I arrived at the first church service heaving with people hanging on every word of their beloved pastor, who delivered something profound. I thought I was “it” but I was reminded that day – God is the Main Man. Pastor spoke of Principles of Life, which he clearly practices in his own life. I want to share them with you. You see, this man demonstrates something very important - Wisdom comes from God, since this pastor posseses only two years of primary education.
This thirty-eight year-old man who was once a despondent nine-year-old boy, ran away from home with no plan to return, despised by his step mother and discarded by his family. Lost to his father's love. Eventually, he reached the capital city and joined the collegiate of street kids.
Wanted by the police and threatened by Government due to their constant petty crimes - these street boys remain a plague of society. Every day, competing with many other begging hands for a few coins and scraps of food. Every day, sniffing glue to take away the inner pain.
This every-day street-wise boy got a gun and led a gang of similar reprobates, finding himself on the wrong side of a police officer’s attitude and regularly sleeping uncomfortably in a dungeon jail, being released only to repeat his offences.
One day, some years on, after countless crimes, he heard a preacher talking about a Jesus-Saviour. What was this message and why did it captivate his heart so? In his early twenties, this dejected boy-man finally gave up his lost life to a life-changing Father and stopped running.
Eventually, Willy returned to a home that had long since forgotten him. The same Gospel brought reconciliation within the family and redeemed their shared losses – they also believed. God sent Willy back to his own people group and he is now an outstanding pastor.
I share Pastor Willy’s testimony with you, not to downgrade his character but to confirm that God does not discard anyone. On the contrary, He transforms and upgrades anybody willing to put their trust in Him.
The following principles came out of his message that day:
- “One who makes no mistakes never makes anything.” Fear of failure will prevent you from succeeding in life. Apparent failure is an inevitable contributor to a successful life.
- "What you need to know is not yet complete." Have a teachable heart. Gaining understanding in life will be frustrated by a prideful attitude. Accept that your knowledge is presently incomplete.
- “Risk more than others, knowing it is safe.” If God whispers in your ear, “this is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21), even the loudest, most reasonable contradiction to God’s command cannot remove his providence from your life or erase his favour in your future.
- “Care more than others – think it is wise.” We live in a selfish world which suggests it is expedient to look after number 1 – me. It is more beneficial to the community and to your own well being to look out for others and care about them.
- “Dream more than others – think it is practical.” Being heavenly minded might not be of earthly use to some, but not all have an eternal perspective on life. Pursue your heart’s desire according to the witness of God’s Spirit. Think that it is entirely feasible. Do not always share your dreams with others – they might just crush under foot what is precious to your heart. Dream on!
- “Expect more than others, thinking it is possible.” What seems impossible in the minds of people is completely possible with God.
A great missionary to India, William Carey is reputed to have once said, “attempt great things for God – expect great things from God!”
If I ask for a fish, will my heavenly Father give me a snake? Absolutely not! God has your best interests at heart. He can do the impossible in your life TODAY!
Is Jesus a liar? Absolutely not! He says, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20 NIV)
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