Wednesday, 5th February, 2025
Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:24
Memory Verse: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)
It is true that God gives life and takes it away, but sometimes, people—like Judas—play a tragic role! “My father’s trust and respect for Dr. Saka, who happened to be one of his best friends, led to his early grave. My dad doesn’t need your mourning today. He needed you to honour him while he was still alive by answering his calls,” David said. He continued, “This is my father’s phone. The record of his call logs and WhatsApp messages is right here. Over the last eight months, my father called you 32 times.
You answered only four times, each time promising to call back. On WhatsApp, he sent you 84 messages. You replied to only 22. You never responded again until June 7, when he sent you birthday wishes and reminded you of your promise to see him. Your response was, ‘Thanks, my friend, I appreciate it.’ My father, trusting your medical expertise, held onto the hope that you would help him. On June 12, after reaching out to you, he told you he was very sick and needed your professional advice. You read the message that same day, yet you did not reply until July 21.
When he messaged you again, saying, ‘John, I’m dying.’ Your response? ‘Sorry, it’s been a busy week. Let’s see what happens next week.’ That ‘next week’ became two months. When my father sent his last message on September 2, asking why you were ignoring him, you replied: ‘Sorry, my friend, I hardly have time for myself these days.’ Six days later, my father died.”
As a doctor, lawyer, professional, student, or artisan, how many of your family members, colleagues, and old classmates have you offered pro bono (undertaken work without any charge) services to? How many have you helped for free? How have you positively impacted people’s lives without expecting anything in return?” David paused and added, “If you haven’t been doing this, please start today. Surprise people with help. It brightens and elongates life.” Tears flowed down Dr. Saka’s face, and many in the hall wept as well.
LESSONS FROM THIS STORY
1. Never ignore calls or messages from friends, classmates, colleagues, or family. Don’t assume you know why someone is reaching out; you may not understand their need.
2. Remember that God is the true helper; we are simply messengers. Be humble enough to admit when you can’t help. Do not keep anyone waiting for help if you cannot deliver it. Help others when you can—it is a privilege, not an obligation.
3. Always remember, no one is irreplaceable.
Quote: Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.
Prophetic Decree: Receive grace to be committed to godly friendship, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Lord, I repent of anyway I have been a bad friend, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, I repent of any way I have deliberately ignored calls or messages from friends, classmates, colleagues, or family, in Jesus name.
3. I receive wisdom to manage relationships, in Jesus name.
4. I receive the courage to politely decline offering a help if I wouldn’t, in Jesus name.
5. Help me Lord to be faithful till the end, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 19-21
