, “Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) Light Bulb Moment THE WIDOW filled the gaps in her thoughts with the promise of God—for her, it was a time of revelation. She obeyed God’s word and moved from lack to sufficiency. She believed, and God worked on her nature and character. Do you have gaps in your life? Fill them with the promises of God—they are yes and amen in Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:20) God is pleased with your progress, and your enthusiasm to do what he says. He loves it when you obey His words and become more like Christ. He is pleased when you leave your comfort zone and try to please Him. Fill the gaps in your life with God's words Possibilities Abound THE WIDOW understood that life is an assignment—she knew her call and fed the prophet. Her identity wasn’t in her history, but her possibilities. She heard the truth and held no opinion. Grace in abundance THE GRACE OF GOD kept her in the difficult season. She expressed the mind of God when she gave to Elijah, and God was pleased with her. The widow knew that she had the three things required to succeed—the seed, the promise and faith. She emptied her sustenance, and God filled her. You also have the wherewithal to succeed —God never makes a demand where he hasn't put something. Always remember that your life is under construction. BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHEN THE WIDOW realised that she was a work in progress, she embraced the process, and her possibilities became endless. She stretched her faith and got the ultimate gain. She did not pursue opportunism—seeking immediate gains but seized the opportunity and progressed. God wants you to explore the moment by filling the gaps in your life with His word and dominating your situation with it.

WHAT DO YOU DO in desperate times? Do you get angry or lose it, or do you pray? You need a moment to set aside a moment to humble yourself—a time to pray and stand strong. The Narrative DANIEL'S EXCEPTIONAL abilities distinguished him from the other governors in Babylon, and the king decided to appoint him over the entire realm. This did not sit well with the other leaders. They tried to find ways to level charges against him on the way he supervised the kingdom. But they found nothing to trap him, so they changed the rules. They told the king to write an ordinance and sign it into law—one that he cannot rescind—and he did. When they saw Daniel praying and seeking God's help, they told the king. Daniel was eventually thrown into the lion's den, but God saved him. (Daniel 6:1-25) If there was anything Daniel understood, it was that God had a place in every subject—and you can't shut Him out. Here are two ways to stand strong in prayers: Praying for others DANIEL HAD DONE well for himself—he had found favour with the king. One day, as he read the scriptures, he discovered the word of the Lord given to Prophet Jeremiah, and he was torn apart. (Daniel 9:1-2) Daniel knew he needed to pray. He set aside time to spend with the Lord and intercede for his people. He understood that you are either an intercessor or an accuser. It's easier to pray for oneself than pray for others because you can easily focus on your problems than someone else's challenges. The bible admonishes us to pray for one another—the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. (James 5:16) When you are praying for others, you love them—when you are interceding for people, you align yourself to God's will and position yourself to receive from Him. And praying for others is an indication that you have their best interest at heart. When Jesus prayed for Peter, he taught him what to do to his brethren. (Luke 22:32) He showed Peter how to love his fellow apostles. Praying the Will of God A PERSON who prays God's Will surrenders his life and the outcome of his prayers to God. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 4:14-15) When you seek God's Will, you are honest with God concerning what you want in prayer. You set aside what you want in life for His desire—you put God's Will before yours and seek His Kingdom first. (Matthew 6:33) Jesus did the same thing in the Garden of Gethsemane when he said, "Not My Will but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42) Whenever you seek God's Will, you seek Him—and He will draw close to you. (James 4:8) Even as you pray for your country, pray that His Will be done in your government and that He will raise men and women that will lead it aright. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) No matter the place, the shape or time, we need a healthy hand to move things—we need the hand of God to move us forward. Aim at heaven, and you'll have the earth thrown in BRINGING IT TOGETHER DO YOU SEE dark foreboding clouds? If you do, you're right. Daniel saw the same, but he learned to deal with an ominous future on his knees—prayer changes things. Aim at Heaven, and you will get Earth thrown in: aim at Earth, and you will get neither – C.S. Lewis. When next you pray, pray with God's Will in mind and you'll aim at heaven.

THERE ARE THREE SIMPLE THINGS you need to succeed in life: faith in God, know your enemy and have a burning desire to succeed. Joshua had these three things. After the Lord spoke with Moses face to face, and he returned to the camp, Joshua—his aide remained in the tent—he stayed in God's presence. (Exodus 33:11) He obeyed the rules of God, and when the time came, he took on responsibilities. For many believers, we have obeyed God, its time to take responsibilities from Him. The Narrative THE FIRST TIME, the scriptures talked elaborately about him was when the twelve spies were sent to scout the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies did not believe that they could possess the Promised land, but Caleb and Joshua believed God. And Caleb said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." (Numbers 13:30) Caleb and Joshua knew the soul of the nation was at stake—doubt contended with faith. People have enough doubts already! If you do not believe God's Word, do not go around spreading doubts. People have enough doubts already The ten spies knew the promise of God, but the realities didn't make much meaning to them because they feared the people of Canaan. They did not know that 'fear is a reaction, but courage is a decision'—Winston Churchill. To have victory, the ten spies needed to believe God and change their behaviour. Their lives became a radical departure from faith in God. Faith in God JOSHUA HAD FAITHFULLY served. And after the death of Moses, God told him to lead Israel. God knew they were big shoes to fill, so, he encouraged him. He said, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:8) God taught him where to find faith and prosperity. He also promised to go with him. God has promised you the same thing. He has given you His Spirit. (Luke 11:13) You must get to the point where you know that 'your anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength' – C. H. Spurgeon. He wants you to be anxious for nothing but with prayers, supplication and thanksgiving, you can make your request known to Him. (Philippians 4:6-7) If you're going to be victorious, you must have faith in God. Know Your Enemy THE PEOPLE OF GIBEON had deceived Israel into signing a peace treaty with them. When five other nations heard of the accord, they attacked Gibeon. And the Gibeonites called for help. Joshua did not take the conservative view. He responded to their call with the mind of God. (Joshua 10:6) It wasn't easy for him, but he put principles above personality. He went after the five kings and defeated them. Like Joshua, God wants you to always do the right thing—the integrity of the righteous guides him. (Proverbs 11:3) The Word of God is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. (Psalm 119:105) It makes you see the enemy that comes against you. When Jesus was tempted, he said, "It is written." (Matthew 4:10) You will overcome the enemy through the Word of God. Have a Burning Desire to Succeed JOSHUA'S OBEDIENCE TO GOD was, in fact, a plan to succeed and protect himself. God's command to him was to get him into conflicts and conquer many lands. They were difficult. Although you do not have enemies to fight like Joshua, the Christian walk is not an easy one. You must count the cost. Joshua's burning desire to succeed through obedience to God, also made him enemies. There was a confederation of kings who wanted him dead. (Joshua 10:24) Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:18) Every inch of the way, Joshua needed courage. You also will require courage. Satan would contend with you to stop you. The good news is that Jesus has overcome, and you can. (John 16:33) BRINGING IT TOGETHER JOSHUA WAS A GREAT LEADER—he got the people to do great things. He had faith in God, he knew his enemies and had a burning desire to succeed. He obeyed the rules and took up duties, you must also be obedient and take up responsibilities in Him.

HAVE YOU been staying awake wondering why your life is passing you by? Have you been waking up thinking if you could make a change? Let this be your prayer, "Lord, keep me in the moment—let me not miss what you have for me. Show me what matters that I may live a life pleasing to you." The Narrative AS JESUS and his disciples travelled, they entered a small village where Martha was a resident, and she welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to his teaching. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen—she had to cater to her guests. After a while, Martha walked into the room where Jesus sat. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen for me? Tell her to lend me a hand," she said. "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course and won't be taken from her," Jesus replied. (Luke 10:38-42) Are you worried or anxious? MARTHA had a legitimate concern—she had several mouths to feed, and she was overwhelmed. It's great to be concerned, but God does not want you to be anxious. Instead of worrying, pray. (Philippians 4:6-7) God never wants any circumstance to steal your joy—neither does he want you to lose your peace. And when the devil cannot steal your joy, he cannot have your goods – Corrie Ten Boom. When a desire consumes you, you become anxious—and when you are agitated by a thing, you enter the realm of anxiety. Sarai did not know that anxiety fragments one's thinking—and when she couldn't have a child, she gave her maid to her husband to be his wife. (Genesis 16:3) Anxiety is not an escape but a trap. There isn't any temptation that you have experienced, which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape. (1 Corinthians 10:13) You don't have to lose it—you have to lay it at the feet of Jesus. The Peace of God is available in swelling emotions—all you have to do is accept it. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27) You don't have to lose it, just lay it Are you distracted? MARTHA was quite a remarkable woman. In her days, it was rare for a lady to manage her household affairs and invite a man into her home. She did both. Martha was distracted—she had to attend to many things. Many of us have the qualities of Mary and Martha in us: we misplace our priorities and forget that our relationship with God is vital to our existence. We let our busy lives of service distract us—and we spend less time with Jesus and His Word. And Jesus said, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) BRINGING IT TOGETHER MARY was in the moment when she sat at the feet of Jesus. And he praised her for choosing the main course which no one can take from her. When you do the needful, God considers it a badge of honour. As you step into the week, tell the Lord to keep you in the moment, so you will not miss what he has for you. Have a great week.

IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, words will only mean something, when promises are kept. We make promises to build trust, and trust transcends all aspects of life. The cashier in a store trusts your bank to honour the payment when you swipe your credit card. On the road, you trust that everyone will obey the traffic rules. In your relationships, you trust your family to support you in difficult times. And you trust your spouse to be faithful. Your friends to have your best interest at heart. You believe your spouse will have your back even when you're not there. And when you take trust out of any relationship, people become total strangers. In some cases, they become enemies. Trust makes a society function, and it's established through promises kept. A Greater Purpose AFTER SAUL sinned, God did not trust him anymore. He told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and go to the house of Jesse. God had provided himself with a king there. To avoid suspicions, God told him to take a heifer as if he was going to sacrifice to the Lord. Jesse was concerned when he saw Samuel, but he told him that he came in peace. He consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. The seven sons passed before him, and the Lord rejected them. But there was one in the field. Samuel told Jesse that he should quickly get him. When they brought David to him, God told Samuel to arise and anoint him. (1 Samuel 16:1-6) He poured the oil on him, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. David knew that he would be the next king. The Narrative FOR FORTY DAYS, the champion of the Philistines, Goliath stood before the armies of Israel insulting them. (1 Samuel 17:1-17) They were terrified, and no one could fight him. But when David appeared on the scene, he chose to do something. He trusted that the Lord who delivered him from the mouth of the lion and the bear will give him victory. He went against Goliath and prevailed. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) David became the man of the hour. And King Saul said to him, "Whose son are you, young man?" (1 Samuel 17:58) From that point, he was bound in friendship with the king's son—Jonathan, and the king did not allow him to go home. The prince gave him his robe and armour. He also cut a covenant with David. And wherever he went, he succeeded. (1 Samuel 18:1-5) Soon the women began to sing his praise, "Saul has struck down his thousand, and David his ten thousand." (1 Samuel 18:7) This song angered Saul, he hated David. His jealousy eroded his trust for him. He threw his spear at him twice, but David dodged. Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? (Proverbs 27:4) The king became afraid of David because God was with him, and he removed David from his sight. Saul gave Michal his oldest daughter to David as a wife, hoping that he will be killed, but David prevailed. Foxhole Promise AS DAVID RAN FROM CAVE TO CAVE, he needed assurances that he would be safe. He said to Jonathan, "What is my sin before your father that he seeks my life?" (1 Samuel 20:1) And Jonathan promised to do everything to keep him safe. Jonathan's words were filled with commitment. He understood that a promise is an action with moral implications—a promise made, a promise kept. He knew David would be king one day. Jonathan said, "If I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the LORD that I may not die; and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever when the LORD cuts off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth." (1 Samuel 20:14-15) He had made a promise to David, now he wanted David to promise him. Shadow to Light HOW DID DAVID feel when Samuel passed? Who will he run to when things don't make sense? Samuel, the prophet anointed David, and the word hadn't come to pass. Now that he's gone, what will happen? But the word of God never returns void without accomplishing the reason for which it was sent. (Isaiah 55:11) Saul went to war with the Philistines and died with his three sons at Mount Gilboa. (1 Samuel 31:8) David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan. He became king at Hebron. (2 Samuel 5) David became the shepherd of Israel and a light to his people. "God does not just predict what will happen, he makes promises, and fulfil all his promises" – Piper. Bringing It Together SAUL BECAME A STRANGER to God when he broke his promise. But David became the friend of God as he trusted Him. Has God said anything to you? He will surely bring it to pass. God is not a man that he should lie. Trust Him!

THE BIBLE is full of stories modelled for us—stories that are relevant to our time. They contain teachings we must learn from and adapt to our lives—things that we must hold very close to our hearts. The Narrative JESUS SHARED THE STORY of a family that was nearly destroyed by shame. The father had two sons. The younger one said to him, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” (Luke 15:12) He was cocky and self-centred. He wanted it now. After a few days, he packed his things and left for a distant country where he lived recklessly. After he had spent all his money, there was a famine in the land, and he began to want. He signed up with a citizen of the country who assigned him a job in the pig farm, and he nearly fed himself with the pig’s food. But when he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!” ‘I will return and say, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ (Luke 15:19) He chose to return home–to where he had relationships. Be ready to forgive THE FATHER must have been praying for him. While he was afar off, he saw him and ran to him. From his gait, he could tell that it was his son. The father smothered him with kisses and hugs—rather than shame him, the father forgave him. There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still – Corrie Ten Boom. Become a grace hero EVEN AS HE RECITED HIS SCRIPT, the father told the servants to give him a new robe, put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. When the older son got home and heard music playing, he asked one of the servants what was happening. The servant told him that his brother had returned, and the father threw a party for him. This celebration did not go well with the older son. He felt that his father had lost his mind. He was angry and wouldn’t go in. He had made a stupid mistake, and the older brother wanted to shame him. He was judgmental. When his father came outside to plead with him. He said, “‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.” (Luke 15:29) The older brother was cold, and self-righteous. He sounded like someone whose service was not to honour his dad but for material gains. His external righteousness was a mask of his unrighteous acts. He behaved like the Pharisees. Today, many of us are guilty of the same. When people make mistakes or fail, we shame them. We act out our hurts. “If you and I can’t think of the last time we were wrong, something is really wrong. We’re losing our grip of reality,” says Beth Moore. Stop shaming, start encouraging Stand up to shame SHAME IS DESTRUCTIVE and unhealthy. It shines a light on our flaws. It deserves no respect. Deal with it. Stand up to it. Share it IF YOU'RE SUFFERING from any form of shame, share it with someone who understands. Your healing must be tied to your sharing—everyone who shared their hurts with Jesus got healed. Desist from shaming people FOR THOSE who like to humiliate others—kindly, desist from it. Stop being the judge. By the way, you do not have enough facts to be one—only God can be the judge. Show Compassion BE COMPASSIONATE. The relationship between the father and the son isn’t a superior to an inferior —it was a relationship of equals. The father never saw him less than a son. He understood his pain and did something about it. BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHEN HE REACHED OUT to his father, he wasn’t asking for how to behave better but for forgiveness. He wanted someone to remove the cloud of shame. The father accepted him and gave him a ladder to climb out of the shame hole. Not everyone deserves to hear your story—when next you share one, share it with someone who understands.

THERE ARE CERTAIN MOMENTS in life that you can never forget: A teacher who taught you in the elementary school; a book that gave you a different perspective on life; an experience that changed your trajectory. Some of these events come once in a lifetime. They leave you in permanent wakes, and you call them extraordinary moments. The Narrative AT THE AGE OF 16, Uzziah ascended the throne of Israel. He was initially great until he became arrogant. One day, he went into the temple to burn incense, which is a priest’s duty. And when the priests confronted him, he got angry. As Uzziah lunged at them, God struck him with leprosy. He eventually died a lonely man. (2 Chronicles 26:1-22) God is Holy THE SAME YEAR that Uzziah passed, Isaiah saw the Lord. His throne was high and lifted up; his train filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1-8) Above God were seraphim with six wings. With two wings, they covered their faces; with two wings, they covered their feet and with two wings, they flew. It was a delightful sight; it was a defining moment. They called unto one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s holiness is unique and rare. It sets him apart from everything sinful—there is no trace of any evil in Him. He is, above all things, and holiness is God’s very being. God knows all things AS THE SERAPHIM spoke, the doorposts shook to their foundations, and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah realized that God saw through him. He felt naked before God. God’s holiness exposes the depravity of man—nothing is hidden before Him; everything lays bare before His eyes. (Hebrews 4:13) Isaiah waved his white flag—he acknowledged his wrongs and confessed. God cannot use you until you own your wrong and confess them. You cannot please God without a good sense of right and wrong—to walk with Him; you’ll know when you’re in error. God will not use you, until you own your wrong God is gracious ONE OF THE SERAPHIM flew towards him with a live coal taken with tongs from the altar. He touched Isaiah’s mouth with it and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah was broken, vulnerable and exposed. But, God extended his grace to him—God brought him to the table. God has a message for you ISAIAH WAS YET to take all these in when he heard God say, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah knew that God appointed him. He understood that as a result of the encounter, God had made him adequate for the job. And he said, “Here I am. Send me.” BRINGING IT TOGETHER HE CAME TO A QUIET PLACE, but it wasn’t for long. Isaiah's encounter became a treasure that found a place in his heart, and he stepped forward to go deeper with God. It isn’t enough to sit on the pew and grow fat. God wants you to grow deeper with Him. He’s looking for workers. Will you heed His call?

IF YOU ARE attentive enough, you will know when God is about to move you forward—and when He wants to change the season of your life. Esther knew that her people's fortune was about to change when she called for a fast. (Esther 4:16) Eli understood that his time was up when Samuel woke him up three times the same night—and he said, "If you hear your name again, say speak Lord for your servant hears." (1 Samuel 3:9) Nehemiah knew that it was time to move forward when he knelt before God and said—give your servant success today and grant him favour before this man. (Nehemiah 1:11) You will need to know when God is about to change the season of your life—and pray. (Psalm 31:15) The Narrative ELIJAH HAD SERVED the Lord faithfully and lived a fearless life among his people who had turned to idolatry. When Jezebel came after him, he ran for his life. He was physically tired and mentally exhausted. "I have had enough, Lord. Take my life. I am not better than my ancestors," Elijah cried. (1 Kings 19:10) And when the Lord appeared to him, he whined about being the only one left. But in His infinite grace, God restored him to Himself. God told him to return and anoint Hazael as king of Aram, Jehu son of Nimshi over Israel, and Elisha to take his place. (1 Kings 19:15-16) HOW DO YOU know when your season is about to change? WHEN UNUSUAL THINGS begin to happen to you or around you, something is about to change. Elijah left from there, and he found Elisha the son of Shaphat and threw his mantle on him. This incident was unusual, and I bet no one prepared him for what to expect—but when the mantle fell on him, he ran after the prophet. He willingly gave up everything to serve God—and did not give anything a second thought. Elisha knew this was a season of unusual happenings, so when he returned to say goodbye, he slaughtered his oxen and burned his plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then, he followed Elijah and became his servant. He understood that the place of elevation is where to serve. ONE OF THE THINGS that happen in seasons like this is having the burden to pray. The purpose isn't what you get from Him but who you become in His Presence. Moses understood the importance of His Presence when he said, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." (Exodus 33:15) The fogginess over people's lives disappears when you pray. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months, it did not rain on the earth. (James 5:17) Nehemiah prayed when he heard about the situation of Jerusalem and the plight of his people. Whenever you experience an unusual urge in a place of prayer, God is about to do something. He's about to change lives and lift burdens—God is about to change destinies. When he puts a burden on you to intercede for other people, you'll be to them like a cover from the storm, a wall against the wind. (Isaiah 32:2) A STRONG URGE to worship is an indication of a changing season. The place of worship is the place of God's Presence. He inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3) When the people of Judah and Jerusalem worshipped, God set an ambush against their enemies. They fought one another and decimated themselves. (2 Chronicles 20:22) WE ARE ALL unsettled when we transition from one season of life to the other. However, God determines the boundaries of eras. Just before he went to the cross, being in agony, he (Jesus) prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:44) FOR YEARS, Elisha served his master. And when Elijah was to go to heaven, he told Elisha to wait that the Lord had sent him to Bethel. But Elisha said he would go with him. From there, he went to Jordan. "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied. "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so." (2 Kings 2:9-10) "There are three stages to every work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then, it is done"- Hudson Taylor. Elisha's request fell into the three—and God made it possible. BRINGING IT TOGETHER WHENEVER YOU GO to God in prayer, remember that He has no obligation to bless anything that's not His. And if God has not changed—your responsibilities to Him have not changed either. Happy Thanksgiving!

WHAT IS the use of running if you're on the wrong road? And what do you say to someone walking on the path that has no end? Paul was on the wrong road when he went after believers—and Jesus met with him and saved him. (Acts 9:1-22) The Narrative ONE DAY, God spoke to Jonah. "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me." (Jonah 1:2) He was in his comfort zone when God called him to go to Nineveh—a city of seventy thousand people. Nineveh's inhabitants were Assyrians—they were vicious, cruel and arrogant people—well known for their brutality. They were not only the enemies of Israel; they were also the enemies of God. GOD KNEW the state of their hearts. He wanted them to change their ways—and He is not willing that anyone should perish but that all will come to repentance. (1 Peter 3:9) Jonah walked in rebellion and rose to flee. To run far away, he went the opposite direction. He felt that Nineveh's people had done bad things to them, and they deserved no mercy. But God thought otherwise. They were the enemies of Israel, and they deserved punishment. But God gave them the chance to repent. Jonah showed prejudice against the Gentiles. When we look at our lives, we find that we sometimes walk in rebellion like Jonah—and have motives that we would not say. JONAH KNEW that God wasn't racially inclined—He is God to the Jews and Gentiles. God is the creator of all things, and he's always present with his creature. You cannot hide from His Presence, and all you do is in His watchfulness. David put it this way—where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (Psalm 139:7-8) He knew that the people of Nineveh would change, and God will change His mind. Jonah got on a boat and went west to Tarshish as far as he could go, an infinite distance from God. IF YOU have a renegade daughter or son living under your roof, you will know how painful it can be? God was displeased with him. He threw an intense wind at sea, and the storm put Jonah's ship in jeopardy of breaking into two. The sailors were worried, and to lighten their ship, they threw their cargo into the sea. (Jonah 1:5) Every man cried out to their gods—but one of them found Jonah sound asleep on the lower deck of the ship. Someone said, "The sweet silence of sleep cannot hush the voice of God." THEY WOKE him up. We have called on our god, and it's not working. Call on your God, perhaps it will work. Who are you, and what's your occupation? We must know who is responsible for this disaster. I am a Hebrew, and the God that I worship is eternal. He made the sea and the land, and He controls them. When they cast their lot, it fell on him. When he told them that he was running from God, they were much frightened, and they asked what they should do to him? They were about to be thrown under. Then, Jonah said, "Pick me up and throw me into the sea." (Jonah 1:12) He did not jump in. He told them that he was responsible for everything. He knew by death all would end. And when they threw him in, the sea was quiet. There was a calm peace. JONAH WANTED a watery grave, but God came in His grace. He wasn't done with Jonah yet. He commanded a big fish to swallow him. Jonah discovered that God's decision is final. The fish took him to the shores of Nineveh. While in its belly, Jonah asked God for forgiveness. Jonah preached to them, and they repented. BRINGING IT TOGETHER JONAH's STORY is one that takes a lifetime to pull off—a man who chose to walk on the wrong road—and like him, we have not loved the nations, as God has loved us. His life is an opportunity for us to do a self-analysis—in which we judge ourselves so that we will not be judged. And if we do not glorify Him for His mercy, we will do so through His judgment.

WE ALL have stuff going on in our lives, some show it more than others—but what distinguishes us is how we handle them. The Narrative THINGS HAD NOSEDIVED since her husband's passing. There were no easy answers to her questions. Her peace had turned into distress and her light into darkness, but she did not give up. The widow took the bull by the horn, she went to the prophet with a plea. 'Your servant, my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.' (2 Kings 4:1) Where to go when you're challenged THE WIDOW remembered her husband's genealogy—she went to God. She understood that her network is her net worth. Since we have a High Priest in Christ Jesus, let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) Your network is your net worth What do you have? EVERYTHING she experienced reminded her of what she didn't have. But Elisha said to her, "Tell me what you have in your house." "Your servant has nothing there at all, except a small jar of olive oil," she replied. (2 Kings 4:2) Whenever you see a cup as half-empty instead of half-full, you miss the point. When you focus on what you don't have, there is a tendency to be ungrateful for what you have. Go and Ask AFTER HER acknowledgement, Elisha told her what to do. "Borrow as many large empty containers as you can. Ask neighbours for anything they can give to you. Be sure to collect a lot of them." (2 Kings 4:3) The widow had to go borrowing because she needed more vessels to contain what God wanted to do. He will always do 'exceedingly, abundantly more than, we can ask or imagine by His power that works within us." (Ephesians 3:20) She got the wisdom to solve her issue. The word ignited her faith and set her on the path to sufficiency. Today, the issue with the world is wisdom. And the bible says, "Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her-she keeps her eye on you." (Proverbs 4:6) Close Your Door ELISHA told her to shut her door behind her. 'Enclose yourself in a room with only you and your sons. Pour oil into as many of the containers as you can. Set aside the full ones.' (2 Kings 4:4) The miracle was for her and her family. She had to shut her door to prevent distraction. And when she poured the oil, it continued to flow till she ran out of containers. God's glory overcame her suffering. She began to live again. BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE WIDOW knew Elisha had the word of God. She went to him, and God came through for her. If you're not broken, you can't be healed. If you're not empty, you can't be filled. To contain whatever you're going through, you must lay your burden at the foot of the cross—where freedom is found.

TWENTY-FOUR YEARS of waiting were like a day when destiny triumphed. The Raptors franchise, a basketball team from Toronto, Canada, won the 2019 NBA trophy for the first time. At the outset, the team seemed like a curiosity. But with time, the game grew in the city. Dedicated fans cheered them on, but few were there from the very beginning. There were many unforgettable moments. One remarkable thing is the support the team received from the whole nation. It's an incredible story. The Narrative FOR A TEEN in the scriptures, every bit of his life contained a story and a nod to the surreal. He had a dream—Joseph saw his brothers bowing to him. "So! You're going to rule us? You're going to boss us around?" said, his brothers. (Genesis 37:8) To them, he was a curiosity. They hated him. He had a second dream and told them—the sun and the moon, and ten stars bowed to him. When Jacob heard, he scolded him. He couldn't understand how this is possible. The Path to Destiny JOSEPH AND DAVID began their walks to destiny when their fathers sent them to their brothers. (Genesis 37:14; 1 Samuel 17:17) For Joseph, it wasn't a pat on the cheek but a step into the wild wind. When Joseph's brothers saw him at a distance, they planned to kill him and put an end to his dream—his enemies were members of his household. But Reuben intervened, and they threw him into a dry pit. They pulled Joseph out and sold him to the Midianites. When Reuben returned, he was distraught to find him missing. They dipped Joseph's clothes into goat's blood and presented it to their father—the sons' secret became their father's grief. Jacob recognized his son's clothes and thought a wild animal had eaten him. The Presence of God IN EGYPT, the traders sold Joseph to Potiphar. But God was with him, and all that he did went well. Potiphar put him over his house, and God prospered the house of Potiphar. Joseph was a strikingly, handsome man. As time went on, Potiphar's wife asked him to sleep with her. Joseph knew that evil thrives where there is a disregard for God. He refused to do such a thing. She continued to pester him, and he wouldn't budge. One day, he came to work; none of the servants were there. Potiphar's wife grabbed his cloak, but Joseph left it and ran. He preferred to leave his cloak with her than lose his destiny. Joseph knew that life wasn't by chance, but by choice. She accused Joseph of trying to sleep with her. (Genesis 39:17-18) And Potiphar threw Joseph into prison, but God was with him. "The LORD's eyes are on righteous people. His ears hear their cry for help." (Psalm 34:15) The Place of Motivation TO FIND the meaning of life, he couldn't do it by himself. So, he interacted with people—Joseph knew that he was a solution provider. When the butler and baker were thrown into prison. Both had dreams, the same night. The following day, they had long faces because they couldn't interpret their dreams. Joseph interpreted them. (Genesis 40:8) And he did not stop there. Joseph made a request. He asked the cupbearer to put in a word for him—this is how you inspire hope. At that point, his testimony wasn't as striking as the cupbearer's, but it was memorable. In three days, the cupbearer was restored to his position, and the baker was impaled on a pole. But the cupbearer did not remember Joseph. Faith is nothing, except everything. The Place of Remembrance AFTER TWO YEARS, Pharaoh had two dreams. But no one could interpret them. Then, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told the king. There was no buzz in anticipation that he would leave prison that day, but the king asked for Joseph. Pharaoh told him the dreams, and he interpreted them. He told Pharaoh that the king will need a wise and experienced man to oversee the affairs of the land. It seemed good to the king and his officials, they chose Joseph because the spirit of the Lord was in him. They knew that he had the inside story. (Genesis 41:39-40) The king gave Joseph his signet and a gold ring. They also put new robes on him. His change of clothes became an informational tool. Many who saw him knew that he was royalty. (Genesis 41:42) BRINGING IT TOGETHER THE EVENTS OF LIFE did not unfold the way he thought, but he held on. He knew that faith is nothing except everything. God was his destiny. Destiny triumphed over dynasty! Joseph moved from the prison to the palace. God needed a witness. He found one in him. Can he find one in you? Happy Father's Day.