THE TESTING OF OUR FAITH
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
" Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground." Hebrews 11:35-38 NLTBible.
The biblical and historical account of the harrowing experiences the early church passed through in the hands of brutal regimes led by unbelieving leaders is what many modern African church followers will ascribe to the effect of ancestral curses. , marine spirit attack ,Ogbanje generational curses and so on. But it was none of such but a test of the faith of the believers . God allows the devil and wicked men and women to test the faith of his saints.
Some were willing to be murdered for what they believed .In the old testament book of Dan.3:14-27 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to perish by the fire of a furnace instead of worshipping a foreign man-made god .
Jesus Christ was not exempted as he was tempted of devil (Matt 4;1-11) God always tests the faith of his saints. In Acts 5:17-20
"The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”Acts of the Apostles 5:17-20 NLTBible
The disciples were instructed by the Lord to go back and preach to the same persons who tortured and imprisoned them .
God could expose you to an abusive situation to spread the gospel of his kingdom to some persons. In some cases he will make you vulnerable like the drastic reduction of Gideon 's army . ( Judges 7:2-7 ) Through Gideon's experience we know that we do not need a large human support system to guarantee our victory and fulfill ministry.
Abraham was tested with the sacrifice of his beloved son ; Isaac (Gen 22:1-18)
Great projects requires great faith , it explains the reason for the magnitude of your present test . The answer to our prayers depends on our faith in his word , the lord can do anything but requires we believe him. "Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour." Matthew 8:13 NLTBible
Our believing expectant faith will always be rewarded with victorious testimonies . The Bible says "Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.'Matthew 15:28 NIVBible Faith opens the doors to the miraculous.
Prayer: Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and faith for victorious living in Jesus name.
+2348035536911, +2349098536911 email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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