CRISIS OF FAITH-PART 2

“Life is easy, when you’re up on the mountain 

And you’ve got peace of mind, like you’ve never known

But things change, when you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith, for you’re never alone

For the God on the mountain, is the God in the valley
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night

We talk of faith way up on the mountain
Talk comes so easy when life’s at its best
Now down in the valleys, of trials and temptations
That’s where your faith, is really put to the test”.

With the lyrics above by  Lynda Randle,I welcome you to the Part 2 of “Crisis of faith”.

Life is full of ups and downs and being in Christ is not a guarantee of crisis-free life! However as believers,Jehovah Shammah(meaning: ‘The Lord is there’) will always be there with us whether we are inside water or fire.

I will point out some things God can achieve in us during the times we have crisis of faith if we can trust Him.

Lets read Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.(vs1-3)

Halleluyah!!!These 3 verses depict what is obtainable when you are up on the mountains basking in the euphoria of your new found faith in Christ…You say something like:

“Testimony time…Overcomers time.I just want to glorify God for the salvation of my soul and the victory over something something …Rejoice with me by shouting 100 Halleluyahs…”

Ok! We shall shout with you but  lets continue with vs 3-5 of Romans 5.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

“Apostle Paul! You mean I should rejoice when I run into problems and trials? I dont understand what you are saying sir… “#My thoughts#

Why rejoice? Enduring trial produces strength of character! Your spiritual muscles are built.You are maturing in Christ.Your ears are being tuned to hear God since you cannot see in the dark!He is training your hands for battle.Rejoice brethren,you are growing!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow-James 1:2-3

Apart from gaining spiritual maturity,we also become more effective in the hands of God during this ‘humbling’ period.We naturally become humble when we have crisis of faith.

Remember that  Paul and Silas were once imprisoned and God rescued them:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose”.Act 16:25-26

Halleluyah…God is good. But wait a second…This same Paul was later imprisoned in Rome and God didn’t rescue him.Paul,that God shook the prison doors for the same day he and Silas were incarcerated  was now languishing in the Roman prison.Is God still good? Yes,He is good all the times.

Lets read  what Paul said about his imprisonment:

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”-Phil 1:12-14

He wrote four epistles(Ephesians,Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) while he was in this Roman prison.Apostle Paul converted prison to pulpit!

Though he could have become despondent or angry with God.He never did.If it were you,wont you have questioned why God couldn’t save you from the prison? Won’t you have thought maybe God had left you? Rather,Paul saw his imprisonment as another means of propagating the gospel.

While your case might not be for you to start writing Epistles like Paul,find out what He wants you to do for Him during this trying period.

In conclusion,when things don’t go according to your plans,be assured of God’s presence around you(Jehovah Shammah).Rejoice because it is your season of maturity and know that God’s strength is being made perfect in your times of weaknesses.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness”-2 Cor 12:9

So if you have money…Rejoice

You don’t have…Your joy is not diminished,work harder

If you are up on the mountain…Glory be to God

You  are down in the valley of life…To Him be glory,trust Him to lift you up

When you pass…Praise God

If you fail…Praise God and work hard next time

If you have good job…Rejoice in the Lord

You are sacked…Praise God,better doors will soon be opened

You are free…Halleluyah

You are imprisoned… Opportunity to advance the Word!!!

“For we do know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to purpose-Romans 8:28

Stay blessed.