BE STRONG IN FAITH: Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide

BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA
(Int'l Director Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide)

DATE:
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2019.

TEXT: JAMES 1:2-4

KEY VERSE:
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 

Challenges are there and many have been removed by it. Having been to school, you know the processes involved in education. There are examinations you take at every level to move up in school. At primary level you sit for examinations to move from the first class to the next and so on until you finish that level of education. 

After that, you sit for a major exam to move to the secondary level and the same process continues until you complete your education at the tertiary level. In between, you have to continue to sit for tests and exams to move from grade to grade and from level to level. 

Students that fail their exams don't move up; they remain in their class while others move up. If they continue to fail, they may even be advised to leave the school. Many people do not know that God also examines people. 

I once had a problem in my throat. I had a discomforting irritation in my throat that made me to cough constantly. I prayed and people prayed for me. I took medication and did everything humanly possible but there was no relief. In the night, I found it difficult to sleep. 

Sometimes, I would be licking sweet in my mouth while preaching because I wanted saliva to soothe the place to prevent coughing during my preaching. I would be struggling as I preached so that my audience would not notice that I was licking something. 

We continued to pray. One day, my wife cried to the Lord, “God, what is wrong, can't you heal Your servant?” The Lord answered, “I am happy Satan  brought that thing to him to see whether he will continue with my preaching. 

I allowed him to suffer it and as he was preaching and suffering it, I was so happy and said to Satan, “Can you see? He loves me. Whether sick or not sick he will do it; so don't say he is doing it because I keep him healthy. In every condition he will do it.”

Once I passed the exam, God removed the throat problem. Hallelujah! I give this illustration because many people don't know that God purposely allows Satan to try them. You have been complaining, “I don't know what I did; they are just accusing me.” 

God allowed the accusation to see how you will behave. Are you really qualified for this level and ready to be graduated to the next? If you are, then Satan has lost that battle over you.

Thought for the day: 
Your faith must be tested to prove its genuineness. 

Song for the day:
I know He loves me better, whatsoever may be, I will follow Him.

Bible reading for the day: 
Song of Solomon 4-5; 2 Corinthians 13.