As children, we are constantly faced with pressures from everywhere. There is peer pressure and the need to ‘feel among’. There is also the pressure to do well in our academics, so as not to appear wasteful before our parents.
We are also sometimes caught between pleasing our friends and pleasing our parents or teachers. Some other times, we actually wish our parents can understand.
In whatever situation we find ourselves, the bible is our guide, putting a balance to whatever our friends, teachers, parents or guardians say.
Let’s find out what Paul the Apostle has to say in times like this when you are faced with pressures.
Just be sure you live as God’s people in a way that honors the Good News of Christ. – Phil 1:27a [ERV]
Here, Apostle Paul says we should not do things that bring dishonor and shame to the name of Christ. He says regardless of the pressures you think you are going through, comport yourself and live as God’s people.
When you are at such crossroads, remember that other children around you are probably going through worse times. Also, remember that adulthood is all about pressures. So the way you handle it now will go a long way to determining how you will handle it in the future.
I love the way this translation puts it
Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. – Phil 1:27a [GW]
In all we do, we are citizens of heaven, let us live up to the expectation.
Have you ever thought about how to have a great future? Have you ever wondered how adults become the professionals they are today?
How did your mom and dad become what they’re today?
How did that renowned doctor you see become who he is today?
How did your teacher become so efficient in what he/she does?
Well, it’s all about deciding what they wanted to do at a very early age. Much like you are right now.
Just like Daniel, an early decision saved his future.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
What do you want to become? An astronaut, software designer, boat builder, race car driver or a writer? It is all about what you like to do.
So my question to you is this: what do you like to do?
Starting early to decide what you would like to become in future is important.
You start to learn how to become it and go through every process involved. The process will involve trainings, class lessons, exams and tests. You learn and then get tested before being certified as a professional.
Discover what you love to do and take all the necessary education you need. That’s how mommy and daddy did.
Be like Samuel in the bible who learned under the prophet Eli. Under the prophet’s supervision, Samuel grew into a great prophet that God used to speak to kings in Israel.
May God show you what your passion is in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discover what I like to do and become in future. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Action plan: Start to note what you like doing. From there, you can discover your talents.
James didn’t like how his brothers treated him. They always teased him about his love for reading and studying. They called him names like “effico”, “bookworm” and more. He wished he could just tell them what was on his mind. They weren’t that perfect too. He knew their flaws too and what they did in secret. What would God speak to him?
At church, he learnt about forgiveness. The Sunday school teacher used the story of Joseph to explain how to forgive.
That was going to be hard for James. So, he approached the teacher and told him about what he was facing at home. The teacher explained the reason why he had to forgive his brothers just like Joseph did.
By the time they were through, James learnt why he had to forgive and how to do so. It was a relief to him. He wasn’t going to continue in unforgiveness towards his brothers.
When you speak to other believers about an issue, you get more knowledge. They help you to understand what you are feeling, why it is wrong or right, and what to do about it. When the believer is older than you, you get to hear about their or other people’s experiences on issues like yours.
So, find a believer like yourself and share your fears or issues with them.
Sandra has been a child of God in all respect. She serves God with her time and energy, but she is not happy. She is getting older and all her prayers about getting the right man and settling in marriage seemed unanswered. Why does it seem God is not answering her prayers?
Bode on the other hand is married, but his marriage is full of challenges. His sweet fiancée then, is no longer his sweet wife after three years of marriage and he is wondering why he is getting tired of his marriage, and it looks like God is not answering all his prayers to salvage the situation.
Let’s delve into the scriptures, as we trust the Holy Spirit to bring to the fore precious truths that are specific to our situations.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? (Mark 4:37-40 KJV)
Let’s pick it up from verse 37
Verse 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
There are two things I want you to see in this verse.
There arose a great storm of wind. In life, we have not been promised that there would never be storms, but that in the midst of the storm, if we can trust and look unto God, we will not be hurt! Our father has promised us a resounding victory in the midst of the storm.
The waves beat into the ship. The storms of life are targeted at you. It doesn’t mean you have done something wrong, it only means you are a child of God and the devil is not comfortable with that!
Let’s take a look at the next verse.
Verse 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
After the disciples have done all they could and yet the storm persisted rather than be abated, they went to Jesus out of frustration, and to their consternation, Jesus was asleep.
In Message translation, they said:
“Teacher, is it nothing to you that we’re going down?”
How many times have you been there in your marital issues and you are like,
‘Master, carest not thou that I am single?’ ‘Teacher, is it nothing to you that I am getting old?’ ‘Master, carest not thou that my husband is wayward?’ ‘Teacher, is it nothing to you that I am being abused by one guy after the other?’ ‘Master, carest not thou about my finances, career, or marital issues?’ ‘Master, is it nothing to you that I am still childless?’
How many times have we felt like the disciples in our lives? Where is God? Why have the answers to my prayers lingered this much? Lord, where are you?
What did Jesus do? What will you do if it seems God is not answering you?
We will continue from there tomorrow. Don’t miss it!
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I walk in faith, not in fear. God is answering my prayers.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Come against all forms of fear in your relationship.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Mark 4:39(MSG) Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, “Quiet! Settle down!” The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass.
