THE MONTH OF JUNE, 2024: SACRIFICE CREATES OPPORTUNITIES

 

The sixth month of the year is a cross over from one hand (having counted the five fingers) onto the other. This is applicable to normal situations. But as we might know, every general rule has its own exceptions. We have crossed over! We should be able to rejoice and be glad in God our Creator!

Welcome to June, 2024. It is the month where we are called upon to consider sacrifice as a great facilitator for opportunities in life.

Let us take the example of Uganda Martyrs who are remembered annually and celebrated on the 3^rd of June. I am not certain whether you have ever taken time to think about what went through the minds of each of these over-forty people who determined in their hearts to stick to their word of faith even in the face of death. They made a perfect sacrifice, once and for all but this created opportunity for many Christians and believers today to trust in God much more (I believe).

About two to three weeks ago, we heard of, and witnessed people trekking from their regions, districts, homes over long distances to go to Namugongo in memory of the Martyrs. This is huge sacrifice! Walking all that distance!? I understand that some people walked over 290km! Why wouldn’t God really answer the prayers of these people of faith? Why wouldn’t God look down in mercy upon such people? Their perfect sacrifice shall never go without reward. They shall receive a great prize.

My dear friend,

This month calls us to do the following:

Sacrifice:

There are things that you will have to forego and give up on, for your own sake and for the sake of those around you. This will involve you giving up your comfort for another person that you say you love so much. Love is about sacrifice. It will involve moving or driving a distance to meet up someone for the sake of goodness. It will involve giving up on some of behavior that used to make you comfortable and pick up behavior that leads you to celebrate life better and longer.

Be yourself:

Do you realize that at some point, you lived a life that was not yours? Did you ever notice that there were times when you were not yourself? That some spirit came over you and you acted in a manner that wasn’t within your normal personality or character? Do not regret. The month of June gives each of us chance to rethink and reflect on who we truly are and get back into our shells, live our own lives.

Forget the tough past, remember goodness:

We cannot afford to lament any longer. No. We have had tough experiences in the past (and this could include yesterday, last week, last month, last year or some years ago). It doesn’t matter the time frame. As long as you were treated bad or lost some valuable item or person in life, this is the time to reflect on the goodness rather than pain and painful situations. I keep trying it and it works. The tough past is a barrier to a good life in present and future existence.

Treat people with respect; they are never your own:

Treat everyone with respect whether you know them or not. In one way or another, people do meet. It is the mountain that stays in one place but for as long as God created human beings as mobile creatures of the homo sapiens species, they will always move, meaning they will somehow meet. What will you gain by disrespecting someone? What will you gain by cheating someone? What will you gain by hating someone? What will you gain by despising or looking down on someone? Absolutely nothing! Concentrate on you as you take care to treat everyone here-living as a true reflection of God’s image and likeness. In that way, your trouble on earth shall lessen.

Work harder, respect your earnings:

This is humbling. Working hard does not necessarily mean that you will earn more money. It might be the case; it might not be the case. Working hard in this month shall involve doing your best in your line of duty and trusting that God shall give you strength for each new day. When you earn from your labor, respect your earnings. Give glory to God every time you earn a living and use that earning or those earnings to serve God even much more. In doing that, your body, heart and soul shall rejoice forevermore. It is not about how much you earn but about how grateful you are for what you earn and how you serve God and humanity with your earnings.

At the start and end of each day, I am grateful to be alive.

I pray that God shall keep you and loved ones well and safe and that you will have all the desires of your heart. May you live to see and tell more of God’s goodness.

I cancel whatever plans the enemy has.

I declare and proclaim that we have already won. Looking forward to July 2024.

Mugisa Abwooli Reflection 14 of 2024