If we be Christ Jesus', there certainly will be junctions in our lives where we will acknowledge and realize the need for instructions at life's crossroads, at which we cry out like Prophet Elisha: "Where is the GOD of Elijah?"
At life's crossroads, we find ourselves faced with decisions that shape our future. But we also discover — if we look introspectively — that we possess the power to break the chains that had kept generations preceding us bound for countless ages if we dared raise our eyes towards Heaven, and call for GOD's help!
A Legacy of Burden
Many of us discovered as we grew up that we were surrounded by the familiar obstacles on our progenitors' relay courses. We were told stories, most of which seemed like folklore to our childish ears. But as we grew in stature and maturity, those of us who were blessed to be spiritual early enough began to connect the dots that had littered our parents' and grandparents' paths: Their realms of unspeakable abuse, torments, and afflictions were introduced to us albeit, unwittingly.
Some others who had not been fortunate enough had succumbed to the pressure and the pull of the mire and the dirt.
A minority of us had rebelled against their norm. We vowed not to partake in the malady, malarky, and madness. We promised to escape the rowdiness of purpose and intent. We vowed to defend ourselves and our siblings against the Enemy. More importantly, we vowed that our children would never experience such pain as we had endured. Kudos, if that was you! Directly, or indirectly, the legacy of burden had been born and passed onto us.
The Turning Point
Fortunately, Jesus Christ found me at the tender age of 3. Innocent, and soft-hearted, I had watched atop my father's shoulders the reel-to-reel film outreach of Jesus of Nazareth that had played in our church. My turning point occurred when I 'witnessed' Jesus Christ raise Lazarus from the dead!
Uncontrollable hot tears coursed down my rotund cheeks as I whispered in child-like faith and voice: "GOD, make be like that Man!" And surely, something happened to me. I knew it. I was aware: My conscience was present from then onwards until this day!
Growing up, I was always aware of the weight of expectations placed upon me by GOD, firstly, for my immediate family: My siblings and our parents. One weapon of deliverance availed unto me then as now was prayer and fasting! I prayed for us. I talked to GOD about everything and anything that didn't match up with what I read in my Bible. And GOD answered. Then, secondly, for my friends. I prayed for my friends, relations, and family friends. I was very burdened by negative news and developments that whirled around my earshot. Soon, I learned from my parents, the wisdom in shielding children's ears from hearing everything happening in adults' lives. Thirdly, I prayed for strangers. I developed an uncanny aptitude to be genuinely interested in people. Strangers. And that couldn't be divorced from me until today even though in a span of half a century, folks would interpret this quite significantly differently. I am talking about the life changes that occurred to me at the tender ages of between 3 and 6. Never discount "the days of little beginnings", the Bible admonishes us. And dare I add: "NEVER RULE A LITTLE CHILD OUT OF GOD'S CHOICE OF USAGE!"
Unearthing Hidden Truths
Hence, from my youthful days, I recognized my limitations as much as my exploits possibility. A moral and spiritual sense had been born, coupled with the keen, eagle-eyed, watchful eyes of informed parents. Even at that, lapses were soon discovered by us children. However, I didn't as much exploit those opportunities to be as atrocious as my older siblings, for fear of the One Holy GOD Who had called and separated me.
I was a child prophet. Prophecies of renowned prophets and prophetesses ran ahead of me. I was by no means treated preferentially differently to my siblings; though I felt "special" within my scope as a beloved of GOD. He began to unearth deep spiritual dimensions to me as I grew in stature and height.
From a young age, I saw how the struggles of the past generations could cast aspersion(s) on the future generations: The cycles of limited beliefs, financial hardship, and emotional scars; the abuses in various contexts - even more so of the entity called time! The dabbling into the occult and the world of spiritism, the empty religiosity, the callousness of not bereaving one of selfishness etcetera. My parents weren't perfect. Neither was I, raising my children. That's a truth you would also soon discover as realistic if you're yet to!
Between childhood and adulthood, I also unearthed one of the sayings of Solomon to be true: "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new" (Ecclesiastes 1:9); NLT. That is, if you do NOTHING about it!
One of the issues you must not ignore is retaliatory, vengeful behavior aimed at and or meted at your parents— or whoever raised you, for the damage caused by their negligence, abuse, or crime. That's a quick sure way to fester the seething, brewing pot of generational curses!
Activating the Hidden Truths
There are generational bondages. Generational curses. Generational happenstances — and the like. But there are also generational deliverances and freedom. Generational blessings, generational wealth, and health. But all of the time, spiritual effort plus self-discipline must be engaged to ensure that you deliver the baton of true freedom in Jesus Christ, and excellence in wealth and health patterns to yourself — and your generations.
By breaking the cycle of limitation and embracing the fullness of our potential, we pave the way for a brighter and more empowered tomorrow. I pray this disclosure helps you — or someone in your circle!
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This blog was written by Dr. Sammy Joseph. If you've any inquiries about what you have read or would love to write for us, contact us today at 'pulsepublishinghouse@harvestways.org'
(Picture credit: Pulse Publishing House, SJM: Lariat Cowboy Statue by Constance W. Warren 1888-1948; a gift to the city of Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Picture was taken by Sammy Joseph, during the #PrayerWalkMissionUSA)
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