Jesus indeed must be the centre of every believer’s life in all considerations! Think of the good things in the lives of all, not of the wrongs and hurt they cause you.

Are your life decisions predicated on need or on the leading from the Lord? If it is on the former you can open yourself up to temptation. Satan pounced on the Lord’s physical need for food after the long period of fasting in Luke 4:2-4. When your resources are drained, you are a target of attack. Lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, stretching yourself thin, no exercise, anxiety and discouragement can open the door to temptation. When you feel down, your awareness is dulled, your spiritual edge diminished, you become blindsided to the approaches and schemes of the enemy (1 Pet. 5:8).

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. 1 Peter 5:8 MSG

Your joy as a believer is independent of the economic resources you have (Phil. 4:11-13). Paul declared that whether with much or nothing with Christ’s power overshadowing our lives, we will surely get by. This is the secret of contentment.

I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. Philippians 4:12-13 (TPT)

What lessons have the oppressions of men taught me?

1. You must know the ‘I AM’ and your obligations,
2. That even with the established purpose for resources put under your management, they are only safe in the heavenly bank, free from Satanic agents whose hearts judge every man a liar,
3. Don’t be custodian for somebody else’s money or property other than yours and
4. Never place an obligation for anyone to give to you because you don’t know their situation, neither judge them and what they do, rather be grateful.

At all times never give room to the fear of being alone. It is a trap. The God who said in Genesis 2:18, “it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him,” will provide as He did, first with Himself being with you and He can lead you into the right relationship. Then you will know the benefits of these scriptures—Psalm 125:3; Psalm 89:22-24; Isaiah 14:5—and will not be provoked by the acts of men to sin!

For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Psalm 125:3

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. Psalm 89:22-24

The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. Isaiah 14:5

Those who participate in giving and receiving to support those in the service of the word are assured of well-earned rewards for kindness. Again, do not worry about anything, pray about everything. Having prayed be grateful, express gratitude for prayers answered, for so the peace of God will keep your heart and mind. Selah.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele