GOD REPLACED THE VESPA RIDER

I was told the story of a man in a certain Gospel church whose financial contributions were key. He was the richest in the church. He had a vespa motorcycle. Others in the church had no vehicle not even a bicycle, including the Pastor. Those of us that has been around for sometime would know Vespa motorcycle. That man's tithe took care of so many needs in the church including the Pastor's allowances. In the course of time, this man became proud and arrogant. He began to make certain demands that were not proper probably because he was the major financier of that church. The pastor stood his ground and didn't compromise. I love Pastors that are firm. The Pastor's refusal to compromise infuriated this man and he left the church. Afterwards, the church struggled financially, even the pastor felt it because his allowances were affected. The church began to pray for breakthrough; on a certain day, a man with a Peugeot 504 drove into the church premises. He was a humble naval officer that was on transfer to that town. He joined the church and his financial commitment to the church was more than that of the Vespa riding man. The Vespa riding man had a very bad ending. Proud and arrogant people don't end well.

God still replaces men. Don't be deceived, if you mess up God's calling and the assignment he has given you, you can be replaced. In that church or ministry where your commitment is registered, don't think you're indispensable. Never think without your money, the church cannot survive. The day you position yourself to think that way, you just signed your replacement form. That Vespa rider signed his replacement form the moment he taught he was indispensable. In the church, some workers hold their Pastor to ransom probably because they're the numero uno in their department. They believe without them, that department cannot function well so they misbehave and do things as they like. This is common to gifted singers and music people in the church. Some want to turn themselves to "guest" ministers in their church. This is loathsome to God. If you're fond of doing this, please stop. Don't sign your replacement form. Some persons killed a glorious ministry even before it started.

Bear in mind that there's always a better neighbour somewhere. Ask Saul. The mystery of replacement is that God replaces people with someone that is better. Saul started well but he missed it along the line, and a better neighbour of his was chosen. Listen to what God told Saul through Prophet Samuel when he messed up: "And Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else—one who is better than you."( 1 Sam.15:28). Lord, may I not be replaced in destiny. The danger of replacement is that, when a man is replaced in God's agenda, he becomes empty afterwards. God doesn't just replace a man anyhow, He always ensure that He uses someone that is better. Don't be consumed with pride, there's a better neighbour around the corner. Beware.