I just want to encourage the saints of God this morning. So many are going through trials and tribulations, yet we cannot faint. Do not lose focus of our God and the Kingdom purpose to which we are assigned.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).
If you are a true, called saint of God, trouble is coming your way! One of the greatest injustices done to the church is the preaching of a gospel that promising false hope. The word of God NEVER declares that this walk will be easy. God never promised that all your troubles would be washed away. He never declared that you “cried your last tear yesterday.” In fact, we know just the opposite. The enemy has a job to do, and he does it well. The good news for us is that ALL things work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to His purpose. Yes, even the plans of the enemy will work on your behalf! Hallelujah!
People of God, please understand that having a relationship with God does not guarantee a trouble-free life. I see too many of God’s elect getting discouraged and off course. Too many pastors closing the doors of the church because the people aren’t coming “fast enough.”… Too many prophets closing their mouths, because somebody didn’t receive a word… Too many prayer warriors abandoning their prayer closets because others doubt their God… MINISTRY IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST! Rejection comes with the territory. There will always be someone who feels they can do it better. There will always be someone with more education. There will always be someone with more money. BUT, GOD CALLED YOU, and there is no one else that can do YOU!
I’d like to take a moment to address those that feel they are the exception. These are the ones who ask God questions like:
· “Lord, it was so easy for Pastor So-and-So. Why is it so hard for me?”
· “God, I don’t understand. I had money to fund everyone else’s vision. Now that you’ve given me an assignment, I’m struggling.”
· “Father, my family was so close until I walked in ministry. Why are they now turning against me?”
· “Father, I served my leaders faithfully, and I love them. Why are they now jealous of my gifts?”
Oh, the questions go on and on. Unfortunately, many of us believe that if problems are present, we misheard God. Not so!!!
Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? They disobeyed the king’s order to bow to an idol God. As a result, they were cast into a fiery furnace that burned seven times hotter than usual. What if they’d had the mentality we possess today?
· “God didn’t deliver us from the punishment. He must not be with us.”
· “After all the king has done for us, we should have been obedient. This is punishment for disobedience. Who were we to think we could hear and trust God for ourselves?”
· “Now, we’re going to die. Our death has been announced, and there is no hope.”
Oh, how the story would have changed!!! We know that God DID INDEED DELIVER the men of God. In fact, the Bible tells us that the king sees four people in the furnace, though only three were cast in. He then pronounces, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God” (Daniel 3:25).
Sometimes, when you are treated unfairly, when you get seemingly more to bear than everyone else, when you are persecuted, when it seems all hope is gone and death is at your doorstep, that’s when God shows up!
Notice that the same king, who didn’t know God, suddenly recognizes the Son of God. We must never forget that when others see our good works, they will glorify our Father in heaven. We cannot forget that our testimony is our greatest tool for soul-winning. There is no testimony without a test. There is no victory without a trial. There is no deliverance without a stronghold. Hallelujah!
Trouble is promised, people of God. Ministry was never meant to be easy. It will always have his challenges, BUT you must hold fast to the promises! GOD is your deliverer, and He is faithful!
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17).
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:11-12).
We must crucify the religious thinking that says all ministries with money are blessed while those that suffer must not be anointed of God. We must stop the religion which teaches that all who are healthy are full of faith, while those who become sick must have separated from God.
The word of God is our guide, not the definition of success according to the world.
Press through, saints of God. Take on the mentality of Paul. Learn to be both exalted and abased. In whatever state you’re in, be content and remain obedient! Find yourself steadfast, unmovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord! Selah.
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