Saturday, April 13, 2019

You Can Turn Disadvantages into Advantages


Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The woman with the issue of blood turned the long term disadvantage of the unceasing blood flow of twelve years into an advantage when she decided to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment. Despite the shame and ridicule, she worked her way through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Twelve years of pain, shame and financial drain disappeared in an instant. Significantly, she was not ashamed to publicly admit that she was the one who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. The admission made her healing permanent. Please read Matthew Chapter 9 verses 20 to 22, Mark Chapter 4 verses 27 to 29, 30 to 34.


The widow of the indebted prophet is another case in point. She cried out when the creditor threatened to come take her two sons for debt bondage. That was what saved the situation as the Prophet Elisha to whom she cried gave her counsel on how to get out of debts and financial lack for the rest of her life. She was instructed on how to access resources, shut out distractions so she could produce products to sell and earn money. Please read 2nd Kings Chapter 4 verses 1 to 7 for details.

Blind Bartimaeus literally took the bull by the horns when he kept shouting out the name of Jesus despite the hush hush from the people around him. As he kept shouting, Jesus turned to him and asked what he wanted. He requested for the restoration of his sight and was healed. Please read Mark Chapter 10 verses 46 to 52.

Zacchaeus was a very short man who desired to see Jesus. This would have been possible if the crowds who followed Jesus did not crowd him out of the view of short people like Zacchaeus. Rather than complain about his height disadvantage and how the tall people of his day were the only ones who had the advantage of seeing Jesus, Zacchaeus decided to think creatively. He would not be in the league of the people who complained about the tall oppressing the short with their height advantage. Zacchaeus chose to grow taller than the supposedly tall who obscured the short from seeing Jesus. Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree where he was heads above the tall. Significantly, Jesus noticed and gave Zacchaeus attention in addition to inviting Zacchaeus to entertain Him in Zacchaeus’ house where Zacchaeus could have the pride of vantage position to see Jesus clearly. Please read Luke Chapter 19 verses 1 to 10 for details.


Peter and his fellow fishermen had had a night of fruitless toil. Needless to say, they were tired and probably frustrated; a whole night without a single catch. What would they say to members of their families who were probably waiting for the catch and proceeds from the catch so they could have a good meal as well as meet other needs? It was not the best of times as they washed their nets in preparation for another night of toil. But that was not to be as Jesus the only One Who intervenes in frustrating situations to bring about satisfaction and happiness chose to bless Peter. Jesus asked a favor of Peter, a favor that was rather difficult to grant considering that Peter was physically tired. But Peter granted the request to move Jesus away from the shore with his boat so Jesus could teach the people from the boat. Significantly, Peter did not complain. He carried out his assigned task cheerfully and when it was over, Jesus Who always rewards in multiples asked Peter to launch out into the deep at a time when any seasoned fisherman would not go fishing. Peter obeyed and made about the greatest catch of his life. Please read Luke Chapter 5 verses 1 to 10 for details.

As if this was not enough, Peter embarked on another fishing exploit. This was after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately for Peter and his team, it was a fruitless exercise as they did not catch any fish. But again, Jesus showed up and instructed them on what to do – cast the net on the right side of the boat. Again, and this is quite significant, Peter obeyed and the result was an astonishing catch. Please read John Chapter 21 for details.

Beloved, you may think that you are disadvantaged in an area of life or diverse areas of life but the truth is that what you consider disadvantages may actually become great advantages for you if only you will ask God to give you the attendant wisdom you require. It is never too late to ask as you can actually ask right away and God will show and teach you what you to do. Shalom and God bless you.


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