I don’t know whether it’s true or false but someone told me this interesting story:
An experiment was conducted with a group of monkeys. They were put in a very large cage and a tall tree with a few branches at the top was planted at the centre. Once a day, bananas were hung onto the branches of the tree in clear view of the monkeys. When the monkeys tried to climb up the tree to reach for the bananas, a jet of cold water was fired upon them before they could snatch the bananas. The monkeys would scamper down the tree empty handed.
The experiment was repeated many times over many days, until the lesson was well learnt - don’t reach for the bananas at the top of the tree, or else you will be showered with cold water. The monkeys were only to eat a ration of a few oranges dropped on the ground.
A new monkey was later introduced to the group. As usual, when bananas were hung onto the tree, all the monkeys except the new one, did nothing. The new monkey quickly ran to the tree. But out of “love”, the other monkeys quickly ran for him, grabbed and stopped him from climbing up the tree. But unknown to the rest of the monkeys - the experiment was over and the monkeys could now go up the tree and eat as many bananas as they wanted!
Miracles are often hindered by tradition, culture and unbelief even among God’s children. The bible records that even Jesus could not perform miracles in His home town except healing a few because of unbelief of those around Him (see Matthew 13 vs. 53-58).
Friend, the coming of Jesus and His cruel death on the cross has changed the playing field. Beware of well-meaning friends, believers and family, who because of religion and lack of knowledge of what Christ has done for you, will hinder you from taking the step of faith. God has a specific promise for you and not others. David is a perfect example that comes to mind. He was rebuked and nearly hindered from believing God that he could kill Goliath by his own elder brothers. Is there something God has revealed and promised you, but now you are hesitant because of those around you.
I like what Jesus says here:
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.” Matthew 10: 34-37 [The Message]
Friend, don’t miss God’s plan for you because …“it runs in the family”.
Farai Mutsambiwa
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