INTRODUCTION

“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:14, NLT Bible.

We all get to a point in life where we stop, reflect on the past in the hope of learning as we journey into the future. But how do we move forward as to avoid past mistakes being repeated? Accepted we live in a fallen and sin filled world, can a person be free from societal ills that plague humans from birth to grave---causes of brokenness? Is there a purpose in suffering and pain in the world? If life was to be planned from birth and controlled to avoid suffering and the possibility of brokenness, would it lead to a perfect outcome—a happy fulfilled life?

The Bible says that God allows all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes [Romans 8:28].

How do we establish what the purpose is? Would such knowledge bring peace to a restless soul and ensure our mental and physical wellbeing?

Knowing that God created the world that we are part of, will looking at life from His perspective make us worry less and life less burdensome? Is there something parents and conscientious teachers could do to help live each day with a greater sense of purpose? It is inevitable mistakes will be made. But how do we handle it in a way that does not damage the future?

I hope to try as I possibly can to throw light on some of these questions which had plagued much of my adult life by sharing my testimonies. We all want the best but sadly, our best efforts and decisions sometimes fall short never arriving at the desired outcome.

It takes a conscious effort and determination with available information to make good decisions. The most important decisions are often left too late as we have learned in the last three years in our world with COVID-19. We have seen how mental capacity can be lost without warning. We all want transformation but where do we go for information and guidance that can make it possible? Getting ones foot on the right path requires knowledge and guidance to avoid error which could be costlier than past mistakes.

First what is our worth? What price, in terms of currency or precious stones would we accept for the life we have? The free things we take for granted; would we value them more if we were to pay for them? There are questions worth asking which we often avoid and just keep pushing on each day. We need to love and value our lives more and realise that even if we don’t like the way we look somebody somewhere would give anything to walk in our shoes.

Sometimes it takes a health scare or a pandemic of some sort for us to slow down and ask questions. We become so used to doing life our way that we ask no questions such as why we are here and the meaning of life. We make no time to scrutinise information and arm ourselves with knowledge that would improve our physical, spiritual as well as mental wellbeing. Would we treat ourselves differently if we had a price tag for our lives? In each of us are treasures of fine things waiting to be discovered--the value and ability of the human kind is found in the Maker.

Unfortunately, most parents do not allow their children to ask questions and if they do, want them to shut up quickly, finding it too tasking responding. Children soon learn to keep everything locked inside and are unable to channel the mind to deal with issues later in life. How do we prevent situations from causing irreparable damage both physical and spiritual?

“YOU ONLY WIN WHEN YOU HELP OTHERS WIN.”

Paul Zane Pilzer

Is life a collection of accidental events?  Paul Zane Pilzer is quoted as saying, “You only win when you help others win.”

No matter the pit we fall into, we need someone willing and able to reach down however deep and get us out. That is hope!

THE ORIGINAL DREAM

It was when I was in my mid-twenties that I had a dream that showed I would be ministering to people. In that dream, I was out in a local community when people began to run towards me as I was walking towards a building. I tried to establish what it was they were running from and was told of the danger that was approaching.

I looked down the road and saw the devil heading our way and called out to everyone to hurry into the building and take cover. Inside the building was beds arranged dormitory-style with a passage in the middle. I shouted to all to get on the beds as I heard the devil at the door. I got on one of the beds in the middle of the room, as the devil opened the door and stood inside.

I stretched my hands across the room covering all within the span of my hands like a mother hen covering her young. As we lay listening as the devil stood and stalked, I heard a scream. There was someone close to the door not protected and the life was taken.

I woke up saddened that a life could not be saved. I prayed for guidance wondering what it all meant.

In secondary school, I was a dormitory prefect, so the environment I saw in the dream was familiar. As a prefect I was concerned with the wellbeing of all in my care and actively engaged with the school authorities and ensured student needs were met.