Today’s Scriptures: “ 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 revealed will or moral nature. To believe that God deliberately causes us harm, or allows the enemy to overcome us, is to betray God, and to diminish His sovereign power over life generally. Yes, God can and does permit painful trials on His saints 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. Job was fully restored eventually. When we go through the trial of faith, God heals and restores us. When God heals, He leaves no scar behind; though we may remember the past, such remembrance always gives us course to give glory to God for His power and might.

God is absolutely in control; it’s therefore not His will for us to suffer calamity or losses; we suffer due to our wrong choices and disobedience. The word of God is telling you today to live in obedience to God’s command in order to avoid evil. God loves us, but does not control our actions. Our wrong choices are the reason we suffer calamities. When we make wrong choices, God permits disaster, calamity or unpleasant circumstances. This is very important in order that His divine purposes will be accomplished. But God is certainly not the author of evil. 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.

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, today, I renounce every spirit of disobedience and lust. Lord, I believe your nature is to bestow favor and honor 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 onwards, and the works of my hands are established forever. AMEN