I shall not be moved |04 April 2020

Life is not all rosy; it has thorny moments too. As human we cannot but face challenges and oppositions. Because we live in a sinful and wicked world, we will experience times of pains and discomfort. We will face battles which we must courageously fight and win. Christ Himself said, “In the world, ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). Even though He assures of peace and victory in these tribulations, the fact remains that we will surely experience them. It is an inevitable reality.

The challenge could even come in moments of great joy, promotion or success. It is an unending battle that every human being must brace up for, as long as we stay in this evil world. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Another spiritual reality we must be aware of is that the closer we are to achieving a significant goal or objective, the more we will be challenged by the enemy of our souls to lose focus. The closer our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was to Calvary, the stiffer the opposition and challenges. They deliberately created these problems and difficulties to weaken the Lord’s resolve to carry through His goal. But He refused to be deterred.

Providential results                                                                                                                                      

You may have started to wonder where the place of God is in all of these. What about His promises of unfailing protection and preservation?

Actually, it’s not as if God cannot shield us from every problem and challenge that comes our way. He certainly can and He truly does protect us. If not, we would have been consumed by the enemy. It wouldn’t take the evil one a minute to do that. So, know for sure that “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22; Psalms 124:2-8).

However, God sometimes has to allow us to pass through the furnace of afflictions so as to produce some wonderful results in our lives. The bible say, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (troubles); Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Contrary to what some people think when they are going through challenges, God does not delight in seeing His children afflicted (Lamentations 3:31-33). But like every loving father who seeks the general well-being, growth and development of his children, God will not keep from us anything that is needed to refine, purify, develop, toughen, steady, equip and build us up as we journey in this life. A writer puts it this way, “Every adversity that comes across our path, whether large or small, is intended to help us grow in some way. If it were not beneficial, God would not allow it.”

Here are some reasons why God, in His infinite wisdom, allows challenges in our lives:

• Challenges prove our integrity. Challenges test the depth of our faith and convictions. Do we really believe in the faithfulness of God and the reliability of His promises in all circumstances or is it only in good times? (Deuteronomy 8:2; Proverbs 24:10).

• Challenges draw us closer to God; they remind us that we are helpless and hopeless without Him (Psalms 123:1-2); Luke 8:23-24; 2 Corinthians 1:8-10). A Christian author, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, once said, “Though my natural instinct is to wish for a life free from pain, trouble and adversity, I am learning to welcome anything that makes me conscious of my need for Him.

• Challenges open our eyes to the plights of others. They make us more considerate, compassionate and emphatic towards others going through difficult times (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 2:18). We are able to comfort and encourage others better when we ourselves have known what it means to pass through life’s adversities. Someone rightly said, “I have found that those people who have no sympathy for their fellows – who never weep for the sorrows of others – very seldom have had any woes of their own. Great hearts can be made only by great troubles.”

• Challenges keep us from being proud and vain. The tendency is there to feel we are better or greater than others if we live a problem-free life. Paul the Apostle put it very clearly, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7)

• Challenges are very good reminders that we are mere strangers and pilgrims on earth; that we are citizens of another Kingdom. (Romans 8:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:2-4).

• Challenges are effective instruments of correction, discipline and restoration (Psalms 107:17, Hebrews 12:4-9). Human beings are generally prone to straying from the right path. Think of the Prodigal Son. He never would have thought of returning to his father’s loving arms if things had gone well for him in the “far country” he wandered to (Luke 15:11-20).

God is indeed all-knowing, all wise and forever faithful. And even though it may not seem very convenient for us now, someday we will thank Him endlessly for all the challenges He allows in our lives. Someone who has come to this realisation wrote, “I learn, as the years roll onward and I leave the past behind, that much of what I had counted sorrow proves that God was kind.

So, instead of being bitter and discouraged by the adversities that come our way, we should be comforted by the fact that God understands and feels what we are going through (Hebrews 4:15-16). He therefore moderates all our challenges as well as provides the grace and wisdom we need to triumph in them. “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” (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9). What a caring Father we have!

Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”. Moreover, there is the blessed assurance that His help never comes late. You must therefore be determined to remain unmoved and undisturbed whatever the odds may be against you (or even in your favour). You must continue to the end. Do not stop halfway. The very purpose of coming to Christ, repenting of your sins and believing in God and His word is to have eternal rest with God and avoid eternal damnation. Don’t ever forget this; do not be moved out of the Christian faith and race!

Profitable recourse

Remaining unmoved by life’s negative circumstances does not just come as a chance event or happen by mere confession. The secret of remaining unmoved include:

         i.            Having the assurance of salvation and righteous living. There is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 57:21; Isaiah 3:10-11). Everything will move and frighten a sinner. Only the assurance of being free from sin and united with Christ guarantees peace and victory in the storms of life. So, if you are a sinner or backslider, do not delay in turning away from sin and inviting Jesus into your life.

        ii.            Being conscious of the presence of the Lord and letting him take charge – Remember Matthew 28:20 “…And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” The secret of victory in life is how close you are to God and walk in obedience to His commands. When God is your focus in all areas you are guaranteed immunity from defeat in life’s battles.

      iii.            Studying and meditating on God’s word - Knowledge of God’s word will deepen your conviction and strengthen your faith; the word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 3:16).

       iv.            Praying always in faith - Identify God’s promise relating to your condition and pray without doubt (Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6).

        v.            Avoiding compromisers and evil companions – They easily distract from God’s way, word and will (1 Corinthians 15:33).

       vi.            Refusing to take negative counsel – Make up your mind to seek only the solution God is sure to provide (Proverbs 1:10-16).   Weigh every suggestion and intention on the scale of the Bible.

     vii.            Maintaining, at all times, a positive attitude to life. An overcomer’s attitude is always the best weapon with which to face any type of ordeal in life. So, “In happy moments, praise God; in difficult moments, seek God; in quiet moments, worship God; in painful moments, trust God; in every moment, Thank God”.

As you continue to contend with various circumstances on earth, let this be your creed “I SHALL NOT BE MOVED”.   Totally yield yourself to God and His will. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Just keep holding on. Come what may, do not be moved contrary to God’s word, way or will. As you take this decision and counsel, you will experience a life that knows no limitation. I have made up my mind, “I shall not be moved”. What about you?

Richard Louis

For: Deeper Life Bible Church