The Three Classmates

No matter who you are, you are likely to find it disheartening if, several years after school, you find yourself stepping out of a 'trotro' (Ghana’s popular public transport) drenched in sweat, still job hunting and struggling to make ends meet...

And then witness your classmate from school emerging from his luxurious G wagon to enter his own multimillion-dollar company.

And especially now with social media, where you are likely to be inspired, challenged, triggered, or even discouraged by the numerous posts on the glorious achievements of your colleagues.

The focus of this post is simple: to settle the anxiety and agitation in our hearts. And to appreciate why it is unwise to compare yourself with another.

??“The Three Classmates” is a perusal of the lives of three young men Joseph, David, and Daniel.

At age 17, these three boys entered the university to read the same program called BSc. Will of God.

Little background story…

Joseph had an affectionate father who spared no effort to express his love. His brothers, however, despised him with equal intensity.

David was maltreated by his father and siblings. On vacations, he was abandoned to take care of sheep in the wild.

Daniel had no family. He was a refugee in a foreign country. He, however, had loyal friends.

While they were enrolled in the same class or studying a similar program, the diversity in their families is quite evident.

Picture them conversing on WhatsApp later...

Joseph: "Charle, my brothers nearly took my life o; I ended up being sold as a slave."

David: "Oww sorry bro, Thank God you’re still alive. By the way, I landed a new job. I now work for a king”.

Daniel: “You two are aware I'm on a scholarship funded by the King of Babylon. I am sorry but I won’t be here too long; I’m preparing for upcoming exams. I’ve got to give it my best.”

In the next season of life

Joseph: “Bros, my boss likes me, but my madam accused me of rape. I had nothing to prove my innocence.”

David: "This demon-possessed boss is tormenting me. He’s after my life. I’m hiding in the cave of Adullam."

Daniel- "Oh eyaaaa, sorry o. But guys, I have good news. I not only excelled in my exams but also earned the distinction of being the top-performing candidate, surpassing my colleagues tenfold! And I have been appointed a minister.

At this point, envy might creep in among the others, as Daniel appears to be thriving in life.

And that’s how some of us look at ourselves with disdain and are so in a hurry to make it, because when we look over our shoulders, we see how a Daniel is “cashing out” or "blowing up" in life.

Daniel faced a moment in his life when his coworkers plotted against him, leading to his confinement in a den of lions.

In that situation, Joseph might have remarked, "Well, I'm grateful I'm not in your shoes; at least the prison guards here seem to like me."

David might have chimed in, "Me too, at least I have a place to hide."

I’m sure you are getting the point...

Joseph had a unique ability to interpret dreams.

David was skilled in battle; he turned a group of handicaps into a mighty army.

Daniel was also skilled intellectually in administrative work and the interpretation of dreams.

And it was through these unique skill sets that God orchestrated their deliverance and walk to prominence.

What would David need interpretation of dreams for in the cave of Adullam?

What gift of God to you have you looked at with disdain because you compared yourself with another?

My dear, you better start digging out your one talent.

In another season of life

We see Joseph as second in command in all of Egypt.

David is coronated as King of Israel.

Daniel becomes the lion tamer, and although he enjoyed the best of conditions, he sought to pray for his war-torn nation, Israel. He knew where he was placed, was not for his personal enjoyment but to influence things for God’s kingdom.

A valuable lesson evident in their stories is the truth of the sovereignty of God, reigning over the events in our lives.

While the three boys believed they were leading ordinary lives, God was working behind the scenes, orchestrating every event in their lives.

And so, it is with yours.

Your current circumstances might resemble Joseph's time as a slave, and witnessing the success of someone like Daniel who graduates with honors or attains a higher position might evoke feelings of envy and frustration towards God.

But what you are failing to recognise is that throughout all the seasons of their lives, it was God directing their steps.

You are not lagging in life, sweetheart.

Your progress is on its own unique timeline.

Don’t make a Joseph or a Daniel make you feel like you are slacking in life.

You might not have a story like Daniel, who possibly graduated with top honors from the best university.

Instead, you've faced challenges in the wilderness, contending with lions and bears. Nevertheless, you're not behind in life because, whether you recognize it or not…

As long as God has chosen you,

As long as You are submitting to His will,

As long as you are acknowledging him in all ways

He is directing your path.

One of the most damaging phrases...

“Your classmates are doing this or that... what about you?”

My dear, don’t be pressured. The seasons and pathways God is taking us on are not the same, but rest assured, your end will be glorious.

…”but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.“ 2 Corinthians 10:12

This piece creatively weaves together elements from the biblical stories of Joseph, Daniel, and David, skillfully presented by Sam Dollar on his podcast, "Renew Your Mind Podcast." (Timelines are not accurate)

This is the link????to the full message (Episode 1 & 2) on Telegram.

(https://t.me/Dailywalkwithourfather/146)

You can also get all his audios at “Renew Your Mind Podcast” on all podcast platforms. Click on the link below to have a good listen.

https://anchor.fm/renew-your-mind-podcast/episodes/Three-Classmates-1-e10lq3u

Remember to give God your best, and owe no man nothing but love??