“…that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—”

Deut. 8:16

 God allows some things to happen in our lives to make us spiritually tough. I have been called, anointed and commissioned as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostles are sent ones. Sent to do the hard task. They lead the expedition. It’s the apostle who cuts down the trees and smooth out a path for others to follow. In other words, apostles do the hard work, which requires strong spiritual muscles.

As apostles, we have to face tough challenges…difficulties that the average Christian usually wouldn’t survive. Apostles must be spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically strong. For this kind of tenaciousness to be developed, we must pass industrial-strength tests. God orchestrates situations that put us in the hot-seat until He knows that we are prepared to face formidable opponents and oppositions.

Even though there are special assignments for apostles, there are also assignments for all of God’s children. Everyone needs a certain amount of toughness in order to stand as bold soldiers for Jesus Christ and to be children of light. This has always been true. However, the days ahead are going to be more taxing and unforgiving. We will not be able to fight the good fight of faith during these times with flabby spiritual muscles.

Since God desires that we thrive during these perilous days that are sure to intensify, He is allowing us to face challenges like never before. These challenges are designed to strengthen our spiritual muscles and build our resolve. That thing that you are crying out to God about and asking Him to remove, more than likely, is the thing that God is using as your Peninnah (rival or adversary,1 Samuel 1). Adversaries are similar to restraint equipment, they are designed to tone flabby muscles.

As I stated in an earlier blog post (August 16, 2017), God gave Joshua the prescription for building his courage and spiritual muscles (Joshua 1:6-8). I reiterate it here.

—Read and meditate on God’s Word daily.

—Apply God’s Word to your heart and situation.

—Trust that God has your back.

—Stop crying and whining about your situation—man-up in the spirit!

—Be grateful for the warning and directives.

—Meditate on and believe God when He says, “…that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

My beloved, I don’t mean to be the preacher or blogger of gloom and doom, but God keeps warning us for a reason. He knows what’s ahead and He is trying His best to get us in place in the Spirit before it’s too late.

Pray…

Lord, thank you for the warning of more difficult days ahead. Please give me the discipline to do what’s necessary to become spiritually fit for the oncoming battle. I will not whine and cry, “Why me?” But, I will declare like Jehoshaphat, “My eyes are fixed upon You” (2 Chron. 20:12).

Posted by on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 @ 10:16PM
Categories: Inspirational