GOD IS NOT YOUR CLASSMATE.

 GOD IS NOT YOUR CLASSMATE

              Our understanding of God is based on what he revealed to us and our understanding of him will determine how far we will go with him in the journey of life.The ultimate purpose of a Christian is to know him. Knowing God will save us from asking God unnecessary questions when face with troubles. Paul's aim was to know God and the resurrection power. He left all for the sole purpose of knowing God. Knowledge is power. Power is not in ability to perform miracles,signs, wonders or healing. The real power is in how much of God you know and put into practical use. All will fail but the word of God endures forever.

           Twelve years ago, a young boy of about eleven years came to the church with his family. Her mom was sick and scheduled for an operation. My duty in the church then was to receive, welcome, pray and visit new members. Immediately after meeting with his family who joined the church together with other new comers, the young boy called me aside and asked me a question. He said " why do bad things happen to good people especially Christians?" I was dumbfounded for few seconds. I knew the boy was talking from his personal experience. He was at the verge of losing his mom who had served God all her days on earth and he kept wondering why should such happened to her. I opened the scripture to John 16: 33

 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

            Jesus did not promise a trouble free life, he never said we will not have sickness,debt and all the bad things of life. He only assure us of victory in the midst of it. The victory lies in Christ overcoming  the world. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, even in pains Jesus is Lord. Faith in God does not mean you always get what you want. It is simply trusting God in whatever situation you find yourself. The three Hebrews said  "But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." That is the practical definition of faith. John the Baptist was in prison for righteousness sake while in prison he sent his disciples to Jesus if actually he was the messiah.why? He was expecting Jesus to miraculously delivered him but he did not.  John was eventually beheaded by Herod and Jesus was told. He responded by going about his ministry. 

                John was doubtful just like any other  believer will do today when passing through difficult times. John had questions for Jesus Christ but Jesus did not answer his question. We have  many atheists today because from their human experiences God at one time or the other failed them and he could not answer their questions. Hence they conclude that there is no God. At times if God wills, he healed believers from sickness and at times he did not. Sometimes he saved believers from auto crash or aircrash and at times he did not. At times believers also died young and at times he delivered from premature death. He is sovereign God.  God is not our classmate, we cannot question him. All we have to do is to simply trust and obey him. Knowing fully well that his thoughts for us are of peace, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future.

AbolanleOladipupo(BSc(OOU),Bth(NBTS) 

3rd February,2022