Wednesday, May 01, 2013
HARDSHIPS IN A CHRISTIAN JOURNEY
In life we face many trying and stressful situations, hardships and uncertainties in
many different forms. All of us have our “gray days” when God’s light goes
behind a cloud. This becomes the most challenging times for every Christian.
During the time, it is easy for most of us to complain, give up and walk away
from these challenges. We start blaming those around us, fall into depression, and
feel sad and powerless. God says in James 1:2 to consider it joy when we encounter
trials. Notice God does not say if but when. The Christian life is a journey
full of trials and tribulations. God takes us on different paths to bring us
closer to Him and more like Jesus, Our savior.
Romans 8:28 “And we know
that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to
those who are called according to His purpose.”
God uses all our trials for
good. There is nothing that happens to a Christian that catches Him by
surprise. Every hardship that comes our way has been sieved through His mighty
hand. Every temptation cannot exceed our capability to overcome it (1
Corinthians 10:13). It will be easier if we get to understand that we are safe
when we dwell under God’s umbrella of love.
God wants to bring victory
to His children. His main purpose is to see us overcome the enemy and live
lives full of joy. He only expects us to trust and obey, to walk right with
Him, to be part of His salvation plan to the whole human race. We must develop
personal relationship with God. There is no way we will enjoy the fruits of
salvation unless we purpose to love the Lord with everything that we have (John
14:23). The devil uses our weaknesses to trick us into sin and then snatch us
away from the presence of God. Sin brings doubt but you will worry less if you
are sure that you are right with God in every situation you go through.
Hardships are not always
results of our disobedience to God. This is where many of us get it wrong. Job
was a faithful servant of the Lord, yet he went through great trials. His
tribulations were not as a result of sinning against God, it was God’s plan to
glory Himself. Everything that happens to a child of God happens for a reason.
It is through hardships that we come to realize the great and faithful God we
serve.
It doesn‘t matter what you
are going through; May it be financial hardship, marital hardship, relationships,
health hardships, rejection from the people around you, or any other serious
problem? I want you to know that you are not alone and all is not lost. Romans
12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” No
way can God ever forget you. He carries your name engraved on the palms of His
hands. Depend on it! We must endure. Even the greatest saints endured deep
sadness. The prophets and the apostles were distressed at some point and some
even almost gave up. What really kept them going despite the difficulties? They
knew for sure that God was with them and He had a purpose over their lives.
True faith is tested by trials. Jesus despite being God was tempted by the
devil; but He defeated him by the scripture.
The bible is full of God’s
promises. These promises are not for other people. They are for God’s children,
those who have purposed with a genuine heart to serve him. He says we’ve
liberty, we have dominion and above all we are more than conquerors (Romans
8:37). You may be having some questions: why me? For how long? Why does God
seem so far away? Let me assure you that you are not alone. God is with you. He
has promised to be with you until the end of age. (Mathew 28:20) He can never
leave you. He is never later to come to our rescue. His timing is the best.
The main problem with most
of us is that we expect instant answers to our prayers. If there is a delay, we
start looking for options and sometimes give up completely. This makes our
situation even worse. Patiently waiting upon the Lord is what God expects from
us. Having faith and trusting in Him only produces great fruits. God wants our
total dependence on Him. There is nothing that can defeat Him. He is a God of
impossibilities and He never fails. The mistake that we do is to start making
conclusions when we go through such horrible moments. We conclude that God is
punishing us more than we deserved or we did not do any wrong to experience the
situation. Don’t fret when tempted because God wants to glorify Himself through
you. Just know that no matter what you are going through, joy will be the end
result.
The trick that the devil
normally uses is to try to convince you that God does not care about you. There
is a time I was feeling this way after experiencing the deaths of three members
of my family in a row. I had spent sleepless nights praying and fasting. I was
so young in salvation and did not know much about salvation. I wept before the
Lord and I could spend the whole day at church. But my sister still died. God’s
will is final whether He answers according or against our will. There is always
a profitable reason why He allows that incidence to those who love Him.
Remember we are at His service and He is the one who chose us and gave us an
opportunity to be called His children. It is by grace that we have been saved.
In this world we must
suffer because we are not of the world. The world will hate us but we must
endure. There awaits us a great reward and a crown (John 16:33).
WHEN IN THE MIDIST OF
HARDSHIPS:
Pray
1Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
God expects us to pray. He
says we should ask and it will be given to us. Don’t worry over anything. Never
speak negatively, don’t complain. Tell God every detail of your needs in
earnest and thankful prayer. It is through prayer that we develop deep
friendship with God. Listen to Him in prayer. He is the best comforter in the
times of sorrows. Sometimes there must be delays and He will expect you to wait
with patience. Forgive those who have hurt you and those bringing pain to you.
Be genuine with God and share your feeling with Him. Don’t pretend you are
happy when you are under great sorrow. Ask friends, church members and faithful
servants to stand with you in prayer. God will definitely turn your situation
upside down.
Read the word
Sock yourself deep into the
word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. There are
great comforting verses in the bible. You will find more verses and promises
that speak to your situation. Claim those promises and remind God who is the
same yesterday, today and forever. Read encouraging messages from the anointed
men of God. There are many stories in the bible that can be compared with your
story. Learn how God saved them from their situation.
Praise and worship
Don’t isolate yourself from
the house of praise. Praise brings great victory and praise keeps Christ king
in our lives.
You may face giants you
cannot conquer, needs you cannot meet but count it all joy! God is on your
side. Your battles are His battles. He is the one in control. It is easy to
have doubts. Satan uses these tricks to bring you down. Remember his aim is to
steal and destroy. But God has a question for you (Jeremiah 32:27). It is never
too late for Him. He provides a door for escape in the middle of trouble. Doubt
will come, but you need to believe that God is working (James1:2-12).
The Lord will strengthen
you. Your friends can let you down but God will never betray your friendship.
There is no time to lose your nerve! Victory is within your grasp. Press on!!
Don’t stop! (2nd Cor. 5:21)
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