In His Presence Daily Devotional How to respond in the midst of afflictions and persecutions - Pastor Emmanuel Ogbechie Mark 4:16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the words sake, immediately they are offended. One of the strategies through which Satan stops Gods word from bearing fruit in many peoples lives is by using afflictions and persecutions to cause them to become offended. In this parable of the sower Jesus revealed to us here a very subtle strategy of Satan which most people are oblivious about. Anytime a believer begins to receive the word and stand on Gods promises. He begins to become dangerous to the kingdom of darkness. As a result of this, the devil will stir up afflictions and persecutions simply for the word sake. There are people who have had to ask questions like, why do i have to go through all these trials? The answer is clear from this question. The devil is using those trials as a means to try to stop the seed of Gods word in your heart from bringing forth fruit. You must not allow him to do so by refusing to quit and refusing to become offended. Everytime you are faced with a serious affliction you need to know that one reason is because you have started receiving and believing Gods word. The devil usually gets uncomfortable with people who give attention to Gods word hence he lunches an all out attack to get them offended. You must watchout for offence. Offence will make your heart become a stony ground if you alllow it to take hold of you and the word cannot bear fruit on a stony ground. Offence is that feeling of deep anger when things do not go the way you expect. Offence could make you angry with God and everyone around you because you will begin to feel that they do not care about you. If you are faced with trials rather than becoming angry, depressed and offended, rejoice and praise God rather. Respond to Satans trials with your praise not with anger. Sometimes the devil could use people to talk ugly about you and to persecute you with the objective of making you offended. It is important for you to know that this is a trick of Satan so that you can know how to respond when you are faced with afflictions or persecutions. Praise God in the midst of your troubles! IThessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In the midst of afflictions be like Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego, who in the face of being threatened by Nebuchadnezzar to be thrown into the fire they refused to compromise their faith. In the face of afflictions and difficulties do not cast away your confidence of faith. In the face of persecutions do not hate or become angry rather love and bless those who despitefully use you. You are more than a conqueror! You will surely overcome any challenge you may be faced with now, because greater is He that is in you that he that is in the world. Make this confession, I am more than a conqueror, I win every battle, greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world I declare that victory is yours today, your mouth is being filled with laughter as the lord turns every captivity around, in Jesus name. If you believe say a loud Amen Share with your friends! Pastor Emmanuel Ogbechie Diplomats Assembly Church facebook/emmanuelogbechie For more life transforming messages visit us online at diplomatsassembly.co.za +27720809077, +2348052800948
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:04:23 +0000
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