Following on from the previous articles:
Life’s Lessons -1 and: Life’s Lessons -2

 

Life is a journey, lessons are abundant, but taking advantage of those lessons is totally a different thing all together. It is not the bad things that happen to us or that we catch ourselves doing, which make us a failure or help us to become a success; rather it is what we do as our response that matters.

You might be wondering why you did not recover from a mistake, why bad things happen to you and why you seem to be on the wrong side of life most of the time! Stop wondering every success has a mistake in his past he surmounted; he faced opposition, went through rejection and felt like things are not working out at one time or the other.

The difference is; he/she refused to give up during opposition, he refused to be defined by his mistakes but rather to learn from them and correct them. Rejection couldn’t stop them, because to them it is a sign of ignorance of their worth by another or jealousy by those intimidated by their progress. No matter what happens, remember; “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28.

LESSON 5 : Mistakes are part of the journey

By now you should suspect that Paul the Apostle has shaped much of my life and ministry philosophy. I have learnt a lot from him and King David, I have read their writings and gleaned great wisdom from them. Paul wrote; ‘For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away ….. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known,’ 1 Corinthians 13:9-10,12.

Men expect a lot from those who seem to be progressing or making an impact in life; they want PERFECTION. A life devoid of mistakes; no bad moods, no misdirection, no bad day, no forgetfulness and nothing said or done wrong. They forget that they are not mistake-free themselves and the many mistakes done by movers and shakers have become the lessons for great progress. Absolute perfection shall be attained at the appearance of Jesus. I have learnt that a life without ‘mistake’ is a docile and cautious life with no impact whatsoever. I have made lots of them, but I am far better off where I am now than where I would have been had I feared to make any. The wise man wrote; ‘Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox,’ Proverbs 14:4.

Do not be a captive of ‘perfection’ as men define it, because you will not attain it especially to everyone’s standards. Sometimes what others call a mistake, is not one, they are just mistaken or ignorant to think so.

We know in part; the part you do not know might be the mistake you think one is making, yet God knows it is not. Live a life free from regrets, learn from your mistakes, treat others graciously; extending mercy instead of judgement. Maintain a pure heart and always check your motives.

Any wrongdoing on your part should be humbly admitted and repentance made. However, do not let mistakes stop you, or bury you in the pit of guilt and condemnation with regrets. I have lost many friends, opportunities and platforms, because of mistakes; real and perceived, but there has been nothing wasted.

All things have and will continue to work for the good of those who love Christ.

 

LESSON 6 : A great future, requires great sowing

I can look back to all those twenty five years and see the endless seasons of sowing in prayer, the word, fellowship and the daily mundane spiritual routines that have all formed the cumulative effect of my progress.

Sowing is doing something today with no expectation of immediate return but with an attitude of future investment. Whereas many apply this in their finances, few apply this principle in their spiritual lives. To me this is the one most important lesson learnt and principle applied in my life.

I remember the years when I prayed for nations, when God showed me my future in visions and dreams, which I actualised in prayer. I can think of the thousands, I mean literally thousands of books I have bought and read. The endless conferences, crusades and seminars, I attended which all contributed a thing or two to my life, whether in small or big quantities. The countless times I have imbibed on God’s word, and other spiritual literature, and I can confidently say this is a principle worth applying.

You can make prayer deposits into your future. This applies to your business, family, ministry and any other aspect of your life. When the future comes and you make gains on your investment, you will be happy that you did. No progress happens in one go, success is not an overnight activity, it might appear so to the outsiders, but all successful and progressive people have a story to tell.

Summing it up; it’s a story of past investments into their present colourful life.

These are true lessons of life, that are worth learning and the principles worth applying for a glorious life. I trust you have gained much wisdom from these six simple and yet abundantly clear – profound lessons in life. Live life to the full as God intended it.

See also the previous article:
Life’s Lessons -1 and Life’s Lessons -2.

 

~ Robert Ssesanga

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Pastor Robert Ssesanga founded Aflame Gospel Ministries and is Senior Pastor of Aflame Gospel Assembly in Kampala, Uganda. An author and speaker, he travels internationally preaching the Gospel with signs, miracles and wonders, as God attests to His word with power. His emphasis on victorious living and enjoying the supernatural life has impacted many lives in many nations. His passion is to demonstrate the gospel and impact generations.

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