RISE ABOVE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES!

 

Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot: and Gilead begot Jephthah.  (Judges 11:1)

 

This past week I had an opportunity to view the movie, "The Butler."  It took me back as I remembered many of the experiences in life that Black people were subjected to.  It also brought to mind that we can overcome many obstacles in our lives with the combination of dedication to hard work and a loving God who cares for us.   

 

In the passage above, Jephthah, was born into a dysfunctional situation.  His father and mother bore him out of wedlock.  He was shunned by his step brothers.  He learned a lot about life in the streets.  Yet he became a mighty man of valor, and a Judge listed in the Bible.  It lets us know that no matter where we start in life,  we can rise above our circumstances with that same combination of dedication to hard work and our loving God who cares for us.

 

As I view this story, I would outline it with the following points: 1. Determination  2.  Preparation  3.  Identification and 4.  Elevation.

1. Jephthah was determined to be successful in life even though he was from dysfunctional circumstances. Many of us have the same kinds of problems.  But God, can help us overcome them. 2. Jephthah prepared himself in the streets to become a leader.  We can prepare ourselves through school, church, and the life to be leaders. 3.   Jephthah knew he was a child of God and called on God for help.  We are also children of the Most High God.  He will take care of us. 4.  And finally, God elevated Jephthah to be a Judge later in life.  God will elevate us in this life and the life to come when we lean and depend on Him.  As a people, we can rise above our circumstances with a combination of hard work and our God who loves us.