Realities of Heavenly race: Devotion for Sunday July 22, 2012

Realities of Heavenly race

Text: 1 Thessalonian 3:3 – That no one will be shaken by these afflictions, for yourselves know that we are appointed to this (New King James Version).

So many people think that all sickness is caused by sin or lack of faith. In all that I have passed through in life, I have found out that it is not so. The case of Job is an example (Job 1:12 and John 9:1 – 3). Being sick or some other problems/afflictions God allows, may be part of His plan to mould us into perfection; building our faith and character (James 1:2 – 4), perseverance (Romans 5:3 – 5) and thus make us to be sensitive towards others who have similar problem (2 Corinthians 1:3 – 7).

To genuine believers, problems are unavoidable (John 16:33 and 2 Timothy 3:12). Paul besought God severally to take away the problem he had but God told him that His grace is sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12:9). They may come to try our faith which when we persevere will make us stronger in the Lord. When I had Kidney failure, one of my daughters in the Lord was seriously affected emotionally by this problem that she was asking, “How can she preach again to people that God heals?” This is where most of us Christians make mistake about God.

It is the prerogative of God to heal when and how it pleases Him. Your part is to call upon Him and leave the rest for Him. This idea that a believer will not suffer was one of the problems in the Thessalonica church, which prompted Paul to write. Are you discouraged by what is happening to your Pastor, Mentor, Fellowship leader, etc? Beloved do not be discouraged. Affliction is one of the realities of our call as Christians, aimed at making us fit for the kingdom.

Food for Thought: There are no crown-wearers in heaven that were not cross-bearers here below – Spurgeon

Prayer Points:
1. Pray and ask God to see you through in that problem
2. Pray for as many as your problem have affected their faith