Okay. Disclaimer: I was working on the birthday special when someone *coughs and side eyes HS* said that this was more expedient. I was going to suggest that I make two editions for this week, post my birthday special first then post this. But alas, e wazn’t ‘aving it, so I present to you: The Sheep Life.
It is common to humans to make plans for our lives. To have dreams, ambitions and vision. And of course, this can usually be a very good thing. A lot of the time, it is after all, those things that we already have that God takes and welds into His purpose, with a lirru refining ‘ere and dere. (Ref: Prov 3:5-6)
But if the Lord was confined to the extents of our desires and plans, created in the awfully limited knowledge we possess as humans, how would our lives really turn out?
Think about it. If we knew everything and possessed an omniscient nature then it’d all pan out swimmingly because we’d make plans based on foolproof parameters, since we already know for sure about all factors involved. In that case, then it does make sense to dictate to God that this is what should be done and this is what shouldn’t be done. Do you agree with me?
But however ideal that sounds, earth to ara adugbo. Let’s get back to the reality we all live in. We’re not omniscient. Even our best well-intentioned plans are made on a balance of probabilities because there’s a lot of things we do not know for sure.
Let’s take an illustration. I say I want to be a lawyer. Why? Because I think I like it and everyone says I’ll be good at it. Do I know for sure whether I’m going to like it or that I’ll be good at it? Nope, I don’t. Was law the only contender? Again, no. But it did seem to me and my family to be something I would succeed at as well as find fulfilment doing. See, balance of probabilities. No part of that decision was made on one single leg of certainty. So what if law turns out to be boring? What if I find that the pressure it creates is not something I want to live with? Who would I blame, myself or my family? No one, because again, we could not have known.
Since there’s a lot of things we do not know, about ourselves, the world around us, the future, need I go on, doesn’t it make sense that we should submit to One who does?
Well duhh.
But it doesn’t play out seamlessly like that, does it? Even though God is in the most vantage position to see what’s best for us and do what’s necessary to get us there, why do we buck and kick and scream when He intervenes? The moment it looks like He’s deviating from the plan – our plan, that was made based on what we thought was best; it’s like selective amnesia descends upon us and erodes everything we do know about God’s character, His promises and His track record. We, through our actions question His rulership.
That’s why even at this point where you cannot see what God is doing nor can you understand why on His watch, things seem to be deteriorating, God has sent me to give you an important message.
TRUST.
As I write now, I hear it as a whisper carrying through my spirit to the planes of my mind. Even as a quiet sound, it is firm enough to beat strongly in step with the tunes of my heart. His voice echoes clearly, the sound ricocheting off the walls of my soul. It’s nothing complicated, but it is undoubtedly sincere: Tell them to trust. To trust Me.
They don’t see what I see. They don’t know what I know. I’m not trying to hurt you. Everything I’ve done and everything I continue to do is for your own good. If you can’t trust what you’re seeing because it looks far off the mark, will you at least trust Me who sees beyond the now?
Be like the sheep. Lay down your will. Surrender your expectations to Me. Let Me refine them and let Me work beyond where you could ever hope to expect. Trust me to lead you onto the paths of righteousness. Trust me to give you a hope and a future. Trust me to give you an expected end – of good, not of evil.
Every time you are tempted to look only at where you are now, lift up your gaze. Look up at the One who is endless in knowledge and skilful in power. Behold the One who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above. That is Someone whom you can trust His authority. You’ve given your life, remember? Let Him manage it as He sees fit.
Dear ara adugbo, I pose this question to you: Can a blind man lead himself successfully? What about a one-eyed man? My point exactly. It is He who sees that can guide to the right paths.
Again, be like the sheep. Trust God with everything you have. With your family, with your career, your possessions, with your life, with your whole being.
Sheep are secure in the shepherd’s authority (Prov 3:5). They don’t spend half the time wondering whether the shepherd is gonna switch sides and slay them for the fun of it (Psalm 100:5). Instead, they are content to wait on the shepherd’s instruction and be guided by his ordinances. They enjoy the daily provisions made by the shepherd without worrying for the next day because it’s not a question that the shepherd will continue to provide (Matt 6:31-32).
When the sheep realise that they have moved faster than the shepherd, they can stop and stay where they are, knowing that He is never far behind (Psalm 46:1). His watchful eyes never slumber. If a sheep is injured, either by its own causing or by circumstances beyond its control, it can be sure that the shepherd is going to be there to bind up and tend its wounds (Psalm 147:3). What about when the sheep sullies itself? It can be sure that no one gives as good or as cleansing a bath as the loving, expert hands of the shepherd (Isaiah 1:18).
Even when an errant sheep or two strays off the path the Shepherd has charted, they can be sure that He won’t give up till He brings them home (Matt 18:12-14). Because home is where the Shepherd is.
What about in discipline? When the rod of correction is used on the sheep, it learns that love and indulgence are not the same and that there are consequences for actions (Prov 3:12). However, at no point does correction ever erode the love that the shepherd exudes because that’s who He is.
So you see, the Shepherd not only has the blueprint for the sheep’s life, He IS the blueprint. Every other ambition, dream or goal is subject to Him, because it is in Him we live, move and have our entire being (Acts 17:28). With him as the guide, the sheep could never go astray.
That, my friends, is the sheep life, and that is exactly the life that we have been called to live.
In what areas do you need to show God that you trust Him? Where are you unintentionally bucking against His rulership?
It's time for some digging💚
As you do so, I designed some minimalist wallpapers with helpful reminders. You can access them for download here.
Mo's BTS Note
Recently, I've had a few conversations where the phrase “The Lord is my shepherd is also an ambition” has popped up. I'm not even sure of the particular point the Lord revealed this to me but I do know I've found myself saying it often.
In a world that prioritises planning and preparation, God's move at times seems like a wrecking ball. And while I'm pro-planning myself, I've come to understand that I don't know what's best for me. That's God's department. So where I can, I will plan and lay those plans out before God, but I will do so with the understanding that God can alter those plans at any point. This way, when He does, I won't have to go through the cycle of questioning God's motives.
Shey you get?
Make sure to check out the wallpapers. They're the first set I've designed this year and of course, I created them with you in mind. Plus, they're really helpful for keeping what's important in your line of vision.
Was this piece timely for you? Do you have anything to add? Do let me know in the comments. Don't forget to like and share this as well so more people can be blessed.
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Catch you guys later.
All my love,
Mofeoluwa💚
This is quite touching to me, honestly.
I like the illustrations made between the sheep and shepherd the most.
It makes me better understand that no matter how it appears to be, the shepherd who is 'Almighty Father' here, has, sees and knows the best for us.
So, with this timely piece of loving information on a Sunday morning, I'll TRUST H.S to take absolute control of my life. He is the best planner and there's no need to question him.
God bless you Mofe.
And it's my desire that Holy Spirit will keep leading you and using you to impact lives around you.
Happy Sunday dearest. 💗
Hi Mofe, thank you very much for this timely piece.
Thank you for yielding and obeying God's instruction to put this out first.
God bless youuuu!