DIG AT SOURCE

MEMORISE: 'I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men…' (1Tim 2:1)
READ: 1 Timothy 2; 1-2

The one who is called to lead God's people is not necessarily perfect, all knowing or even the best. He is actually fraught with several shortcomings, and if care is not taken, he may bring trouble to the people he is supposed to protect. This is one reason we ought to pray for our leaders. The king of Samaria accused Elisha of being the cause of the siege in the land, and thereafter asked for his head whereas he, the king, was actually the cause. If you do not intercede for your leaders, they may take wrong steps that will plunge your whole family, community, and even nation into serious problems.

David, a man after God's heart, once acted contrary to God's instructions. In 1 Chronicles 21:1-14, he decided to carry out a nationwide census. This was to reassure him of what he had -he trusted in the arm of flesh. Ordinarily, there is nothing wrong with having a headcount of the men of war in Israel. But where God expressly warns against it, going ahead becomes disobedience. For David, that single disobedience took 75 000 lives, even though no member of his family was involved. Complaining about your leaders cannot affect things for good. In fact, where care is not taken, you can progress from harmless complaints to criticism and condemnation, which is sin before God. Take time today to pray for your husband, pastor, community leaders, governors and president so that you can live in peace and quiet, according to our reading.

Beyond this, always take pains to diagnose the cause of whatever problem you are encountering, because a problem well identified is already half - solved. When, where and how did that problem start? Abraham's problem began when he took Lot with him. And as long as lot remained, God stayed away (Gen 13:5-7). Joshua successfully traced their defeat at Ai to Achan. Did the quarrel at home begin after the arrival of the maid or your relative? Send that Achan out of your life now!

As a businessman, do not hire your relatives. Arrange for your friends to hire them. Do not hire those you cannot fire. If there is a problem in your business, trace it to the root and take whatever action is necessary to restore the path of progress.

ACTION POINT
Trace the 'Achan' or 'Lot' hindering your progress.
Prayerfully and practically deal with them.