WHO ARE THE DAVIDS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GIANTS— correcting the wrong thinking pattern of IRRESPONSIBILITY—? (2)

1. DAVID HAD THE RIGHT THINKING PATTERN

Thinking pattern is the series of thought a man has about himself and environment which influences his behavior, actions, habits, and response to situations. King Solomon, one of the wisest men that lived chronicled that, “AS A MAN THINKS, SO HE IS… (PROV. 23:7). This explains that a man’s life is a function of his thought. You would notice that David saw the same GIANT the others saw but he responded differently which makes a conclusion that ITS NOT WHAT YOU SEE BUT HOW YOU SEE IT THAT COUNTS. David strong words in reply to Goliath’s threats are traceable to his right thinking pattern—which can turn problem to opportunities. 

Most people see PROBLEMS but others see OPPORTUNITIES. Ebola virus struck Africa and most of us saw it as a great Problem—that incited complaining and murmuring— but few individuals, mostly scientists, saw it as opportunity to provide solution to the problem, therefore, making the world a better place. For so many years, a particular Medical Problem existed— twins joined at the head region— but this problem created an opportunity for Ben Carson to provide solution which had made him a Global figure. Everybody complained about the problem of darkness but Thomas Edison used the problem as an opportunity to provide a solution we see today as electric light.  Everybody is complaining bitterly about the problems of our country—especially the problem of the education sector— that has limited our progress but complaining has not solved the problem and would not solve it. Being quite and pretending not to see the problem won’t also solve the problem. Who are the Davids who would rise up with right thinking pattern to FACE, FIGHT AND FIZZLE OUT THE GIANTS. The right thinking pattern is the first step— and not the only step— on our journey to bring down the Giants and bring home the victory. If you haven't read Part one of this article, I will advise you do so as to get a better understanding, WHO ARE THE DAVIDS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GIANTS— correcting the wrong thinking pattern of IRRESPONSIBILITY—? (1)

2. DAVID ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility is the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something. Even though David wasn’t a member of the army of Israel, he accepted the responsibility—and didn’t PASS IT ON— of the problem confronting the nation and this led him to face the giant. While the armies of Israel were perhaps waiting for the king to do something, David took hold of the responsibility of the problem. If we are going to kill our national giants—especially giants in the education system—that has killed us with their words, we—the government, institutional heads, teachers and students— must individually have to accept the responsibility of the current problems. If a public interview is done, we would discover that 99.9% of Nigerians would heap the blame of the country on the government, I really don’t have an issue with that but how long are we going to wait for the government? Or rather, what little responsibility have you taken that would enhance the progress of the country? From research, only those who accept responsibility of a problem provide the solution. If you doubt me, ask David who accepted the responsibility for the national problem which compelled him to birth out a solution. Recently, Dr. Vivian Ikem wrote a book titled “Shadows in the Mirror: the many faces of depression” which is targeted at providing solution to the problem of depression but before she could proffer solution to the problem, she had to take the responsibility of the problem. What problem— local, national or international— are you responsible for?

3. DAVID WAS OBEDIENT TO INSTRUCTION

It would be observed that David was obedient to his father’s instruction’ it would take an obedient child to go to the bush and spent most time caring for his father’s sheep. Even when Samuel came to anoint him King, he was in the bush. His father sent him to give his brothers food at Israel’s camp which he immediately obeyed and it was in the process he encountered the problem he solved that wrote his name in the sands of time.

        As youths and students, we must strive to be obey instructions—educationally, moral, spiritual etc— because from our acts of obedience, streams of opportunities will flow. One example that clearly explains this point is the life of Ben Carson, His mother gave an instruction for him to read two books weekly and obedience to this simple instruction became a foundation for his achievements in life. Some of the instructions to obey are:

a.To read our books

b.Pay attention in class and other learning centers

c.Do our assignments

d.Engage in house chores

e.Discovery, Development and Deployment of our talents etc

4. DAVID HAD A UNIQUE STRATEGY BUILT ON WHAT HE HAD

        David’s strategy of bringing down the giant was tied to WHAT HE HAD—five stones and a sling—, despite Saul’s persuasion for David to use the POPULAR APPROACH, he declined and ultimately used what he had to enhance his victory. Ancient and Contemporary legends have enforced their victory simply by using what they had to defeat their various giants (problems).

 Let’s take a look at some few:

a.  MOSES

One of the great patriarchs of the Old Testament, Moses, and the Israelites miraculously journeyed away from Egypt with celebration and jubilation to God who delivered them from 430 years of slavery under strong hardship. Suddenly, they were confronted with a Giant called the RED SEA and before they could think of a way out, they heard chariots from behind. I want you a really picture their ordeal: at their front was the Red sea, at their sides were mountains, at their back was Pharaoh together with his army moving at a great velocity towards them, so there was no way of escape. The children of Israel cried out unto Moses who was the leader and since he had no one to cry to except God, he cried to God but God speaking back to Moses asked Moses a very simple question, “Why are you crying to me?” God reminded him what was in his hand and with that RHEMA of what he had, he used his rod to divide the Red sea—enhancing the defect of the giant called the Red sea— which in turn defeated the remaining of the enemies. Once again, the celebration from slavery re-echoed as they praised God. Victory came by God using WHAT MOSES HAD in his hand.

b. THE WIDOW AT ZAREPHATH

A particular Widow went outside just to fetch some wood to cook her ‘widow’s mist’—her last food. Prophet Elijah approached and her for a cup water but before she could move few steps, Elijah asked her for a meal but in reply, she told Elijah about her plan to cook the last she had. Since the Prophet insisted that she bring bread for, she did what the Prophet asked and God sustained her just WITH THE LITTLE FLOUR AND OIL SHE HAD until God sent the rain.

c. THE WIDOW WITH TWO SONS

Tragedy struck when one of the sons of the Prophet died leaving a huge debt for his wife who cried out to Elijah for help—since the men the husband took money from were on her neck threatening to take her sons as slaves. Then Elijah asked her a question, “WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN THE HOUSE?, she almost said she had nothing until she remembered she had a jar of oil. Elijah then instructed her to go borrow vessels which God miraculously filled. She then sold the oil and this oil brought her out of debts, she and her son had enough to eat…