Hello Greatness
This is the third week in the Esther series., and I hope you’ve been enjoying it. Since the goal is to learn from a story…. I think it’s about time we introduced some other characters at this point. Today, we will talk about one powerful man, Haman.
In case you’re wondering why I chose such a title, I’d tell you a very brief story that it’s related to. You see, one of the first pieces of advice one of my brothers gave me was that I shouldn’t be a Dinosaur. With this, he meant that I shouldn’t be resistant to change and always work at being a better version of myself.
Last week, I talked about asking the appropriate questions (read that here). It’s alright that you’ve asked your questions, but what do you do when you get answers to those questions? Do you embrace new challenges or do you just keep boasting of your past achievements and refuse to do better? One of my sisters goes on and on about not wanting to be a local champion (don’t get her started on this), and I completely agree with her. Yes, you’re doing better than your peers. Good for you!! However, there are two things you should consider doing in this situation: help others who are still struggling with what you’ve overcome and get ready for the next challenge.
This brings us to the story of Haman. Haman was such a vain person that he felt the need to recount his achievements to his wife and close friends. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be proud of your accomplishments, I’m just saying you should be careful about how that affects your behavior, especially towards people who still need some help. It’s good to acknowledge your efforts in achieving some things, but remember that you also had the help of God and the help of some people. Don’t go about boasting to people about the things you have achieved instead of boasting in God who made it possible.
Despite Haman’s position in the palace and all the wealth he had amassed, he was still an unhappy man. He felt threatened by someone who held no position in the kingdom… well apart from being related to the queen, and that didn’t really matter. Refusing to grow beyond your current level leads to insecurity. It actually gives people a reason to explain to everyone what they have been up to because it makes them feel important. The truth is, I’ve had those moments too. When I just want to go on and on about how much I accomplished and I end up just talking about me. That doesn’t make for much of a conversation actually. Right now as I reflect on those moments, I realize that it must have been really painful to hear someone go on and on about themselves. But upon further reflection, I saw the Haman in me and had to stop doing that. I became a better listener as a result of that reflection. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t limit the kind of things you need to work on. The little things are important too.
I love the way the GNT puts it…. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight (Proverbs 4:7). I mean, challenge yourself every time. This is as much for you as it is for me.
Haman became a local champion just because he was already favored by the king. That was more than enough for him so he reminded anyone who cared to listen how even the queen invited him to a banquet meant for the king. With all his properties, he still felt unfulfilled. You may ask- does this mean I can still be unhappy if I’m wealthy? Doesn’t money answer to all things? Shouldn’t I be proud of myself when I have worked so hard to get everything I have? Well, there are answers to all three questions- it is absolutely possible to remain unhappy even if you’re very rich. Remember, when the Lord blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret (Proverbs 10:22). It is only if you acknowledge God as the source of your wealth that you can be happy with your wealth. Secondly, money does answer to a lot of things you want but it can never feel the void of the space meant for God. Lastly, you should be absolutely proud of the hard work you put into your success, but celebrate yourself while giving the glory to God.
I guess the reason we have goals and resolutions for each year is that we have plans for where we should be every time. I doubt if those resolutions revolve around being in the same position every year. So… you also work hard at being a better you EVERY DAY. We all have plans of making the world a better place, but that’s to no effect if you changed the world and you remain the same.
Love,
Mz_Ola.
God's Unfolding Grace 
I love this series! So educating
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Thanks for reading. I’m glad that you’re following the series and getting some knowledge as well.
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Your mindset is so full of Nutrition!! This one got me 🔥🔥 Thanks for this Olawunmi 😍
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Thanks for reading DJ Yungflo. I’m glad you got fired up….. wave the next challenge over.
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👏👏 well laid out, very insightful. We must understand that God expects us to change levels per time, if not we will get comfortable. Just as you mentioned, nothing can take the place of God.No matter the accomplishment, there will always be a void that makes you vulnerable to the Wiles of devil.But when God is genuinely part of that story, there is this peace you naturally experience irrespective of oppositions.
We can’t afford to be satisfied with the status quo. God gave us a nudge in Deteuronomy 1:6, ” You have been too comfortable with this spot, you need to move to the next level of glory” (Para Phrased). Proverbs 4: 18 is a confirmation of God’s position regarding our levels of glory being limitless. 🕊️✌️
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I couldn’t have said it any better than this. You are absolutely right. You know, reading your connection to the Israelites just shows me how much God as well is interested in our advancement. Thanks a lot for reading.
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You are so right. It is easy to get caught up in the past instead of pressing towards the future and enjoying what God is doing for us right now. Our job is not to convince others of what God is doing in my life.
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That’s usually the trap. We feel so important and start to limit ourselves without realizing. Absolutely glad for the reminders I have with my friends and family. Thanks for stopping by
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Very deep…..it’s funny how the God is just beginning with us and we think we’ve gotten to the height of enjoyment by running and boasting of our achievements. Its good to be grateful for what we’ve achieved so far and even encourage others with our story but never think we have arrived and no one is better!
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Thanks for reading. Yeah…. God is just beginning with us. God has great plans for our lives, all we have to do is ask Him and then do what He wants us to do.
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Beautiful write-up, Change is the only constant thing.
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Absolutely… we all have to be ready to change no matter how uncomfortable it gets. Thanks for reading
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I agree with you about asking the right questions, but a major component is to also listen to the right answers. Not every answer you receive is the right one. And even when one is the right one, what is the right answer for me may not be the right answer for you.
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Yes you’re right. People are always ready to give you advice. That’s why it’s important that your answer comes from the right source as it pertains to your situation. Thanks a lot for ready.
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too often we get scared of change and come close to being a dinosaur. We should be willing to listen (while thinking for ourselves). You never know when you have to change on the fly to maintain your forward motion.
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I have been there for a while. Took a lot of reading and being aware of my potentials to get me out of my comfort zone. Thanks for stopping by
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love the idea of getting wisdom. it is so very important in a our daily lives.
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Oh!! I love that you said we’re to get wisdom in our daily lives. Thanks Danielle
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I love this! So often we feel like we have to go on and on about our accomplishments, but you are right on, it is much more important to gain insight and share that, rather than the accomplishment. Well said!
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It was a hard pill to swallow for me. It was so easy for me to point out thw fact that others did it, and when I found out I did it too, I felt bad. So glad I’ve moved on from that. Thanks for reading
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I like the last line: don’t change the world and stay the same….it even seems impossible to want to change the world and stay where you are….It’s already mission impossible
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You know some people are so particular about changing their world. They are good at picking out the wrongs of others without realizing they have to work on themselves as well. Thanks B!
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Change can be a good thing, but it can also bring challenges especially when we don’t feel like we have control over that change.
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I really enjoyed reading your perspective! You are right, God is way more concerned about our future, than our past.
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too many people are dinosaurs, afraid of change and becoming fixed in their ways. It’s so important to recognize the diversity and variety in our world and how beneficial it can be!
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I absolutely agree with you. Thanks for reading Janna
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