A man of God once told a conference audience that despite his teaching ministry, he would never start a Bible school. To his amazement, as soon as he returned home, God said to him, “Go and start a Bible school now.” He asked, “But what will those people think?” He obeyed God anyway, and learnt a lesson for life: with God, never say never.
Friend, be careful of hasty conclusions with God (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Never say never to Him. Many people today are doing the very things they once swore they would never do. We often speak from limited knowledge and narrow vision. You must assume ignorance when dealing with the all-knowing and only-wise God (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Many have cut short a great destiny by being rigid with God (Genesis 6:3). Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. They shall step into greater things. God cannot do much with rigid people. He cannot do much with those who struggle with Him over His plans for their lives (Acts 9:5-6).
What set Paul apart was his ability to flow with God (Acts 26:19). Is it easy to switch from persecuting Christians to immediately preaching the same gospel you once tried to exterminate (Galatians 1:23)? Yet he did. He joined the very course he opposed, and God used him greatly because he flowed.
For Peter, it was different. When God showed him a new direction, he argued, “I have never eaten anything unclean” (Acts 10:14). The sheet came down three times and he still resisted. God eventually moved that Gentile assignment to Paul who was willing to go all the way. How many assignments have you lost due to unyieldedness (1 Samuel 15:28)?
Hasty conclusions can make you look like a liar before men (Romans 3:4). When people see you do what you said you would never do, they question your integrity. So why not avoid it by never saying never? For some, ego won’t let them change even when God is speaking (Jonah 4:1). Don’t let what people will say make you miss what God is saying.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
