How to Own Your Mess Even If The Tide Turns Against You

Your Mess is Your Message!

You may have one thing or the other about yourself that you don’t want anyone to see or know. We all do. You think it will work against you and make you unacceptable. Maybe yes, or maybe not. Perhaps those you like treat you in ways that make you want to hide rather than shine. 

That was the story of Jephthah in the bible. He was the son of the other woman. The “side-chick” is not always respected because she is an intruder. Her offspring are slighted and even rejected. Jephthah’s brethren reject him because of his parentage. His father philandered. His birth was not his fault, yet it messed up his life.

The Story of Jephthah (Judges 11:1-11 NLT)

11 Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute. 

2 Gilead’s wife also had several sons, and when these half-brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. “You will not get any of our father’s inheritance,” they said, “for you are the son of a prostitute.” 

3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon, he had a band of worthless rebels following him.

4 At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. 5 When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. 

6 The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!”

7 But Jephthah said to them, “Aren’t you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father’s house? Why do you come to me now when you’re in trouble?”

8 “Because we need you,” the elders replied. “If you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you ruler over all the people of Gilead.”

9 Jephthah said to the elders, “Let me get this straight. If I come with you and if the Lord gives me victory over the Ammonites, will you really make me ruler over all the people?”

10 “The Lord is our witness,” the elders replied. “We promise to do whatever you say.”

11 So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their ruler and commander of the army. 

Jephtah’s story teaches you how to 

Turn your mess into a message

• He could not control the circumstances of his birth, so he focused on what he could control - himself. He trained and warred until he became a great warrior. Become the best you can be.  Never give up on yourself. Jephthah didn’t. You don’t reject yourself because others rejected you.

• He accepted the consequences of his circumstances. He left home without a fight. He found peace in his life. He came to terms with what he could not change but decided to work on what he could change. Don’t fight your circumstances, but go with the flow. Trust the process and seek opportunities without bitterness.

• He attracted admirers with his attitude. When you let go and go with the flow, people will notice. You cease to fight yourself but learn to be a problem-solver. The bible called Jephtah a great warrior. He must have committed himself to doing what he knew best in the best way. He knew how to fight and distinguished himself as a warrior. 

• He identified his area of strength and built capacity. What skills, talents, and abilities do you possess? What can you do? How do you help others? What do you excel at that provides value? Identify it like Jephtah did and hone it. You will be known for it. Just one skill: Identify, develop, and own it.

• Finally, he became so good at what he did that his father’s people sought his help in times of need. His reputation as a great warrior must have preceded him and come to the ears of his people. Without a fight or a frown, he became a commander over those who rejected him. The Bible says your gift will make room for you. What is that gift that will make a way? That is your unique advantage. The value that turns your mess into a message. Look inwards and pray; the Holy Spirit will show you what it is. Trust God.

I always wondered why Jephthah’s brethren could not produce, at least, one great warrior among themselves to defend them. Jephthah must have had to fend for himself. His tough life gave him the impetus to thrive where his brothers could not survive. Make yourself valuable, and you will be sought after.

Do you have questions, need counseling, or would you like prayers? Please let me know in the comments section below.

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