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WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Apr 22
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Galatians 2:1-2,7-14

Psalm 117

Luke 11:1-4

When all else fails, pray. Yes, pray. But prayer makes me feel weak and vulnerable. You were always weak; you just did not realise it. Failure is a reminder that you are not the one in control—you never were. Jesus’ disciples picked up on the power of prayer and asked Him to teach them (Luke 11:1-4). Prayer is more than just speaking to God; it is a place of refuge and Jesus sought refuge in prayer often. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). For the rest of this month, I shall reflect on the mysteries of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, spelling out 10 things to reflect on as you pray each of the decades, meditating on the mystery and applying its virtues to your life for better living.


Here are ten things to note as you pray the Annunciation of the Lord’s birth (Luke 1:26-38).

  • You are never too young to start considering the big issues of life. Mary received an invitation from God to become the mother of the Saviour of the world when she was just a teenager.

    Humility attracts divine attention. God qualifies those that He calls. Pride is an easy giveaway that you are not all you claim to be.

  • God sees more in us than we can see in ourselves. The angel called Mary “Highly favoured” (Luke 1:28). God wants to show you how favoured you are too if you take your relationship with Him seriously.

  • Mary accepted the vocation of motherhood. Most of us today consider it a weakness to “abandon” our dreams to become mothers and wives. Our first blessing is to be “fruitful and multiply” and expand God’s kingdom (the devil has stolen this from us and replaced it with a false trophy of self-absorption).

  • Mary accepted God’s plan even without knowing how it would come about. It takes great trust to accept a plan that you cannot fully see—it is called faith. Do you need faith?

  • Nothing is impossible for God. A barren woman conceives. A virgin girl conceives. Both were works of the Holy Spirit because “nothing is impossible for God” (Luke 1:37). Do not place limits on what God can do with and for you.

  • Submit to the will of God. Do not hold tightly to your idea of how you want your life to go. Your ways are infinitely inferior to God’s way. Ask rather, “Lord, show me what I must do”. Freedom and peace are found on the other side of the door you are afraid to knock on: “I am the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38).

  • The Holy Spirit will guide you. Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and nudge you towards fulfilling your destiny. He starts with small tasks, bidding you to trust Him and then increasingly gives you bigger and more important missions. Lord, help us to trust Your guidance.

  • Rejoice in what God has done. Mary rejoiced to learn that her cousin was with child. This strengthened her faith in what God was doing in her own life. Let the good things around you remind you that God is faithful and your time of favour is at hand.

  • Faith in God is training in discipleship. It is similar to a baby taking their first steps or transitioning from milk to solid food. Be patient with yourself. Pray with the Psalmist: “Train me, Lord, to observe your law, to keep it with my heart” (Psalm 119:34).


As you pray today, think for a second that God has called you to something truly unique and special, a mission that you alone are equipped to fulfil. You may be uncertain of how this mission will shape your future. You may be afraid that the journey will be lonely. Remember that Mary felt all these uncertainties and still chose to trust God. 


Your password today is: HUMILITY (Help me, Lord, to see myself as you see me).

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. God has more in store for you than you're currently living for. Make Him your sanctuary in prayer. Good things shall follow you always.

  2. If you have time to worry and complain, you have time to pray. God will answer you in Jesus' name.

 
 
 

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