Month: January 2021

God wants us to enjoy all the nice things of life

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

When Jesus began to teach the disciples about his suffering and death, the disciples became troubled. They couldn’t believe their cherished leader would say such negative things about himself. Peter in particular, seemed deeply troubled. He was so disturbed that he missed the better part of that prophecy. Although Jesus had said He would rise after three days, Peter ignored that part and instead, focused on the rejection, suffering and death. He probably wondered how “pain” and “gain” could ever match up. Possibly, what Peter had expected to hear was that Jesus would be a king. He probably thought that Jesus would establish His kingdom and then appoint his disciples as ministers. Peter didn’t want his beloved master to suffer any pain and suffering. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing his master in a tomb. What Peter wanted was for Jesus to enjoy a smooth ride to the top.

Peter acted like most of us usually do. Most people like to think of life as easy and blissful, all the time. We think that life should always make way for us. Also, we want our loved ones to succeed, but we do not want them to suffer in the process. For that reason, we prefer to go places where we would be told nice things. We want to hear positive prophesies on how God is going to give us a great job or a beautiful car or house. Truly, God wants us to enjoy all the nice things of life. He also wants us to succeed in whatever we lay our hands to do. But He never promised that we would get all that we desire without hurdles. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to carry my cross. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Mark 8:31-38

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

That pain will turn to gain.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

One day, Jesus began to teach His disciples that He would suffer many things and even be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law. Then He also told them He “must be killed and after three days rise again”. This didn’t go down well with the disciples. They probably wondered why Jesus would predict such a disaster on Himself. Here was a leader who had been doing great things before their very eyes. He had been preaching about this great kingdom of God that they believed will take them to a whole new level. Jesus had not only healed the sick but had raised the dead. Having been convinced that He was sent from God, Jesus was now telling them He would suffer many things and even be killed. Peter, the open minded disciple took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. But Jesus rebuked him also.

This story isn’t just talking about the suffering that Jesus had to go through. Most importantly, it also gives us a deep insight into the nature of God’s kingdom. Because, as Jesus rebuked Peter, he said to him, “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” In other words, Jesus made Peter to understand that His imminent suffering and death, was part of God’s plan. It is important for us to realize that God often bring us glory through pain. God would not bring pain and suffering, but He often lets us go through it so as to transform us into the individuals He wants us to be. Jesus’s suffering and death wasn’t for nothing. It was for a glorious purpose. Without the rejection, Jesus wouldn’t have been killed. And without the death, He wouldn’t have risen. Your suffering will produce success!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, turn my suffering to success. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Mark 8:31-38

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

One time, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Clearly, Jesus wasn’t referring to a physical cross. What He actually meant was the “suffering” He was about to go through. Moments before, Jesus had told his disciples that He would suffer many things, including rejection and death on the cross. But Jesus didn’t mean we would all have to live and die in the same way He did. He didn’t mean that everyone who followed Him would be rejected and be hung on the cross. Specifically, Jesus wanted us to know that we will all face our own troubles as Christians. Though we are bound to suffer, Christ assures us that our suffering will not be in vain. Just as He was raised to life, after His suffering, we too will be raised after our suffering.

But it is important for us to note that this suffering isn’t just any kind of misery. Whether we like it or not, life often hits everyone with troubles. You don’t have to be a Christian to face persecution. Even as an unbeliever, you could be rejected for your principles. Even if you are not a Christian, life can hit you with travails. Accidents, diseases, rejections and all other negative events do not affect people according to their religious affiliations. So we should not assume that every problem in our lives is a sign that we are carrying the cross that Jesus talked about. The daily cross that Jesus meant can only come when we give our lives to Him. The suffering you are going through is it as a result of your faithfulness to Christ or is caused by your own foolish acts? Don’t suffer for the wrong reasons.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I not suffer for the wrong reasons. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Luke 9:23-27

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Just as a lion can be cornered by hyenas, you too can be cornered.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

As a kid, I was often intrigued by fables of how lions subdued other animals. In those days, I heard people compare heroic individuals to lions. So I grew up believing that lions were the greatest animals in the world. But as I grew up, I discovered that what I learned about lions were somewhat exaggerated. Though lions are truly among the strongest animals, they didn’t always have their way. I recall how stunned I was when I saw a video clip of a lion being cornered by Hyenas. Indeed, lions are endowed with strength, but they don’t always win due to certain circumstances beyond their control. I am sure that is one of the points the psalmist was trying to make when he said, “The lions may grow weak and hungry…” Like lions, we often think of ourselves as bold and strong.

But we fail to realize that life can hit us with some difficulties capable of taking away our strength. Life may come at you with a sudden disaster. You may be hurt by a decision you didn’t know would backfire. Just as a lion can be cornered by hyenas, you too can be taken unawares by some challenges. In such moments, when we are at our weakest point, our ability to bounce back will largely be determined by our relationship with God. When the psalmist stated, “The lions may grow weak and hungry,” he concluded by saying, “but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing”. No matter what you are going through; you can get back on your feet through God’s help. Seek Jesus; He will come through for you. Even if you are a leader, there are times you have to act like a sheep so you can be rescued by the Chief Shepherd.

Prayer: Lord, come into my life and be my Shepherd. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 34

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

If you are not persistent, setbacks will make you quit.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

The leader who eventually gets to his destination is the one who remains consistent. To be persistent actually means to keep at it, all the time. In my work on leadership, I’ve learned that leaders are encouraged to be persistent because of the challenges they are bound to face as they pursue their goals. No matter how anointed you are; you are going to incur obstacles along the way. There will be times you wouldn’t feel like getting up from your bed. If you are not persistent, setbacks will make you quit. But when you constantly pursue your goals on a daily basis, the challenges will surely give way. The little steps you take each day will eventually mount up and force its way, pulling you out of your difficulties.

The apostle Paul knew this leadership principle. In his letter to Timothy, he proudly said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the good faith.” Paul was acknowledging the fact that his journey was a battle, but like a persistent sportsperson, he stayed committed to his cause and eventually won the race. On one occasion, Paul entered a synagogue and consistently preached for three months. Then some people decided to oppose him. But Paul didn’t quit. Instead, He took the disciples who believed in him and went to a different hall where he preached daily for two years, until both the Jews and Greeks in the province of Asia heard the gospel. Jesus also did His work in a persistent way. “Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple”. It wasn’t like Jesus didn’t face problems in His ministry. But He persisted by working every day. To succeed in that leadership position, you have to be willing to do that work every day.

Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to do my work every day. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Acts 19:8-10; Luke 21:37

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Don’t try to solve a problem that Christ has already solved.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

After the kingdom of Israel was divided, the people did more evil than the nations that God had destroyed for their sake. The people worshiped idols, created evil altars and even desecrated God’s temple. But it was obvious that the kings of Israel and Judah didn’t have a clear sense of direction. They only did what they felt was the right thing to do. But as things got from bad to worse, Josiah emerged as king of Judah. Unlike his predecessors, he sought God and introduced some reforms aimed at purifying his country. Under his leadership, the people destroyed the evil altars and began to repair God’s temple. While the repairs were on, Hilkiah, the priest found the Book of the Law. Prior to that time, the Book had been missing.

When the contents of the Book were read to the young king, he tore his clothes in fear as he discovered they had not been acting in accordance with all that is written in the Book. It became clear that one of the reasons why the leaders of Judah had been misleading the people was because they didn’t know what was written in the Book. This story captures the importance of information. Possibly, if the people had been aware of the information contained in the Book of Law they wouldn’t have gone astray to that extent. Today, there are many Christians in the same situation. Because they do not study the word of God, they have gone astray, following the ways of the world. There are Christians who are trying to solve problems that Christ has already solved. Perhaps, what you currently need in your life is to start reading the Bible. I hope we will all discover the truth as Josiah did.

Prayer: Lord, reveal the truth to me. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Proverbs 15:14; 2Chronicles 34:14-15

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

The hymn, “The steadfast love of the Lord” has the popular lyrics; “They are new every morning, new every morning: great is your faithfulness, O Lord”. These words were taken from chapter three of the book of Lamentation. The entire chapter captures the feelings of a man who is going through deep pain. Although the author may be referring to Jerusalem, he personifies his message, making it like the thoughts of a person who was in great affliction. The author is worried that God had driven him away and made him walk in darkness rather than light. God had continually worked against him, to an extent that he now found himself in a situation where he could no longer escape from God’s wrath. 

There was a time I had a similar experience. My problems were so many that I lost the will to fight. While I was praying, it seemed like God had shut his doors on me. Instead of moving ahead, I found myself stuck. If you ever find yourself in a situation like that, never give up. Even if you think God has abandoned you, continue to wait on Him; believing that God knows what you are going through and that He would come through at the right moment. That was exactly what I did after I stumbled on Chapter three of the book of Lamentations. The same person who was crying out his heart to God also said; “it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” He went on to say in verse 31, “For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.” Don’t be carried away by the troubles you see. Though God allows trials in our lives, in the end, He will show compassion because He loves us.

Prayer: Lord, I know you are on my side. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Lamentation 3:1-32

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Just as we go to school to be trained, God also enrolls us in His training program.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

Joseph was a young man whom God had preordained to be a great leader.  But he was a small Jewish boy who didn’t have the right qualifications. He only knew how to take care of sheep and run errands for his father. Joseph didn’t even have the toughness of a leader because his father pampered him. To prepare him for the opportunity ahead, God had to let him go through some challenges. At first, his brothers sold him into slavery, then his master’s wife framed him and he was sent to jail. But while he was in prison, a situation arose which led to him, fulfilling what God had originally planned for him. When he reunited with his brothers, he didn’t curse them. Instead, he said “God sent me before you”. Joseph had realized he had been a student in God’s training camp, all along.

Just as we go to school in order to prepare ourselves for opportunities, God also enrolls us in His training program. But unlike our school’s training program, God’s training takes place without our permission. When God enrolls us in his training camp, we don’t have to pay any money. The cost is patience. In God’s training camp, you may not understand what He is teaching you until He finishes the training. While your school’s training program may focus on building your professional skills, God’s program is often about building your character. Just as you will be tested in school, God will allow life to test you with trials. It is after you have proven to your school that you can pass every test that you would be deem fit for graduation. In a similar way, God will make you sure you are strong enough to pass and withstand every test before He will promote you.

Prayer: Lord, give me the grace to pass the test. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 105:17; Genesis 45:7

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Your achievements are the things that draw people to you.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

Too often, we want to be celebrated the moment we start pursing our dreams. You may have a great project in mind; you may have an idea that could make you and others rich, but if the idea is still in your head, people aren’t going to support you as you would expect them to do because people are more interested in what you have done than in what you intend to do. Several years ago, when I told people I wanted to start an NGO, I didn’t get the support I needed. Within the first few months, my volunteers abandoned my project when they didn’t see any meaningful results. At that time, the ideas I had about the project was inside my head and I couldn’t convince others that it was profitable. Later, when my project was selected and honored with an award, people began to show interest in the project.

People prefer to support an idea that has been tested. What you intend to do isn’t what people want to hear. Your achievements are the things that draw people to you. When Saul was made king, there were some Israelites who didn’t embrace the idea of having Saul as king because they didn’t know what he could do. In other words, they saw him as an idea that hadn’t been tested. So they despised him. But Saul was wise. He didn’t try to convince them. Instead, he kept silent and waited for an opportunity. Soon afterwards, his people were threatened by Nahash the Ammonite. Saul seized the occasion to prove himself. After leading a successful war against the enemies, the people discovered what he could do. That is, he became an idea that had been tested. So they decided to support him by reaffirming his kingship.

Prayer: Lord, enable me to prove my critics wrong by my achievements. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Samuel 11: 1-15; John 20:28-31

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Don’t try to run away from trials.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

Job is one of the most inspirational characters in the Bible. When he was prosperous, he stayed faithful to God. When he lost everything, including his children, he remained committed to God. And as he held on, he got discouragements. First, his wife asked him to curse God and die. Then his friends tried to make him think he was suffering for his sins. But Job knew he was innocent. At the same time, He was aware that God wasn’t the architect of his predicaments. But then again, he still couldn’t figure out why he was surrounded by many troubles. What Job didn’t know was that he was going through a test. His trials were intended to test his commitment to doing God’s will. Like Job, maybe you are overwhelmed by the crisis in your life. 

Don’t think you are under a curse. If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, don’t be deterred. Not all problems are caused by sin or mistakes. As we have seen in the case of Job, even the rich and the most righteous person can be overwhelmed by indescribable challenges. If you are determined to follow God’s will, you will be tested with troubles from the enemy. Don’t try to run away from trials. Instead, make up your mind to be an over-comer. When Jesus prayed for his disciples, He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” Obviously, Jesus doesn’t want you to run away from trials. He wants you to be an over-comer. When Jesus reminded us that we will have trouble in this world, He quickly advised us to stay strong because He has overcome the world. Stay strong in Jesus!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to overcome my challenges. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Job 5:17-19; John 17:15; John 16:33

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.