Persevering faith in the face of adverse trials

This quarter we are studying the Book of Job, which exemplifies character, strength, hope, faith, and trust in a divine God. First, he lost his precious children, all his possessions, and then his vibrant health. Worms and sores plagued his body. Many of us might have asked: how could one person have borne so much and where was God in all this? How is it possible that an upright, kind, praying, trusting, benevolent, ethical business person, excellent father and husband suffer so much? What was God doing here? Did He not understand Job’s egregious suffering would severely test his faith? God elected Job to represent His character. Yes, during his weakness, he complained and questioned God, but he never lost hope and faith.  He soon learns to accept the truth that God knew what is best for us and wait on Him. (Job 1), (Job 2:7-10), (Job 7)

Is God allowing you to be tested in the fiery furnace of affliction today? Are you questioning Him? It is ok to seek Him because He wants to dialogue with you and show you the amazing end, which could be years.  This life brings periods of upturns and down-turns, shifts, and swings, but it is not the time to give up. We must keep pressing towards the mark of the higher calling in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14). He cannot use us as we are hence it is necessary to put us through the refiner’s fire (Malachi 3:2) to remove every defect in our character to use us to fulfil the purpose He has for our lives. Will you commit your life into the hands of our loving Father who created us, know our hearts and still loves us even when we are unfaithful? (Romans 5:3-4).

Some years ago, I faced a major challenging situation in my life.  After three years of intentional prayers, fasts, and spending hours in God’s presence, He finally answered.  He instructed me on the action to take. When God says something, it is guaranteed! I gladly obeyed and was amazed because it was too easy.  This is the great God we serve.  He specializes in impossibilities. My heart was filled with gratitude, thanksgiving, and praise.  Out of the effervescence of my heart, I wrote a prayer of thanksgiving to God in my journal. I will now share an excerpt here.

God, you’re grand and awesome.  Thanks for answering the faithful prayers of my mother, friends, and myself. It looked impossible from all angles, yet God you stepped in and delivered as no one else could. You parted the red sea and set your daughter’s feet on dry land.  I am eagerly awaiting your turning of the next chapter in my life because I dare not do it. I want you to put your seal of approval on it and write it in my heart so that I will not forget it. I want to follow you, Jesus. Slow my pace and make my steps align with yours because I want to move only when you move, not before. Condition my mind and body to know when the time is right and invite me blessed Holy Spirit to grasp your hand and walk the walk of faith into the unknown. A walk powered by faith and trust in you only……  That was ten years ago and it has been quite a journey into the unknown. Sometimes I was lonely, afraid, and sick, but God was always there. There was a time when I was sick to death and He delivered me from the jaws of death. Whenever I was discouraged, His Holy Spirit would often bring me back to my journals.  I had forgotten about this prayer until four years ago. He reminded me and I pulled out my journal and read this and was awestruck.  We forget, but God never does. I was giving God permission to do in my life what He thinks is best for me. 

Although I am still going through intense trials, I trust Him because He never fails to show me the way. Maybe someone out there is struggling and needs to be reminded of the POWER in God’s hands. I pray the peace of God will encompass you and minister to your unique situation. Keep seeking and trusting Him.  God bless you all.