In The Swelling Of Jordan (Pt. 2)

CHARISMATIC HOUR (23/03/21) Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement Topic:                   In The Swelling Of Jordan (Pt. 2) Text:                               Jer.12:1-5   In the first part of this message, we saw how the prophet (following some negative experiences), put forth allegations against the Lord of some kind of bias, favouring the wicked (v.1-2). We also considered how the Lord in turn responded with two proverbs wondering why the prophet should be fainting at a time that the challenges are yet meager; impliedly, informing that harder things were yet to come the prophet’s way.   Now, this tells us that strong oppositions may come the way of God’s child or servant. But the consolation is that the Almighty God know about them all (Cons. Isa.59:19b).   Our message shall come under the following points  

• The Purpose of Tribulation (B) The Pilgrim’s Attitude At Times Of Tribulation

 

• THE PURPOSE OF TRIBULATION

We shall be looking from the perspective of God: why does He permit it?   Though the agents of tribulation don’t mean well to do the hard to their victims (God’s people), yet the Lord permits the occasion for the following reasons:  

• To build resilience and other necessary virtues in the pilgrim (Acts14:22, Deut.8:1-2).
• To bring the flesh under, as the pilgrim engages in the necessary exercises (Gal.5:17; 1Cor.9:17).
• To give experience that will yield hope, and other benefits to the members of the kingdom (Rom.5:3-5; Phil.1:12).
• To show forth His power at the ultimate and silence His enemies (Rom.9:17; Isa.59:19; 37:29-37).

 

• THE PILGRIM’S ATTITUDE AT TIMES OF TRIBULATION

At times of distress or danger, the pilgrim is not expected to fear like those without hope (Isa.8:12; Ps.5:11-12), but rather resolve to absolutely lean on the all-knowing Lord for direction.   This will entail:  

• Vigilance: Being carefully observant or on the lookout for possible danger to assess the events happening in the environment so as to determine the next action (1Kgs.20:33; Pro.22:3).
• Wisdom: Doing the needful to preserve life or escape danger (Pro.4:7; 27:12; Matt.10:16,23; Jn.7:8-10).
• Spiritual Fortification: Engagement in prayer and fasting will keep one divinely connected, to weather all storms, or avert the avoidable (Ps.4:8; 12:5; 33:17; Pro.21:31).

  Our nation is boiling with insecurity and all manner of vices; it is therefore time to stick to the Lord in holiness and faith; calling upon Him to neutralize His enemies and secure His people. HSCF: