2. Disobedience
Once we know the Word of God, we have a responsibility to be obedient to it. Too many of us intend to be obedient, but put it off. Even procrastination is disobedience, and it can cause us to suffer. James 4:7 gives us good advice: Submit yourselves therefore to God… (KJV). When God tells me to do something, I find it helpful to write it down. This serves as a reminder that I must be obedient if I want God’s blessings. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
3. To Purify and Test Your Faith
Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they’ve been faithful to learn and obey the Word, and the trials still come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith. [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, so that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed (1 Peter 1:6,7).
4. A Need for Brokenness
The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it’s really not a bad word. God doesn’t desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point. However, having to depend on God shouldn’t cause us to feel sorry for ourselves. I once said, “Oh, God, I’m so lonely, and I don’t have anybody but You.” And the Holy Spirit said, “Poor you, you’re just stuck with God.” I’ve discovered that having only God is a good position to be in.
Emmanuel Ayomide Praise
Emmanuel Ayomide Praise is a world leading internet entreprenuer and investor. Some of his areas of interest include sport management,merchandise,ownership,internet entreprenuership,investments, media and writing amongst others.
Business URL: http://www.emmapraise.blogspot.com,