August 8, 2023
Topic: MAKE ROOM FOR GOD: GATES IV
Text: : PSALM 24: 7-10
Memory Verse:1 Cor 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape; that ye may be able to bear it”.
Gates are a place of tests, a place of decision whether for or against. You pass the test, you enter through to proceed, or you fail and stagnate at the gates until you make a success of it. Tests are gates of maturing in the Christian walk and in this matter, there is no in-between or grey areas, faith or faithlessness. The gates are such that there is no skirting around it, climbing over it or digging under to avoid it but a going through that we may be proved.
While God tempts no one, we can certainly mark our spiritual, physical or mental battles as tests to prove us. Whether they are the common tests which are everyday events that challenge our faith, patience and determination or the “hour” of testing (Rev 3:10) that tend to pull us away from God like that of Job when he was admonished to “Curse God and Die!” Importantly is to note that all who must mature in Christ must be proved and to know that our tests are not unique, but common to man! Our father of faith Abraham only attained the appellation after he succeeded in his tests including that of sacrificing his only son, submitting to the will of God that is able to bring back to life. Our saviour Jesus at Gethsemane surrendered to the will of God at the crossroad of decision whether to go to the cross or not!
Certainly, there will come our seasons and or hour of test, if we would succeed like the cloud of witnesses that precede us. We must make room for God and allow His will!
Are you going through trying times and seasons of uncertainty? Make room for God, invite Him to the situation and let Him pilot you through. He is the master of the Universe. Remember Jer 29:11. For the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Prayers:
Take my life and let it be, consecrated on to you. Take my life and let it be an instrument to the praise of your name. Help me to be able to stand in the season and hour of my test and for me to honour you till the end! In Jesus name. Amen.
When the knees are not often bent, the feet soon slide – Anonymous.