05/09/2023
One day, I went to my mentor complaining bitterly how my dad refused to help me sort out some financial issues. After listening to my litany, he started laughing, and I thought to myself "this isn't a funny matter sir"
Gave me a long stare and said "your father doesn't owe you anything"
Me: sir?🙄
Him: yes. I can't rule out the fact that he is responsible for you but you have to understand as a Disciple that you are first God's responsibility, second to yourself then family and friends.
Me: still not understanding the head and tail of what he was saying.🤔
Him: I'll tell you a story of my life for emphasis, maybe that will help drive home my point.
When I was working with one of the biggest construction company in Nigeria; two years into the job my father died and I needed money for burial.
Checked my savings and everything but it wasn't up to half of what I needed. So I went to one of my superiors, a white man, shrewd and likes money more than anything; I asked him to loan me for the burial.
He used to loan staff and deduct it from their salary until the debt is fully settled. But I was shocked when he said he can never loan me, he was very serious. He said "you Segun, I can never loan you even if I loan others" He asked me to leave his office if there was nothing else to discuss. I left dissapointed, wondering what my offense was.
So, since my expectations towards my boss has been dashed, I decided to double my expectations on God. I prayed to God for help that night and throughout the week. I trust that God will come through.
The following week, my boss called me to his office and asked whether I still needed the money, told him the money was still very much needed. (there was no transfer those days, it's either cheque or cash)
He opened his drawer, grabbed a lot of cash and gave it to me without even counting. The money was more than enough. Told me I don't have to pay back that it's a gift.
He also said I can take one of the company's car, a pickup and a staff bus to convey people; he'll take care of the fuel.
I almost broke down in front of him but I hurried back to my office and began to thank God.
I made my move but failed, God had to move him to bless me and he couldn't refuse.
You see when God moves a man to bless you, he can't refuse even if he doesn't like the idea. He may have refused you but he can never refuse God even if he's an unbeliever.
My point is, your first contact when you're in need is God, the Almighty Father, He takes the primary responsibility over your life but you do not acknowledge Him that is why you're overwhelmed with worries and anxiety. That's why you feel entitled to people's money and resources. That's why you think 'they are stingy' or 'they don't want to help'
At this point I was already sober, the bitterness in me had dissolved.
Him: Tosin
Me: yes sir
Joseph was sold into slavery right?
While he was in Egypt, how many times did he call Jacob for help?
Did he not excel? Answer my question
Me : he did sir 😞
If your father was dead, won't you live your life? Won't you survive?
Learn to survive without people, learn to survive on God.
Man can only help you when God has helped you or should I say that NO MAN CAN HELP YOU IF GOD DOES NOT HELP YOU.
May the Lord give you understanding.
That day my entitlement mentality died. A new spirit entered into me
I hope this helps you to work hard and pray more and become independent.
© Mike Ayodeji
