2021

The bottom line of all spiritual adventure is divine endorsement. Nothing is more precious than to hear that one has pleased God. It was the highest testimonial that Jesus received. “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”” (Matthew‬ 3:17‬ NKJV‬).

The world generally holds men of God to a higher standard. That is understandable. They are brand ambassadors of God’s kingdom. They are influencers. So they are to operate with the highest standard possible. This, however, does not make them angels.

When you receive counsel, carefully check if it is wise or not. You know a counsel is wise if it does not contradict the word of God. You know a counsel is a misfit if it will clash with God and His values.

God does not give out meaningless instructions. His warnings are not empty threats either. God’s word will always play out. If we love what He hates, we put our relationship with him in jeopardy.

Secondly, Elijah’s enjoyment of bounties amid scarcity can be traced to his ability to hear the voice of God. The voice of God is the fountain of all hopes. At the initial stage, he heard God tell him to go to Brook Cherith where the raven would feed him. The brook was to be the source of water supply.

There is a time to be in the eye of the public, and a time to “hide thyself”. If you put yourself in public glare when you ought to lie low, you risk certain things – it could be your assignment or even your life itself. To hide sometimes is not a sign of cowardice but a demonstration of wisdom.

Finally, we talk of persistence. The rain did not start falling immediately Elijah took to praying. He persistently told his servant to check seven times. Here, we see the power of importunity at work. The promise, prayer, and persistence are like a three-fold cord.

The chief aim of all gospel activities is to make God known. Whether it is preaching or miracles, everything must point people to God. Where this is not the case, what you have is a charade.

God is always ready to extend mercy to the wayward, but He expects that they don’t return to their foolish and wicked ways anymore.

However, is there any way by which fear can be put to positive use? Absolutely! When God is made the object of our fear it becomes positive and rewarding. To be sure, the fear of the Lord is not known by smooth talks and pious resemblance. Essentially, it manifests itself in abstention from evil.