SATURDAY - 23RD MARCH, 2024
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
WELCOME TO THE BIG HOUSE OF VESSELS AND DREAMS
II Timothy 2:20, KJV
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour."
In 1946, a Baptist magazine printed an article on the young men who would impact their generation. Bron Clifford and Chuck Templeton were listed. Both men were in their twenties and drawing crowds of eight to ten thousand in their meetings. Ommitted from the list was another young minister. His name was Billy Graham. Ten years later, Clifford reportedly had died of cirrhosis of the liver while Templeton had left the ministry for a sports commentator job. The two men who had been expected to make the greatest impact for God's kingdom fell off the line. The unnamed and unlisted third Baptist minister, Billy, became a world-wide vessel in God's hands. Billy proved it is not how fast you come out of the starting block but how you finish the race that matters. Even the turtle made it to Noah's ark by persistence and commitment.
One of the narratives I do recall often is also that of my undergraduate days in Tai Solarin University of Education. It's my greatest experience on earth. At the time I hit campus, I was battling with inferiority complex. I saw myself as less better than others. This view began to change when I saw my first exam score and I had 84 of 100. Though a Minor student of English Department, I was second best after a Major student who had 86 in the course - "Introduction to Language" taught by Dr. Apanpa. It was there and then I had confessions from those I thought were better students pointing to me that I was intelligent. From that day forward, I didn't doubt myself again. I had learnt a lesson that'll become part of me and that was how I began tutoring my mates. I was afore intimidated by the beautiful faces, impressive backgrounds, astounding gadgets of the many students I saw and how many feigned to be better. I never knew they lacked the discipline to study and die there. It was this that distinguished me. If I had not seen myself as inferior to them also, I wouldn't have studied very hard. It was my inferiority complex which I wanted to compensate for that made me study harder and it did paid off. While the well to do students thought they had it going for them and were not challenged by anything, I was challenged by the multitude of weaknesses, family problems and failures etc that I don't want repeated in my life. As such, I pushed harder and pushed through. This was the story of how Billy Graham might have pushed right through over others.
How many of you know that geniuses often don't become the best or attain their inherent best? Do you know why? They stop at their talents without adding the rigour of training and discipline. Why? Geniuses or talented people could succeed and have results at the level of gift and it'll equate what another had to labour for on average level. However, somebody lesser than them in talent and comprehension who could die there rehearsing might eventually surpass them in skill. If you're talented and you refuse to concentrate on what you call your calling, eventually, you might be disqualified or overtaken. It'll look as if you were not called or made for greatness while others who'll testify of not being gifted as you are will surpass you in greatness. In a great house, there are many vessels. Some for noble and some for ignoble uses. It is which makes himself ready by clearing off anything that could disqualify him that the master would use. Take for instance the people we know as stars today. Don't think they're the best that exist. Some best might still be hidden but who couldn't give focus, attention and discipline to rise like them.
Billy Graham was not listed amidst the greats at his starting. Who knows whether he read that report? If he did, what do you think it did to him? Since he was seen as a non-entity of a minister, it must have fired him to more discipline and give sacrifices that others could not have thought to give. Whereas, others were deceived by the judgement of men who adjured them as the best. So, they rested on their oars and were overtaken and taken over. Today, search and clear yourself of ignoble things. This includes not being focused on your calling. Why? It's only through diligence that any could make his calling and election sure. Else, you might eventually look like a mockery or someone God didn't start with or call in the first place.
PRAYER: Father, how I humble myself this day to end well. Help me. As I renew my love and make ready for my calling, I go all the way to the top.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23
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