From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
In-spite of...
By Pastor Allen
Jan 30, 2012 - 1:15:12 PM
In-spite of what you’re going through!
The
set-backs, financial challenges, health issues, marital problems, death
in the family, home foreclosure, lost of a job, etc; it’s imperative
that you remain
faithful to God and that which He’s called you to.
(1Corinth.4:
2.
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful).
No
matter what position one may hold in this life, financially stable or
not, academically inclined or not, nationality or geographical location
we all will have challenges; sometimes more than we care to talk about
or can explain. Have you ever found yourself asking such questions:
“Lord, how much longer? Or, when is it my turn?” Well, maybe not you; and if that’s so I’m happy for you and do wish you continual success.
But
if the truth be told there are some of us who have asked such questions
and yet we refuse to give up and cave into life’s pressure and
challenges. We won’t compromise our position in God (Yahweh) through His
son, Yahshua Messiah (a.k.a. Jesus the Christ) despite what our critics
are saying.
The
critics, spiritually dead, undiscerning persons would be the first to
secretly or publicly judge and speak negatively about you and what
you’re going through.
In-spite of their talks, this
doesn’t give you the right to hate or walk in bitterness towards such
persons. The best thing that you can do is to ignore and don’t allow
what’s been said to contaminate your faith, and continue walking
faithfully with God and in your assignment.
Here’s the Apostle Paul’s response when pressed with some of his many challenges and speaking to the church at Corinth.
NLT:
1Corinth.4:3.
What
about me? Have I been faithful? Well, it matters very little what you
or anyone else thinks. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point.
: 4.
My conscience is clear, but that isn't what matters. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
: 5.
So
be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to
whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring
our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And
then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.
We’re
living in a day and time when and where our faith will be challenged
far beyond we can ever imagine; despite the fact that we’re saved and
doing everything within our power to live a godly life, we’re not immune
from life’s test, trials and challenges. When walking with God (in
obedience to His word) there will be times when you would feel all alone
even though you’re not alone; for He’s promised never to leave thee,
nor forsake thee. It’s in those moments when God’s empowering presence /
the Holy Spirit will encourage you to continue walking by faith, and
not by sight.
Don’t
think it strange that you’re facing adverse circumstances and maybe
experiencing various challenges, nor be of the mind-set that you’re the
only one that’s going through; but holdfast to your faith and sin not.
Speaking of Yahshua Messiah here’s what the scripture says:
Heb.4: 15.
For
we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
The word infirmities in the Greek is:
astheneia, as-then'-i-ah;
which has several meanings such as: (1) Feebleness of body or mind, (2)
Malady / problems, difficulties, troubles (3) Frailty or shortcomings
and weakness.
Therefore,
whatever you’re going through I strongly encourage you to remain
obedient to God’s word; because He faithfully watches over His word to
perform it
(Jer.1:12).
In these trying /
difficult times many persons are succumbing to the financial challenges,
marital problems, unemployment situations that they’re facing; but
again, I encourage you to continue walking in obedience to God’s word.
There is a saying that says
“If you fail to plan, then plan to fail” while
this saying might have a great degree of truth, there are many persons
who have countless hours methodically laying out various comprehensive
plans only to have those plans come to naught.
It’s at this point that frustrations, disappointments and heart aches tend to overwhelm such planners.
With
that being said, I wish to take you outside the realm of religion and
point you to the one true planner who has a failed proof plan for you;
His name is Yahweh, He’s the God of Abraham, Isaacs and Jacob, as He
said to the prophet Jeremiah so is He saying to you today; right now as
you’re reading this article.
NLT:
Jer.29: 11.
For
I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for
good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Do you want to make God laugh; tell Him about your plans?
Do you want to please God; submit too and follow His plans for your life?
Pastors Matthew & Brendalee Allen
Kingdom Minded Fellowship Center Int’l
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