| YOU ASKED FOR IT |
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Memorise: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me. I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Read: Matthew 4:1-11 |
| Many great and promising Christians have erred from the path of righteousness. Some have exchanged the genuine Christian faith for counterfeits. For failing to hearken to warnings, more will fall (Matthew 24:12). Hence 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Whether you will finish the Christian race or not is dependent on you, God, and the circumstance(s) you allow to prevail in your situation. One of those God anointed and used mightily but had a tragic end, was Samson. This tells us that when anointing precedes wilderness preparation, the result may be tragic. Any blessing that is not established on the foundation of wilderness experience may be devoid of what it takes to make it enduring. If you have not wined and dined with poverty, when wealth comes it can easily develop wings and fly away. Those who have suffered lack know the value of provisions. The fellow who attains the level of wealth through diligence, hardwork and self-denial will be prudent in spending. The one to whom wealth is bequeathed may waste it like the prodigal son. “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” (Proverbs 25:4). Are you going through a fiery trial? Has your wilderness experience persisted? Have you been complaining, weeping and telling God you want to get out? Wait a minute! Did you ever ask God to anoint and mightily use you? Did you ask God to release His wealth to you and make you His treasurer in the Kingdom work? Did you at any time ask God to make you outstanding? Did you ask God to make you relevant to your generation and probably the world at large? If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these, then you are responsible for the wilderness experience you are going through. That unpleasant fiery trial of faith is an answer to your request. It is meant to help you remove the ‘dross’ and unwanted elements in your life so that God can release the desired blessings. For a three and a half years of ministry, Jesus began his wilderness preparation with a 40 days period of no food, no contact with men; serious temptations from Satan; alone in the wilderness. You are on your way to greatness: Don’t give up!
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Ask God to strengthen believers who are going through fiery trials in your parish. Pray that they will emerge as ‘gold’. |
