Taking Advantage Of Your Disadvantage

Our world is filled with individuals who have had their lives tortured brutally. These inhuman treatments, of course, could come from the society, peers, colleagues, policies and social violence whether homicide or genocide. However, it is surprising to know that the worst of those myriads of unthinkable mishaps are from the individual.
You could call it self inflicted affliction or inability to live above the odds life poses. I see it as a demeaning disposition that the individual has recklessly abandon him or herself to, never wanting to be better yet growing bitter by the day.  

Such people are not hard to identify. They will always put it to you whenever they have the opportunity to, reminding you that they are in a situation that deserves your pity. They will come up with reasons why they are disadvantaged. They will show you, even with facts, that your sympathy should be consistent as they are unfortunate. 

My challenge with such people is that most of them make a mountain out of a molehill. Exaggeration is not far from their lips. They will paint pictures of their misfortunes in such a way that it will appeal to your emotions. In fact, when you leave them unattended to, your conscience may likely prick you leaving you with an unsualy heart beat. Sometimes, it take a strong will to expunge such thoughts. 

However, it is relieving to know that some other groups aren't comfortable making a news out of their predicaments. They, instead, draw into themselves, and begin to search out how their situation can be better. These individuals sit down to analyse why they shouldn't continue to be in that situation and then begin to sought wisdom on what to do, gathering necessary information. 

The wisdom here is not just to abscond as fast as you can from your present situation, but to go through a process that will gradually hand you the keys to your new home where your past can't be associated to your new status. And when people come to look for you in your usual spot, someone will answer, "He isn't here anymore...". 

How then can we go about this? 

1. ANALYSES.

Most of the time, the disadvantageous situation is overrated such that looking for a way out becomes very difficult if not impossible. So, a sincere analysis is necessary. Ask questions like, "What predisposed me to such a situation? Can it still be manoeuvred for a better outcome? Is it biological, reparable or adjustable? What wrong decision did I make to put myself in this predicament? 

2. POSITIONING 

Next, you need to start putting facts together, making good use of the data at your disposal. Map out strategies on how to move to the next level. There a handful of examples to help us under these concept of positioning, but I'll stick to two Biblical characters.

Zaccheaus 

"Mr shortie" is a great example in this regard. His disadvantages were not hidden at all. First, his height was against him. Secondly, he was a tax collector who, obviously, was a public enemy. How is he supposed to survive being bullied by taller fellows, intimidating him every chance they get? He must have had several depressing moods. He might have even compromised suicide. I see in him a man who has a big hole in his heart. 

The scriptures prove this. In Luke.19:1-10, as a collector, Zaccheaus had enough reasons to be ostracised from everyone, but he chose to seek for change. He heard about who could make him better. At that point, he didn't focus on his disadvantages or what people will say or do to him. He climbed a tree, positioning himself to be noticed by the Master, Jesus Christ. That was it! Someone who was already hated and should hide was now putting himself in a position where he will be more noticed. As much as the crowd were shouting him down, calling him all sort of names, he remained there, holding on for his opportune time, reminding himself of the joy set before him and eventually, he was seen but the One who needed to see him to get what he needed to get.  That was the beginning of his transformation. Glory!

Rahab. 

Prostitution can never be considered a noble job no matter how much some policies back it up just to save the businesses of some crooked individuals who are god-fathers. Whether you call them commercial sex workers or not, it is one of the "jobs" that has relegated humans to the same strata as animals. 

 The case of Rahab was totally different. She was a well informed prostitute. She had insights and information that even the King of the land did not or neglected. Had the King been wise as she was, he wouldn't have rejected Joshua's offer to just pass through Jericho without a fight. Rahab knew who the Israelites were. More importantly, she recognised the God that goes around with the invincible nation defeating nations  and kings for them as well as performing incredible miracles.  Why God decided to use a personality who is a prostitute and also lied, is not the discussion for today.

So, What did she do?

* Based on the revelation of who the spies were, she allowed them to be hidden away from the enemy. For the first time in her life, she did a noble job as against the ignoble one she had been involved in. I guess she must have calculated the risk. It's either she expose the spies and have them killed yet that won't hinder destruction of Jericho or she could hide them and do a transaction.

* She was wise enough to join the winning team. She refused to perish with the nation that wanted to fight against the God she had heard of, the God that has never lost any battle. Note this,  She could have done the favour and  still perish but she was smart enough to bargain her way through. That single transaction made her the great grand mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A harlot now in the Lineage of Grace. She used her disadvantage to her favour and Joshua had no choice than to acknowledge and honour the vow the spies made with her. 

3. OUTRIGHT REJECTION OF THE PREVIOUS LIFE

The best part of the above stories is that they couldn't  reman the same. Zaccheus could no longer be a cheat. Not after that public restitution. Neither could Rahab continue the work of a Harlot. Never! Not in Israel, her new nationality. 

You must begin to move in an opposite direction to what you used to be when you were disadvantaged. Reject them with all passion. Even when you are tempted to get back that direction, make an outright refusal. 

4. LETTING GO OF THE UNCHANGEABLE 

You have to decide what you want to do with those things you don't like but can be change. Be determined to do something about them in the positive direction. But you have to leave those things you can't change. It may be a physical disability, genetic mutation, or demographics. Let them go. Stop fighting to change those things that can't be changed. Why not channel those energy and resources into something new. 

You should starting committing them to the One who can fix things. That is God. He can fix you. Turning your mourning into dancing. Your sob into songs. He can transform the whole story to bring out a glorious ending for you. Mephiboseth was crippled yet he ended up in the King's banquet hall. The stammering Moses became not only a prophet to the Israelites but also a god to the very same Pharaoh he once ran from.

5. BE PROACTIVE

Stop sulking in despondency. Start positioning yourself, getting prepared for that turn around. Don't just sit there and wait for things to happen. No! You should Happen! I mean, be the initiator of an action not just a mere gloomy fellow just reacting to what is going on!  At this point, you've got to be proactive, never leaving everything to chance. Be well stationed and you will see things turning for your good.

6. ANGELS IN HUMAN SKIN

Never, don't allow the disadvantages make you push away the very people God will send your way. "Entertain strangers, by so doing many have entertained Angel" , so say the Holy Scriptures. Be quick to recognise the Angels in disguise. Ask Abraham and Sarah, they will testify. 

These Angels in human skin may show up as a race you naturally despise or as a subordinate or a bar tender you regularly tip. Just be sensitive and humble enough to identify your Angel. Don't be so covered with tears that you'd be blind to see opportunities presenting themselves to you, waiting for you to make the most of them. Be smart and sensitive!

7. REPOSITION YOURSELF

It may be true that you don't even have any "disadvantage" whatsoever and you don't seem to need all the stuffs highlighted above. I will, however, like to make you understand that your present status could be your worst enemy. It is called being satisfied. You are just not in for anything beyond your regular routines. Your are just satisfied with what you are and have. You even see those who want more and doing more as greedy, insatiable individuals.

You've got to leave the level of just enough to the level of more than enough. Why? Ask yourself this question. "Apart from my immediate family, who else can I be of help to?" You've got to start thinking about influence and affluence. Thank God your children are in Yale University, but have you thought of, at least, sponsoring a child's education, who parent aren't as satisfied  as you are? Have you thought of repositioning yourself to increase your sphere of influence, making life better for the less privileged? 

Let us all be committed to improving on ourselves. It will make the world a better place. Stop blaming your background, race, country, government and the relationships in your life for your present state. What would happen has happened. The question now is, "If you HAPPEN NOW, to what end will it be?"

I am Gabriel.