Rejected but not forsaken
Judges 11
Pastor (Mrs.) Christy Ogbeide
BBA and MA(Counseling)
Once upon a time, a young boy called Jephthah’s in Judges Chapter 11 was maltreated and driven out of his father’s house because He was born out of wedlock. “Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of a harlot:” Everyone in the home rejected and treated him like he is not part of the family. They did it out of bitterness of their heart. However, the Bible tells us that, the situation and frustration got of control and so he was forced to move away from home and lived with guys we call the “area boys.” He dwelled amongst them and during this period he did not allow his rejection or circumstance to get him down or kill him, instead Jephthah trained himself, developed himself and although he was living with the area boys at the low quarters of the town, he took advantage of the situation at the moment to elevate himself.
He formed an army which was later recognized in the city. His family members that once rejected him heard about his greatness. God who knows how to turn the table around allowed them to face troubles which they had no choice but to look for the one that was once rejected to come and fight for them. The elders of the city in fact pleaded with Jephthah and he agreed on the ground that he would not only be their head but the head of his father’s house and the whole community. Judges 11:4, “And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel, and it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob. And they said unto Jephthah, Come and be our captain that we may fight with the children of Ammon.” It was just a process a time, the one that was once rejected, forgotten, forsaken became their captain because God turned the table against the enemies.
The year is going to an end you may feel that you are not where you suppose to be at the moment. God will turn your situation around. Christ was rejected, bruised and chastised for our iniquity. He was crucified, dead and buried so you and I will live life eternal. So no matter what your situation is at the moment, please, do not give up, do not be frustrated. It is not over. It will be alright. Whatever you are going through is just a process of time.
There is hope. You may have a similar story like Jephthah, driven and maltreated, those who have deserted you shall hear of your exploit and you shall be sought after in Jesus name. Cheer up, God is on your side. Rise up and train yourself develop your God given muscle and gifts and plan positively for the coming year. No matter the opposition, obstacles, resentment, difficulties and limitations, just make up your mind not to give up. God will turn your disappointments to His appointment, just look ahead and keep trusting God for help. Richard Nixon said, “A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits.
A quitter can not win and a winner never quit as the saying goes. Be a good fighter to possess that which God has for you. Psalm 68:19, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” You are ordained to succeed, just live according to the standard of God, with combination of positive confession; faith in God your miracle will not pass you by in Jesus name. Remember to thank God for all He has done for you in the past and for all He yet to do. Have a grateful heart, joyful spirit, be kind to one another, “the good you do for someone today may be the answer to your prayer tomorrow.” Remain blessed and have a blessed and prosperous 2008.
Pastor Christy Ogbeide, El-
Contact phone: 832-