The Motivation...the center of Life's Decisions

I cannot seem to find a more appropriate title to capture the thoughts expressed in the content of this post. My hope is that you ponder like me after reading this.

In the past couple of weeks, I have met people who are all excited about life, even though things are not as "together" as they would want. I observe their expressions, reactions and attitude. All I see is some form of light, joy, passion, excitement about their lives howbeit unpleasant it may seem to others. On the other side of the coin are people who seem to have it "together" with some of the things the first group lack. Yet, they look forlorn, laid back, pessimistic, and sometimes unenthusiastic. Observing them, I wonder in my mind, "you have it all together, why are you unhappy? why the complaints? what if things aren't as good as they are now, what will happen? why are you edgy and quick tempered? why can't you smile more?"

What really makes us happy? 

What should really make us happy? 

What makes the fire in your eyes light up when you speak with people?

Does your Job define your reaction to life and the people you meet?

What if it is taken from you within the blink of an eye?

Will you still be happy and enthusiastic about life?

What if you hope to get married and it never happens?

Will you take your frustrations out on every married person in bitterness?

What if you get married and never have a child?

Will you be excited in this game called life?

What if you lose a loved one?

What if you never buy that house due to lack of access to credit?

What if your dreams never come true?

What if everything you have or own is taken away from you?

What motivates you?

What makes you treat people the way you do?

What makes you love those who appear undeserving of your love?

What makes you want to be influential?

What is your life built on?

What legacy do you want to leave on earth at the end of your days?

What drives you?

What makes you feel fulfilled?

What will give you a sense of fulfillment in life?

You are a product of the choices you make!!

The Extremity of God and Man

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah55:8

The way we think as humans is far different from how God thinks, and operates. Although we can carry out a survey to make a decision hinged on foresight, that foresight is still shortsightedness in the eyes of God, as only Him can see the end from the beginning, to make the right move.

What Inspired this post, you may ask?

I have been studying the life of David for a few weeks now, asking God some questions in a bid to know why He loved David so much that Jesus is called the Son of David even in Heaven right now. Now remember when David was king over only Judah in Hebron after Saul's death in 2Sam2, Abner the commander of Saul's army took Ishbosheth, son of Saul and made him king over Israel. I believe Abner knew God anointed David to be the next king of Israel, but having followed Saul in the futile attempt to kill David, he thought he would continue his masters mission; Ensuring David does not become king. 

Fast forward to 2Sam3:9, Abner tells the man he made king over Israel; "May God do so to Abner, and more also, If I do not do for David as the Lord has sworn to him - to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and Judah". Abner goes to David and promises to hand over the whole of Israel to him. How relieved David must have felt! His opposition finally succumbed! The promise of him being king which he had been waiting for its fulfillment for years was finally in view. And then Boom!! Abner is killed. You can tell how this affected David by his reaction. He tore his clothes! He mourned deeply for Abner! I believe he mourned greatly because it seemed like he was back to status quo, when will I become king? The man that was going to help me and hand over the kingdom to me has just been killed! God why? Why me? I believe these were his reaction.

However by revelation, I understand that If God allowed Abner hand over the Kingdom to David, he will carry on like David was dependent on him. Besides, there will always be a question as to his loyalty. Abner being part of David's rule would have caused problems for David. So God allowed his death. David didn't see that coming.

How often do we make our plans, thinking we've got everything figured out? A man may make many plans but only the Lord's purpose will prevail. A man may plan to take road A to get to Junction B, but God might just want him to take road A, B, C, D and even E to get to the same Junction B. Sometimes you can't understand why it happens that way. Yet through my journey I am learning that God is a God of process. Even Jesus was subject to process while he was on earth. I mean He knew the word at age 12 , being the word Himself. But he waited till he was age 30 to begin his ministry fully. Sometimes I wish we had an account of what Jesus did while waiting, but oh well.. I'd find out when I get to Heaven.

Lord, help me to understand that your ways are not my ways, and to know that you have the best plans for me. Amen