DON’T BE AFRAID OF CRITICISM – July 2024 Newsletter

Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3

INTRODUCTION

Criticism can be a powerful and debilitating force that can affect even the most committed individuals. However, the Bible provides valuable insights on dealing with criticism, as exemplified in Nehemiah 4. Nehemiah faced tremendous opposition while helping to rebuild Jerusalem. From his story, we can learn three valuable principles on how to handle criticism: staying focused on the mission that God has uniquely called us to fulfil, relying on God’s strength, and responding with wisdom and grace.

  1. Stay Focused on Your Mission

Nehemiah was mocked and ridiculed by his opponents, Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3), for seeking to repair the wall. Despite the contempt and ridicule, Nehemiah continued with his work. He did not let negativity overpower his motive; instead, he inspired the workers and delivered results.

It is critical to remain focused on your purpose when under fire. Criticism is naturally a way to direct your focus elsewhere and attack your self-esteem. Look at the end game and block off negative voices. Do not let anything render you motionless or cause you to take a single step backwards; keep on the path of growth.

  1. Rely on God’s Strength

Nehemiah understood the importance of relying on God’s strength in the face of criticism. In response to threats and discouragement from his enemies, Nehemiah prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads” (Nehemiah 4:4). He trusted that God would handle the critics and protect their work. When criticism comes your way, lean on God’s strength and seek His guidance. Prayer is a powerful tool that can provide comfort and direction. Trust that God sees your efforts and will support you through the challenges.

  1. Respond with Wisdom and Grace

Nehemiah’s response to criticism was marked by wisdom and grace. When Sanballat and Tobiah attempted to lure Nehemiah into a trap by inviting him to a meeting, Nehemiah wisely declined, saying, “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3). He recognized the ploy for what it was and refused to be distracted. Responding to criticism with wisdom and grace is essential. Evaluate the criticism carefully and consider its source. Sometimes, the best response is to ignore baseless criticism and continue with your work. Other times, a thoughtful and gracious reply is necessary. Either way, responding with wisdom ensures that you maintain your integrity and focus.

Conclusion

Criticism is an inevitable part of life, but it should not deter us from pursuing our goals and fulfilling our God-given purposes. The story of Nehemiah reminds us that we can overcome criticism by staying focused on our mission, relying on God’s strength, and responding with wisdom and grace. As Proverbs 19:11 states, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offence.” Embrace criticism as an opportunity to grow and demonstrate resilience, knowing that with God’s help, you can rise above it and achieve great things. With Jesus in the boat, you will laugh at the storm, so let Jesus Christ have His way in your life.

Let’s Pray

  1. Lord, I thank You for Your grace and substance that enable me to stand in times of criticism.
  2. Father, arise and defend me in the face of my adversaries.
  3. Lord, grant me strength and enablement to overcome challenges on my way to success.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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DON’T LOSE HOPE – JUNE 2024

Topic: DON’T LOSE HOPE

Text: ROMANS 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Introduction

As you look forward to the light of this year, you start with the hope that everything will be alright. You then launch your plans and goals for the year, ready to execute them one after the other. But as you journey through the first half of the year, you begin to encounter various challenges and triumphs that shape your faith and resilience. All the obstacles you experience are orchestrated by the Devil to shift your attention from focusing on what God is about to do in your life. Reflecting on Romans 12:12, you will find guidance and encouragement to navigate these experiences. This verse encapsulates a powerful message of hope, patience, and faithfulness, which can profoundly impact your life. In this article, we shall explore three key points through the lens of our experiences from January to June.

  1. Joyful in Hope

The beginning of the year often brings renewed optimism and fresh resolutions. However, as months progress, unforeseen difficulties can dampen our spirits. Yet, Romans 12:12 calls us to remain joyful in hope. This joy is not superficial happiness but a deep-seated confidence in God’s promises. From January to June, we may have faced personal struggles, health concerns, or global crises. Despite these trials, maintaining joy in hope reminds us that God’s plans are greater than our immediate circumstances.

In the midst of economic uncertainties or personal losses, finding joy can seem daunting. But through faith, you can hold onto the hope that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). By focusing on His promises and the eternal perspective, you can cultivate a joy that sustains us even in the darkest times.

  1. Patient in Affliction

Patience is a virtue that is often tested during times of affliction. The first half of the year might have brought various forms of suffering, be it illness, relational strife, or financial hardship. Romans 12:12 encourages us to be patient in these afflictions. Patience involves trusting God’s timing and His purposes, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.

During these months, you might have found yourself questioning why certain trials occur. It is in these moments that patience becomes a testament to our faith. Biblical examples, such as Job and Paul, illustrate the power of enduring suffering with a steadfast heart. Their stories remind us that patience in affliction is not passive resignation but an active trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

  1. Faithful in Prayer

Prayer is our lifeline to God, especially during trying times. Romans 12:12 calls us to be faithful in prayer, underscoring its importance in sustaining our hope and patience. From January to June, consistent and earnest prayer can transform our perspective and bring peace amid turmoil.

Prayer is not merely a ritual but a dynamic conversation with our Creator. It allows us to pour out our hearts, seek guidance, and find solace. The first half of the year may have challenged your prayer life, but faithfulness in prayer ensures that you remain connected to the source of your strength and hope. By committing to regular prayer, you will align your hearts with God’s will and receive the grace to persevere.

Conclusion

Reflecting on Romans 12:12 in light of your experiences from January to June, you see a powerful blueprint for navigating life’s challenges. Being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer are not just idealistic concepts but practical actions that sustain us. As we move forward, let us hold onto these principles, trusting that God is with us through every trial and triumph. By embracing this verse, we can face the rest of the year with renewed strength and unwavering hope.

Let us pray

1) Thank God for His grace and mercy over you.

2) Ask for God’s divine guidance for the second half of the year.

3) Commit your plans and visit to God and ask for divine strength to execute them.

4) The Lord will open heaven and rain down His favor upon you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI.

 

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Let us not become weary in doing good – April 2024 Newsletter

Text: Galatians 6:9

Scripture Text: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Introduction

“Try It Again” means there is hope, your victory is sure, you can make it. Moreover, it helps you gather momentum, leads you in a clear direction, and signifies you’re a winner. “Winners never quit…”

Life is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of adversity, each challenge serving as a litmus test for our resilience and steadfastness. Whether we find ourselves in pursuit of lofty dreams, grappling with formidable obstacles, or simply navigating the turbulent currents of everyday existence, the allure of capitulation often beckons with a seductive whisper. Yet, amid the tumult, the timeless wisdom of scripture echoes, reminding us of the paramount significance of perseverance and the divine assurance of eventual recompense for those who tenaciously press on. In this writing, we embark on a journey to explore three profound insights to contemplate when confronted with the daunting specter of surrender.

1) Resilience in Adversity:

Life inevitably presents us with challenges, but our response to adversity defines our character and trajectory. In the face of setbacks or failures, it’s natural to feel disheartened and tempted to abandon our pursuits. However, it’s precisely during these trying moments that our resilience is put to the test. Rather than succumbing to defeat, we must persevere with unwavering resolve. As the adage goes, “fall seven times, stand up eight.” Every setback serves as a chance for introspection, development, and a resurgence with greater fortitude.

2) Faith in the Process:

Having faith in the process means believing in the journey towards our goals, even when progress seems slow or obstacles arise. It involves embracing the journey’s ups and downs, understanding that growth often requires patience and resilience. Rick Warren explained in the writing that; “If you want to make it in a career, you have to respectfully show audacity. Sometimes, following God’s dream for your life requires audacity, too.” Audacity is the courage to think big, to show initiative, and to take risks for a dream while facing the possibility of failure. Like a marathon runner who trusts in their training regimen to carry them across the finish line, we must trust that our consistent efforts will lead us to success. This unwavering belief empowers us to stay focused and committed, regardless of the hurdles we encounter, knowing that each step forward brings us closer to our desired outcome.

3) Learning from Failure:

Rick Warren asserts in his daily devotional that; “Your witness to the world will come out of your weaknesses, not your strengths.” Sometimes, failure gives you the opportunity to discover the hidden treasure within you. In my elementary school days, most of the subjects that I always failed later became my best subjects and made me discover my teaching abilities. Because during the process of corrections done by my teachers, it opened me to the in-depth understanding and systematic ways of approaching my failure. When I became a classroom teacher, the areas of my failure then became my unique technique of making good students, mostly in Mathematics. Learning from failure involves recognizing that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather crucial milestones on the journey toward success. With each failure, we gain valuable insights and lessons that contribute to our personal and professional growth. Rather than being discouraged by our mistakes, we should view them as opportunities for improvement and development. As Thomas Edison famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work,” underscoring the significance of persistence and resilience in the face of adversity. By embracing failure, learning from it, and adapting our strategies accordingly, we pave the way for future achievements and progress.

Conclusion:

In a world where instant gratification is often prized above perseverance, the message of “try it again” may seem counterintuitive. However, the scripture reminds us of the importance of persistence in the face of adversity. By cultivating resilience, faith in the process, and a willingness to learn from failure, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way. So, the next time you feel like giving up, remember the words of Galatians 6:9 and try it again. Your perseverance will eventually lead to a bountiful harvest of success. Finally, the only one who cannot fail is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is always ready to help you if you give him a chance. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior, and it shall be well with you. Let’s pray:

1) The Lord shall grant you the strength and courage you need to succeed.

2) You shall be divinely motivated and elevated.

3) You shall always be on the winning side in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

 

John Aderogba for ROPMI

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