Speaking recently to a beloved brother, an active soldier of the Lord, wearied by unrelenting pressure on all fronts, he shared, ”I had to tell Him my name, and my address because I felt He had forgotten me and didn’t remember if I existed!” Yes, there are some saints who are going through burning crucibles experiencing such as made Job cry out in Job 23:10-17 (NLT)—But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does. So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny. No wonder I am so terrified in his presence. When I think of it, terror grips me. God has made me sick at heart; the Almighty has terrified me. Darkness is all around me; thick, impenetrable darkness is everywhere.

And indeed, does He not know, does He not see? He sure does, then where is the place for my complaint, other than to look beyond the present pain to the sovereign Creator who alone knows what He’s working in me, to ascertain the quality of who you have put confidence in!

May verse 10 of our theme text be a motivation for those under severe pressure to persevere in silence and let verses 11 and 12 characterise our walk. In pursuit of His glory, His pleasure and His desire, these verses must become our song seeing that the Lord our Redeemer also passed through the same as prophesied in Psalm 22:11-20 (NLT)—Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;nfierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. (noting verses 11 and 19 in particular!)

There is no place to relinquish prayer in such a time, as the story of the widow and the wicked judge in Luke 18:2-8 teaches, calling to remembrance the admonition in 1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19 (TPT)—Beloved friends, if life gets extremely difficult, with many tests, don’t be bewildered as though something strange were overwhelming you. Instead, continue to rejoice, for you, in a measure, have shared in the sufferings of the Anointed One so that you can share in the revelation of his glory and celebrate with even greater gladness!  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are greatly blessed,  because the Spirit of glory and power, who is the Spirit of God, rests upon you…If you suffer for being a Christian, don’t consider it a disgrace but a privilege. Glorify God because you carry the Anointed One’s name…So then, those who suffer for following God’s will should enfold their lives into the Creator, who will never fail them, and continue to always do what is right.

Receive grace to stand at such a time as this. Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele