It is a common phenomenon that before significant testimonies manifests in the life of a Christian, he or she might have gone through unpleasant circumstances, tests, trials, troubles, traumas and afflictions. Troubles are bound to come; we are not immune to it, as Christians, we are not exempted for the god of this world (Satan) is dishing it out to everyone. It seems especially difficult to understand why the righteous people should suffer. But Job did, the saints of old suffered one problem or the other. For the bible says, "Many are the affliction of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him from them all." In the book of Acts chapter 14 verse 22, Paul the Apostle, in one of his routine visit to Antioch where disciples were first called Christians, met with them and encouraged them, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." These experiences though unpleasant but are certain as long as we are in this world. At times, they may not be apparent to people around but very real to those experiencing them.
Even Jesus Christ our Lord and savior suffered, and the bible says of him in Hebrews chapter 5 verse 8, "Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." As children of God, we must know that the moment we set out to do God's mandate, we will meet opposition for it is Satan's strategy to thwart and destroy God's plan. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Romans encourages us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." The problems of life may even be a symptom of deeper spiritual reality. We shouldn't be ignorant of God's provision, but rather disregard what the Satan is doing and look into the scriptures, for it takes time to make a true man or woman of God. Remember 2 Timothy 2 verse 2, "If we endure, we shall also reign with him, if we deny him, He also will deny us."
Oftentimes, testimony starts with a crucial problem. No wonder the saying, no test no testimony, no trial, no triumph; this invariably implies that there is hope for the desert! And with great assurance we can take solace in God's promise according to Jeremiah in Lamentation chapter 3 verses 31-33, "For the LORD will not cast off forever, Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion. According to the multitude of His mercies, For He does not afflict willingly, not grieve the children of men." Another scripture of interest is Zephaniah chapter 3 verses 17-19 which says, "The LORD your God in your midst, The mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly. Who are among you to whom its reproach is a burden, Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who are driven out: I will appoint them for praise and fame, in every land where they were put to shame." Also, God says in Isaiah chapter 49 verses 15-16,"Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the sons of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands: Your walls are continually before Me." In addition, in Isaiah chapter 62 verse 4 God says, "You shall no more be termed forsaken, Nor shall your land anymore be termed Desolate; But you shall called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married."
Naomi (God's delight), with her husband Elimelech (My God is King) and their two sons Mahlon and Chillion went to Moab because of the famine in Bethlehem Judah. They went there full but she came back empty. Unfortunately, she lost her husband and her two sons there. When she heard that God has visited her people, she decided to return to Bethlehem. On her arrival, the city was moved because of her and the women said, "Is this Naomi? But sadly, she requested that the women call her Mara instead of Naomi. In Ruth chapter 1 verse 20, "And she said unto them, call me not Naomi call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me." They went to Moab simply because of impatience. Their best excuses for leaving Bethlehem Judah can only attract pity, sympathy, tolerance and sorry from her neighbors and the people of the land but cannot undo the evil that has already been done. No one is crowned for failure however genuine the excuse may be!
We are losing thousands of people, mostly young men and women with great potentials and wonderful future, who in quest for a greener pasture have lost their lives prematurely. The voyage embarked upon to these seemingly wonderful places of good life, fortune and great opportunities turned deadly for some while some were lucky to make their journey successfully. It is very sad and disheartening because for some their attempt to seek for a better life eventually turned out to be an illusion, a dream that never come true. It is a normal and reasonable thing to envision, plan and actually take steps towards one's betterment, in the face of mounting pressure, troubling and failing national economy, political instability coupled with policies that have little or no agenda for the teeming youths. However, in a pursuit for a better life divine counsel must be sought as to where and when. Psalm 37 verse 5 says, "Commit thy way unto the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." Even though men are obsessed with speed, God is not, for He our God is a God of patience. Isaiah 28 verse 16 says, "Therefore thus says the LORD God: "Behold, I lay a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not act hastily." If you ask for quick solution, you may not have a permanent solution. impatience often blind our eyes from seeing what we have that God wants to use to give us what we don't have. In other words, the importance of patience in our journey here on earth cannot be overemphasized. Hence, we need to heed God's counsel in Psalm 37 verses 7 and 34, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Desperation to operate on someone else's impulse indicates immaturity, foolishness and lack of trust in God. If God doesn't do something fast, don't do anything foolish or stupid!
But we need to know that there is a set time for everything and God has appointed time. According to His plan, purpose and program for us, He will do what He promise when, where and how He chooses. He'll surely make good his promise for He is too big a God to lie. No one can coerce Him or unduly hasten Him when it is not yet His set time to work. On the other hand, enemies cannot hinder, stop or delay His dear children. He has his name to defend in our lives because of His unfailing love and faithfulness. For God's name cannot be put to disrepute, and because of the awesomeness of His power and glory, He will constantly reveals Himself as the Almighty God who never fails or falter. He is committed to keeping His covenant promises as He has once said, " I will work and who shall let it (reverse it)." So, in patience possess your soul.
We are losing thousands of people, mostly young men and women with great potentials and wonderful future, who in quest for a greener pasture have lost their lives prematurely. The voyage embarked upon to these seemingly wonderful places of good life, fortune and great opportunities turned deadly for some while some were lucky to make their journey successfully. It is very sad and disheartening because for some their attempt to seek for a better life eventually turned out to be an illusion, a dream that never come true. It is a normal and reasonable thing to envision, plan and actually take steps towards one's betterment, in the face of mounting pressure, troubling and failing national economy, political instability coupled with policies that have little or no agenda for the teeming youths. However, in a pursuit for a better life divine counsel must be sought as to where and when. Psalm 37 verse 5 says, "Commit thy way unto the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." Even though men are obsessed with speed, God is not, for He our God is a God of patience. Isaiah 28 verse 16 says, "Therefore thus says the LORD God: "Behold, I lay a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not act hastily." If you ask for quick solution, you may not have a permanent solution. impatience often blind our eyes from seeing what we have that God wants to use to give us what we don't have. In other words, the importance of patience in our journey here on earth cannot be overemphasized. Hence, we need to heed God's counsel in Psalm 37 verses 7 and 34, "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Desperation to operate on someone else's impulse indicates immaturity, foolishness and lack of trust in God. If God doesn't do something fast, don't do anything foolish or stupid!
But we need to know that there is a set time for everything and God has appointed time. According to His plan, purpose and program for us, He will do what He promise when, where and how He chooses. He'll surely make good his promise for He is too big a God to lie. No one can coerce Him or unduly hasten Him when it is not yet His set time to work. On the other hand, enemies cannot hinder, stop or delay His dear children. He has his name to defend in our lives because of His unfailing love and faithfulness. For God's name cannot be put to disrepute, and because of the awesomeness of His power and glory, He will constantly reveals Himself as the Almighty God who never fails or falter. He is committed to keeping His covenant promises as He has once said, " I will work and who shall let it (reverse it)." So, in patience possess your soul.
Therefore, His purposes for our lives are still intact for we are part of His almighty plan. God is not yet through with our lives, we are indeed still in His making process and when He's done, then it will be our turn to blossom. God has gone far with us and He has invested so much in us, so He cannot abandon or forget us. We needs not to help Him, for we are not creature of circumstances but of purpose. Therefore, we need not to be intimidated, troubled, disturbed, embarrassed or fed up with our present situation because God has never failed and can never, He is faithful to His promises! Be in touch with God and in patience possess your soul. Entering into God's rest is a panacea for this world's heartache and when overwhelmed by the prevailing unpleasant circumstances, the best thing is to look up to him. Just as the song writer rightly put it we need Jesus more than ever in this present evil world.
In times like these you need a savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock
Refrain
This rock is Jesus, Yes He's the one
This rock is Jesus, the only one
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock
In times like these you need a bible
In times like these o be not idle
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the solid rock
In times like these I have a savior
In times like these I have an anchor
I'm very sure, I'm very sure
My anchor holds and grips the solid rock
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