Taking a clue from one of the greatest prophets that ever walked this earth, Elisha, we can see that there are times we need to respond to our challenges in a defiance tone – AND SO WHAT?
When problems come with mockery, to taunt the living daylight out of us, when people and things around aim at ridiculing us, to embarrass us, to reduce us to nothing in order to make us bend our head in shame, we can choose to resign to self-pity or respond in defiance – And then? And so? And what about it? And so what?
- I have failed so many times, and so?
- My mates are all married and I am still single, and what about it?
- My mates are all high-flyers, and I am still struggling and so?
- My children are not in their best now, and then?
- After so many years of marriage, and I still don’t have children, and so what?
- I have failed so many times in life, and then?
- I am a single parent, and what about it?
- My spouse left me, I am a divorcé, and so what?
That was exactly the response Elisha gave to the sons of prophets who came to remind him that his master, who had such a great authority and influence would soon be taken from him. Guess his responses – “yes I know, please be quiet.” (2 Kings 2;3-3)
WHO CAN RESPOND TO LIFE WITH SUCH AUDACITY?
A mentally stable person
You must be mentally stable to look into the eyes of who and what wants to taunt and humiliate you, and snap back –“ I know, I am not denying it, but keep quiet!” Yes, you must be mentally sound and very much in control of your emotions to be able to respond in this manner.
Someone that has a good analysis of the situation
This man or woman may not like the present situation, after all, Elisha didn’t. But this person knows that he has no control over it, neither is he the cause. In fact, he understands that even if it were his fault, he could do nothing about his past, thus he must move on.
Someone who has decided to take his destiny in his own hands
This person wants to go to any length in order to achieve his vision and target like Elisha. He didn’t want to miss the sight of his master when he would be taken from him, so he said –“yes I know, keep quiet, I can handle it!”
Someone who is sick and tired of mockers and outside influence
He wants to shun off and shut off distractions that come in form of judgment and criticisms. He has decided not to live in denial nor self-pity any longer, so he screams back at them –“I know, leave me alone, just let me be!”
Someone who knows that God is faithful, no matter what
Having a solid understanding that God NEVER fails makes one to respond in defiance to challenges that attempt to overwhelm him – “I know that my Redeemer lives, and He will NOT abandon my soul in this hell. He will certainly come for me!”
THE END RESULT OF SUCH RESPONSE IN THE FACE OF UNPLEASANT SITUATIONS
It keeps you focused till the end
Just as Elisha continued very focused until he got Elijah’s mantle, the double portion of his anointing, this kind of mindset bars distractions out of your way. Elisha’s detractors kept watching, while he continued his journey totally concentered.
It shuts mockers, accusers , and gainsayers up
The simple fact that you are neither hiding in shame nor denying the presence of such challenges bursts the ego of your accusers. So once they see the boldness with which you say – “Yes I know, AND SO WHAT?” – they will lose their bearing!
It gives you the courage you need to face the future
This boldness gives courage that ushers in peace and tranquility in a man’s life. The Bible refers to this kind of experience as “life and health to the body” (Pro 14:30). When a life is in peace, he is better equipped to make good choices and decisions.
In conclusion, I dare you to look into the eyes of whatever is tormenting your life and snap back at it in absolute defiance – “ I know you are there, AND SO WHAT?!”
AMARA HOPE 