Friday, 16th April, 2021
Bible Reading: John 12:24, 1 Peter 5:10, Isaiah 43:2
Memory Verse: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)
Yes, sometimes God’s dealings over a life He is preparing for glory could be hard on the flesh. No wonder the Bible says, “As a good soldier of Christ Jesus you must endure your share of suffering.”
2 Timothy 2:3 (CEV). God’s process could be painful, shameful, ridiculing and nauseating. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later”. Romans 8:18 (NLT). Brethren, there are certain things that God desires to do with your life as a business person, student, minister or professional that are only obtainable after an intensive training in the School of the Almighty. That season of hardship, pain, barrenness, and affliction will break you, strip you off your pride, your ego, self-esteem, and your vain glory. Having passed the test, then you come out refined as gold (1 Peter 5:10).
Ask Apostle Paul after 3 years in the Arabia desert. Ask the Patriarchs of faith. Can I tell you one other thing you may not be willing to hear? ATIMES, God will deliberately leave you for your enemies to buffet you as He did to Job (Job 1: 6-12). God has promised to deliver us from all evil, but sometimes, He walks with us through such evil. The fire of your enemies may be used by God to purify, and panel-beat you to shape, if He so desires. God wants His image and character to be formed in you before lifting you. Isaiah 43:2 says, “…When we walk through fire…” not when you fly or jump through fire.
Finally, provided your ultimate aim is to please God in spirit and in truth, all things (despite your mistakes, errors, pain, weaknesses, family background, etc) will work together for your good. The enemies thinking they have nailed you, or that your God has forsaken you will soon turn back to see the foolishness in their craftiness. “On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2: 7-8 (CSB). God’s got your back. Trust Him with the process.
Quote: The pot is always at the mercy of the potter – Jeremiah18:8
Prophetic Decree: Receive grace to endure the Potter’s House, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
Solemn declaration: Do with my life as you deem fit, Lord. Bruise my ego that is standing in Your way. Strip me of pride running through my blood. Break me where I need to be broken. Trim me with your heavenly shears. You are the Potter, I am the clay. Please mould me to your likeness. I refuse to misinterpret You to my generation. Your perfect image and likeness must be formed in me, today and always, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 56, 120, 140-142