Let’s say you finally got the chance to meet Bill Gates, and become his friend, what would you tell him? Many people would immediately start asking for money. They’d begin to unload all their problems on him. And guess what happens when they do that? He’d sidetrack them, and begin to ignore them, paying no attention to them because they just did what millions of people do to him.
So what would be a better way to approach people like him?
Be his friend. Ask him how his day has been. Compliment him for all the things he is doing for others. Pray for him. Ask him about his health and see things from his point of view. Ask him how he is able to handle such a big company and help all the people he does. Show him you’d be his friend even if he becomes the poorest man on earth. In short, be the friend that 99% of those who approach him aren’t. Even scripture says it in Galatians 6:2, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
People like Bill are not blind. They already see that you need help, but they first want to see if you see them as “meat” or if you really care about them. When you’ve become their friend for months and years without really asking them for anything, but rather helping them in carrying their own burden, trust me, at the right time, people like Bill Gates will commission their managers to lift you from poverty. Why? Because you asked? No, because you are his friend.
I am not a Bill Gates, but I can relate a lot to this story. And in relating to this story, it made me understand that the same thing goes with our relationship with God. Ever since we were introduced to God when we kneel down to pray, it’s “God give me this, God gives me that. Solve this problem. Do this, do that. Protect me from this enemy and that person.” Many of us never stop to ask what He wants. We never really stop to become His friend. He has a burden to make all humanity see Him and love Him and understand Him, but what are we doing about that? Nothing. Instead, we want ours. You see, I believe that if we can focus on our relationship with the One who created everything, the One who owns the heavens and the earth and the galaxies, then at the right time, He Himself will commission our prosperity. He will make sure we are financially stable, immune from health issues, and safe from harm. We’d receive all the things that He wishes for His friends.
My dear friends, this is why Jesus said the following words:
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31-33 NLT
“… And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”
James 4:3 NLT
May this little reflection of mine be a blessing to someone, I pray.
Melvin Ejiogu wrote this article In his Facebook page on May 13, 2019
