Life Lessons from 2013 AFCON
You have listened to stories of great men and women who left their marks on the sand of time. The recent victory of the Nigerian Super Eagles is certainly in this category. It is no longer news that despite all odds, the team triumphed at the end of it all.
From scriptural perspectives, we can derived at least 8 crucial life lessons from the competition. Please come with me and let the Holy Spirit brood on US.
At the beginning of the competition, the bookmakers put their money on Ghana, Cote Doivre and defending champions Zambia. Of these 3, only Ghana got to the Semi final before they were defeated by tiny Burkina Faso - a country that had not won a Nations' Cup finals match outside their country before. Nigeria was regarded as spent horse and was not considered a serious challenger for the trophy.
Lesson 1: The Spiritual ruleth over the physical at all times. Psalm 115; 3 - Our God is in heaven, He does whatever pleases Him. He changes times and seasons, He sets up kings and deposes them. Dan 2; 21, He has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom ruleth over all. Let your Kingdom come; let your will be done over US oh Lord.
Lesson 2: Victory is of the Lord ....Eccl 9: 11. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. The Lord who rules over time and season will hasten your lifting. The Super Eagles had 17 players playing at the AFCON for the first time, yet they excelled. The Lord will fast forward your Seasons of manifestation and outstanding successes.
Lesson 3; If Victories are won on the good wishes of people, the Super Eagles do not deserve to pass the Group stage. However, the Mercy of the Lord supercedes all. His mercy prevails against judgement. James 2; 3. The mercy of God that triumph over judgement will grant you sweet victories over every voice pronouncing judgement, sorrow and evil against you or your household.
Lesson 4; Some Teams - Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Niger Republic, DR Congo and Burkina Faso were not expected to make any impact. Yet all left the 2013 AFCON with significant successes. It doesn't matter what others are saying, if you keep the faith, you will reach your goal and your mockers will be frustrated. Isa 44; 25 - every power speaking lies and evil into your destiny will be frustrated in Jesus Name.
Lesson 5: Hard work is good, but hard work is not enough. The Burkinabe Coach prepared his team for the Final by showing his players three memorable epic matches - Chelsea as EUFA Champions, Greece winning the European Cup and Zambia's victory at 2012 AFCON, yet the team came short in the final. Absolute TRUST and ACKNOWLEDGING God all the way, makes a difference. Prov 3:6 - in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. No doubt, God took charge for the Super Eagles. He will take care of you.
Lesson 6: It pays to keep calm in the midst of adversity. The Nigerian Head Coach was treated shabbily and disrespected by the same persons who should be singing his praises the loudest. Rumours had it that his sack letter and flight ticket were waiting for him before the quarter final match with Cote Doivre. Beloved, Isa 30: 15b - says in quietness and in confidence (in your God) shall your strength be. The Head Coach was professional all the way and God fought for him and crowned his effort with success. The God of Heaven will fight for you and grant you good success in Jesus Name.
Lesson 7; God determines the end from the beginning. Recalling some of the matches, it was as though the officials were mandated to disfavour some of the Teams. The fact that this was a global stage did not deter some officials from poor and very biased officiating. Yet, in the final analysis, the best teams based on their performances got to the final. I decree upon your life and situation (Isa 46; 10) the purpose of the almighty God concerning you and in every situation, it SHALL stand in Jesus Name.
Lesson 8: No matter the situation you are going through, your SUN will still SHINE and your STAR will radiate brighter. The home based Eagles in previous Teams in the past 10 years had no say. There were at best training materials. All that is now history due to the stellar performances of Sunday Mbah and Godfrey Oboabona. Psalm 30; 5; weeping, rejection, denial, delay, etc may endure for the night but Joy, a new lease life cometh in the morning. Redemption cometh at dawn. Your New Dawn is also here in Jesus mighty Name. Amen.
Beloved, there are still more Life Lessons all around us. A pointer to the fact that God is forever faithful. He never forgets. He is forever faithful. I encourage you to hold on a little longer and God will be show forth and proof His mightiness in your situation. It shall be well with you. Amen and Amen and Amen.
Shalom and Blessings!!!
From the Desk of;
Pastor in The House
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
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