IT IS NOT MY WILL, SAYS THE LORD!

12th MARCH 2023

^“ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” – James 1:13-17

Even though God’s ways are often incomprehensible and mysterious, He does not contradict His will or moral nature. Therefore, God will not cause us any harm deliberately, or allow the enemy to upturn our success. It is therefore not true that the devil and God are constantly fighting over our well-being and success. To believe that postulation is to diminish God’s sovereign power over all things.

Yes, God can and does permit painful trials for His saints, and such usually happens to refine their faith. For instance, Job was innocent (but certainly not sinless), yet God chose to permit his suffering to prove His point to Satan that Job is good and obedient to Him. Although Job suffered a test of faith, He never gave up his faith in God. In the end, he was fully restored.

Therefore, if we go through a test of faith, God will heal and restore us eventually. When God heals, He leaves no scar behind. Although we may remember the past, such remembrance always gives us a cause to glorify God for His power to transform us in line with His plans and purpose.

Generally, God is in control of all things, BUT it is not His will for us to suffer calamity or losses without justification.  We suffer due to our wrong choices and disobedience to the principles and laws of God. When we disobey God and act against His divine nature, it is only wise that divine justice brings us back on track. Therefore, whether as an individual, a Nation or a Church, we are bound to suffer someday for our wrongdoings, and such suffering will continue until we change our style of living.  But you may ask, what about those killed by natural disasters and war?

Even when God tries our faith, such tests and trials are administered to check our weaknesses. For as long as we are yet to be perfect or holy like our heavenly father, we will continue to experience the test of faith to refine us spiritually and make us holy eventually.

Whether we are undergoing a test of faith or suffering due to the wrong choices we have made, there is justification for what we are passing through. The tests of faith will continue until we learn the lesson God has for us. Also, calamity will cease when we change and mend our ways for good and in obedience to God’s Word.

Another reason we suffer is due to our wrong choices. When we make wrong choices, God permits disaster, calamity or unpleasant circumstances to happen. That of course is a divine principle; As you sow, so you reap!  But certainly, God is not the author of evil in our lives.

 

Starting from today, restructure your life along the path of obedience and good works. Seek the face of God in all your actions. Let your life be a positive example to others. If we all change, our country will be good, our families will be great as well.

 PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, today, I renounce every spirit of disobedience and lust. Lord, I believe your nature is to bestow favour and honour on your children, and you withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Therefore, I declare your favour and love upon my life from this day onward, and the works of my hands are established forever. AMEN

FURTHER READING:  Daniel 9:14