Take charge of your destiny

Text: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40)

Life is full of expectation and everybody desires to outshine others. The truth I know is that, life is not about competition. Joseph’s brothers thought by eliminating him, Joseph wouldn’t fulfil, but they were wrong. He fulfilled his destiny. He took charge of his destiny by keeping to the rules laid down by God. He was a man of discipline and faithful in all ramifications.

Jesus lived a balanced life and fulfilled God’s purpose for His life. Jesus grew in wisdom with better understanding of His people and culture. He was balanced in the things of the spirit, such as fasting, study of the Word and in prayer. The grace of God was upon Him, which is why He manifested above other prophets before Him.

Areas to take charge of your destiny:
• Develop a strong spiritual life. Your relationship with God will propel you to face the test of time and overcome. Jesus was tempted but never failed. (Mat. 4:1-10)

• Maintain your physical body. Your health is your wealth. When you are sick, you are in charge of your body, since you feel the pains alone. (3 John 1:2)

• Emotional and moral aspects. You need to possess strong inner strength, self-belief and create joy around yourself. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4) Be morally upright, good integrity and sound character “Psalm 1)

• Marital fulfilment. You are in charge of your destiny, when your home becomes a paradise. Successful marriage is ability to discern the right person to marry and live happily. (Prov. 18:22)

• Vocational and academic success. As a child of God, you must have a career focus and be committed to what you are doing. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Prov. 16:3). Also, struggle to have good grades at school and determine to be the best. (Daniel 1:20)

• Relational – Ability to keep stable friendship; make new friends and keep in touch with old ones. I mean friends that will add values to your life. (Prov. 18:24) Jesus was a relational leader who became the friend of Lazarus.

• Take charge of your finance. You should be a good spender and prudent in income generation. Pay your bills regularly and meet your financial obligations.

• Eternal- Your life should have eternity in focus. Everything does not end here on earth. Eternity is knowing God, building intimate relationship with Him and solidifying your personal relationship with Him.
Rev Dr. Emmanuel Ojo, Christ the Rock Baptist Church, Mende, Maryland (08034538413)