Why are believers who have endured difficult times the ones who are most stable in their faith? I would recommend that all believers in the Western Hemisphere subscribe to the Voice of Martyrs and see how persecuted Christians in countries like China continue to grow despite the severe oppositions they face. Despite the abuse, injustice and imprisonment of house church leaders, the churches continue to thrive.
However, most believers in the non-persecuted world are programmed to follow the path of least resistance concerning spiritual matters. The churches in these parts typically align more with the secular society. Churches are run like other corporations with a survival-of-the-fittest mentality. These churches with attendees have been hit really hard by the recent economic downturn in the west. We also observe that only a very small percentage of believers are selflessly dedicated to the causes of Christ. Over the years we have seen many depart from the faith with overall membership clearly in decline. This is true especially for those of college age.
It seems to suffice that the main reason for this decline, worldliness and lack of cohesion to the true tenets of Christianity, is a lack of direct individual and corporate (church-wide) persecution. The non-persecuted church is really on thin ice! It does not properly develop lasting hope (expectation of good), is weak in faith and does not really grow spiritually (it is not the number of attendees that count but true disciples). According to scripture, the hope that is needed for continuance is only developed through tribulation.
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
As we see, how on earth do we produce endurance (patient continuance, perseverance) without suffering (troubles, tribulations, problems)? Endurance in turn, produces proven character and that brings hope. Throughout scripture we see how God used this sequence to shape all the people He chose for great exploits from Abraham, through Jacob (Israel), Joseph even Daniel.
Yet, many believers today; especially over here complain when things do not go their way. Believers have become like the secular world and want everything quickly all the time. Many receive bad advice from others that insinuate that if things are difficult then God is probably not involved. How wrong! Even our Lord Jesus learnt obedience through what He suffered. He then went all the way to the cross to redeem humanity through extreme suffering.
Why then should things be different for us? This is not to advocate suffering just for compliance but to encourage us that God is indeed shaping the character of His children through the things they have to endure. Because of how much we know God loves us, we are to rejoice (boast, glory) greatly when we have an occasion to develop hope that would sustain and enliven us through eternity.
As 2010 approaches, it is time to make a serious decision to totally surrender to the plans of God. True ministry begins with each individual then family extending through spheres of influence.
Enough empire building! The Lord recently revealed that most ministries today are built by the will of man. Consequently we have produced few true Christ disciples. Unfortunately, many have amassed so much debt and bondage as a result of the leader/organization centric initiatives.
We have decided at the Embassy in Christ church to focus on the total wellness of our membership. We have declared 2010 as the year of Divine Order. We must see people delivered from all forms of bondage, marriages restored, strong healthy families, and financial breakthrough. We have no interest in just adding people just to generate more income. It is focused ministry for the people that would produce all the resources we need as a ministry. We will wait for God!
From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for Him. Isaiah 64:4 (ESV)
In 2010 do not let the fear of failure hold you back! Many believers would have to greatly simplify their lives and really get out of the world system (especially concerning finances). Did you know that none of us were expected to live directly off our wages? True prosperity is living off the harvest (earned interest) not the seed (investment money).
No one can change the past! We always experience failure in pursuit of our destiny, regardless of how spiritual or how closely it aligns with His will. Failure is inevitable but not final. Don’t let your failures define you or imprison you; instead let them fuel your renewed efforts toward your dreams.
Enter 2010 with renewed hope. What you have suffered are stepping stones toward your greatness. You are ahead of those for whom things seem to be smooth-sailing who are merely lulled into the stupor of self-sufficiency. You will soon manifest who you really are if you do not give up. Do not be bothered if you still do not know your core assignment on the earth at this stage. God will reveal this to you as you learn to lean on Him more.
Write down your goals in (family, career/financial, health, personal/social, and spiritual) areas. Do not transition into 2010 in worldly fashion. Instead find a spiritually strong church to pray with into the New Year. (We are praying from 9pm until just after midnight 12am this Thursday 12/31/2009).
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV)
It is time to hope again!
Happy New Year!
Pastor Yemi
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