As the first speaker for the afternoon session on the last day of WAFBEC 2015, Pastor Yemi Davids taught on the topic – Fulfilling Destiny.
In defining destiny he said, “destiny is a potential and not a guaranteed outcome given to each and every one in life.” Furthermore he also said that people can choose to maximise their potential by the degree of hunger they possess. Using examples from the scriptures, he cited those that God poured out His power on and how they went ahead and cooperated with God and fulfilled destiny in the process and those that did not. Some of the examples used were Joseph and Samson as leaders; Peter and Judas as disciples, Pharoah and Saul as kings.
Destiny is a combination of many factors and influences and the divine orchestration of relationships popularly known as “destiny helpers” that God brings your way on the journey to fulfilling destiny and maximising potential. The responsibility to recognise and maximise these relationships is laid on each individual. Pharoah and Joseph is a perfect example of a maximised divine relationship, whilst that between Saul and David was not.
Pastor Davids implored everyone to thirst and hunger for the greatness God has promised because the best parts of their stories are still ahead. Take tankers and not spoons to the river of God, stretch out, and expand for God to fill. Open up for bigger things. Thirst big! The vision determines the relationships God sends your way. Even for those fulfilling purpose already, go ahead and let people’s admiration turn to responsibility and an urge to do more.
Learn to also ask questions. Ask God questions, in every season. In seasons of increase and stagnation ask. Using an analogy of equations i.e. all equations must be complete with the respective elements for a desired chemical reaction to take place, Pastor Yemi thus instructed that people must ensure they follow God given principles for the desired results. However, there are different combinations of keys for each person, so make sure to ask God for those keys that belong to you.
Honour and hospitality are also powerful in fulfilling destiny. Stressing this further, Pastor Yemi stated, “Honour will take you farther than intelligence and skill set”. Show respect and courtesy at every turn. Honour opens doors of favour.
Hebrews 13:2
Hospitality should be a lifestyle, for unknowingly patriarchs entertained angels. Through hospitality Rebecca’s story took a turn for the better, always go beyond what is required. Practice hospitality with a respectful attitude as an important fulfillment to destiny.
As people eager to achieve their God given destiny on earth, Pastor Davids also warned the audience to beware of the devil’s wiles and strategies. According to him, these strategies are very crafty and not obvious, so test every spirit. It is important to recognise when people usually full of the Spirit of God are on lease to the devil e.g. what happened between Peter and Jesus (Matthew 16:23) Be very discerning and refuse wrong counsel. Beware of fatigue and predominant personal weaknesses. The devil delights to attack these two strategic places. As a result the predominant word should consistently be “Let your strength be shown in my areas of weaknesses”. (Joel 3:10)
In rounding up his message, Pastor Yemi reminded everyone to give thanks continually. The problem is not the problem but your attitude towards the problem. Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going.