While You Wait.... One of the benefits of being a Christian is the privilege to exercise our faith in God towards any circumstance or predicament that we may find ourselves. The Bible is filled with wonderful promises that we can key into with the expectation of a better future or change in situation. One of these promises can be found in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV (For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future). In addition, in Psalm 34:10 NIV (The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing). Often times as Christians, we catch a revelation of Gods promise concerning our lives, perhaps a glorious future awaits; which contrasts the present struggles and challenges that we face. In such situation we tend to focus, in expectation, on the manifestation of such revelation. After all, the Bible gives us the assurance that even though a revelation may linger, it will surely come to pass in its appointed time, Habakkuk 2:2-3, also Say to them, ‘The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled (Ezekiel 12:23b NIV). So what happens during the waiting period? A lot can happen; whether by choice or not, however, such scenarios are not the focus of this editorial. What we could do to secure a better and solid manifestation is what Id like to encourage us on. The word of God gives a secret weapon to approach life as a champion, and this can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Ability to be thankful even when circumstances are less than desirable is a sign of spiritual maturity and dependence on Gods all-knowing nature. It is a way of declaring that even though my current situation is not what my tomorrow commands, Lord I thank you because you are preparing me for that glorious manifestation. Thanksgiving in the midst of adversity is also a weapon to shame the enemy or tormentor with your dependence and trust in God. It is a way of telling God that you appreciate His sustenance for where you are right now, telling Him that if not for His grace, you wont even be able to bear the adversity of that which you are going through, which is only a form of preparation for what lies ahead. It is also a testament that when the manifestation of Gods ultimate plan finally unfolds, you have an understanding that it is not by accident but His plan. Sitting and waiting for the manifestation of Gods promises is never a good idea. Taking insight from the fascinating account of Josephs story according to Genesis chapters 35 through 50, although Joseph had multiple dreams and revelations that he would eventually become a notable personality in the future, he did not sit idle in expectation of manifestation. During the period that preceded his ascent into territorial leadership, he passed through many less than desired circumstances, however, through each step, God used the unpleasant to prepare him for the unfathomable. Joseph did not at any point relent his faith in God; as a result, he was favored even in the midst of adversity. If Joseph had not managed the house of Potiphar with diligence, an attitude of gratitude and trust in God, His ascent to become the Prime Minister of a foreign nation might not have been possible. What is your story now and how are you approaching it? Are you complaining and questioning God as to why He is allowing you to go through hardship or are you exercising your faith and trust in God by thanking Him for what He is preparing for you? Beloved in Christ, let us learn to take on the attitude of thanksgiving as we face the strides of life. Remember, God is aware of all that you are going through and if you allow Him, His plan will surely manifest. Prayer Points: 1. Lord I thank you for the validity of your word, for in it I draw strength and wisdom. 2. I receive the strength and courage to face every challenge that I must face to reach spiritual maturity. 3. I silence every voice of the enemy misinterpreting my circumstances to weaken my faith. 4. Every gathering of the ungodly aimed at intensifying my suffering and pain, scatter IJN. 5. I destroy every problem generator in my life, IJN. 6. Every distraction planted in my life to redirect my focus away from God, be uprooted by fire, IJN. 7. Lord Jesus, fortify me with your power in the midst of my current situation. 8. Every device of the enemy, prolonging my suffering, scatter in the name of Jesus Christ. 9. Every arrow of delay, aimed at my destiny, backfire, IJN. 10. All the promises of God for my life that are due for manifestation, begin to appear now, IJN. @Dr.A.Oke-Owo
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:35:04 +0000
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