EAMILY OCCUPATION

[Allan Gerh]

Family Occupation
What are the problems we have in our families? Could we categorize them in
levels of severity? Level 1 issues, such as, sibling rivalry and constant
competition, individualistic, demanding, joy riders and lazy bums, lack
forgiveness and bitterness among members. Or worse still level 2 issues where
issues go deeper such as diseases, black sheep labeling, school drop outs,
teenage pregnancy, no progress (marriage, education, jobs), divorce,
drunkenness, chasing after money, permanently in debt.
The bible has an excellent example we can learn from
Read: Judges 6
These were bad times for Israel, they were under constant oppression from the
Midianites, constant attacks, theft of farms, cattle rustling, economic
sanctions and the list goes on…..this prevailing circumstances had a bearing on
the family of a certain guy called “Man-Gidi” we actually find this guy HIDING.
Gideon’s family faced several issues as a result – no progress, poor self
esteem, under threat – theft of farms, threat of being punished and even death
in the hands of the Midianites - they were of little significance, of little
consequence. Your family could be having the same issues as Gideon’s. You may be
thinking that there is nothing much you can do to change the situation in your
family immediate or extended
Gideon engaged God in a conversation and such was his prayer. Through this:
1. He began to see himself as a change agent. God allowed him to see what he
could not see of himself. He called him a mighty warrior even though he was
afraid and hiding
2. God empowered Him; He was made aware of the power he could tap into
3. He received clarity of the real issues and the solutions. He was shown the
root of the problem to be that the Israelites had forsaken their God and set up
alters to Baal. Eureka moments are found at the place of conversation with God
Whoever you are you don’t have to be a Spiritual Guru, or a conflict resolution
expert. All that God was asking is availability to connect with the source and
unleash the power. That is exactly what God is asking of each of us. You are the
mighty warrior when you hook up with God and you connect with Him (the source)
you will experience the power and change will begin to come into your family.
ARISE …..CONNECT AND CHANGE YOUR FAMILY.
Its easy as ABC:
1. Always start where you are: Start praying – pray for people by name, find
allies in friends and life group (Gideon started with 10 guys). Take 10 minutes
during the week to pray, whether you are feeling indifferent or overwhelmed just
pray. YOU ARE NOT IN THAT FAMILY BY ACCIDENT it’s a SET UP FOR A BLESS UP!!!
2. Be honest: What is your part in the problem – what are your actions or
inaction that has made the issues worse. If you are part of the problem you need
to change because your silence or taking sides enables the issues.
3. Continue the conversation – Keep at it. Read Ezekiel 22:30 and Hebrews
10:35-36. God is looking for people like you.
Rise up and take Gideon’s action for your families. A recommended reading is the
book ‘Gideon’s Action’ by Pastor Simon Mbevi available at Mavuno. There is also
a weekly men’s meeting on Wednesdays at 5am at the Dome. Come, let us pray,
connect and unleash the power!