Dear brethren, I hope you had a wonderful time during the Christmas celebration. I also hope you found it easy to share the love of Christ with the people around you. For those of us who had to spend the season alone for one reason or another, I pray that you were able to use that time to fellowship with your Maker. Everything has a purpose. Sometimes you can be in the midst of many people and yet feel alone, so having people around you does not automatically translate into meaningful fellowship.
Now that we have only a few days remaining in this year, we must make maximum use of them.
It is important that we first take stock of the year that is coming to an end. I believe that this time last year, we all had expectations concerning 2025. Some of us listened to our pastors’ declarations for the year and were very hopeful. There is therefore a need to look back from January until now. Have we achieved our goals or not? This is not a time for condemnation or self-castigation, but a time for reflection. Take time out to review the goals you were able to achieve. How did you achieve them? What are the things you need to let go of, and what should you invest in for the achievement of your goals?
You need to understand that no matter what you may have done or failed to do, victory is of God. You are not the only one with goals. Some people have even better goals and greater resources, yet they did not succeed. So give quality praise to God, who has given you victory, for it is not of him that wills nor of him that runs, but of God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16).
Now look at the goals you were unable to achieve. Why do you think you fell short in those areas? Did you put in the necessary effort and strength required? Was the goal too big for your current capacity, or were external inputs unavailable? Did you, perhaps, rely too much on yourself or on human help? The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5; see also Jeremiah 17:5 and Romans 8:8).
These scriptures are not saying you should fold your hands. Many Christians believe that all they need is prayer and that their expectations will simply drop into their laps. That is not correct. Prayer is very important, but diligence is also required. Put in your best effort, but trust that God alone can bring it to pass. Man will always fail you, but that does not make you a failure.
Now is the time to wait on God and receive direction for the year ahead. Is there something you have been doing wrongly while expecting a different result? That will not happen. Purpose to do things God’s way in the new year. Present your plans before your Maker, who knows the right paths that lead to success. Stay before God to receive your next assignment and the pattern for its fulfillment. God is not wicked; He does not delight in your failure. He desires that you bear fruit, for in doing so His name is glorified (John 15:8).
Do you need to upgrade yourself or learn a new skill? Do you need to change your associations? (Proverbs 13:20). Do you need to work on your mindset? Is there another route you must take to achieve your goals? God can reveal all these to you if you seek Him.
Is the goal you have set too big? Consider breaking it into smaller, achievable parts. Sometimes goals are delayed, remember that delay is not necessarily denial. Seek His face.
To those who have succeeded, congratulations. Rejoice, be thankful, and celebrate. However, there are still more giants to conquer. In Revelation chapter 4, after Jesus gave John the messages to the seven churches in chapter 3, which could be described as success, John was called to “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” (Revelation 4:1). There is always more. So do not settle, do not rest, keep moving, and success will continue to be yours.
Dearly beloved, be sober and be vigilant. There will be a great increase in confusion across the world. The wisdom of the wise will fail. Many things that once worked will no longer work. A season of darkness and chaos, like that described in Genesis 1:2, will manifest in many sectors.
What is the survival strategy?
* Only those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Daniel 11:32).
* Pray more.
* Study the Word of God more, for in it you will find direction.
* Obey God’s Word absolutely, even when the instructions contradict what you know or what used to work for you. Obey it.
* Speak the Word in season and out of season (Genesis 1:3).
* Avoid unholy gatherings and associations with ungodly people (Psalm 1; Isaiah 8:12–15).
* Not everyone in church or Christian gatherings has the mind of Christ, so be sober and vigilant (Philippians 4:7).
* Draw closer and closer to God. We are entering times when news and information will shake many people (1 Samuel 3:11; Jeremiah 19:3), with unexplainable events that defy logic, science, and human wisdom.
* The kingdom of darkness will change its methods to deceive and subtly overpower many. Be very vigilant.
* You have been warned.
Have a happy, blessed, and prosperous New Year.
FOR UNTO US
The book of Isaiah, chapter 9 verse 6, contains the prophecy about the birth and assignment of Jesus Christ. Luke chapter 4 further outlines how He was to carry out His God-assigned duties. Jesus was sent specifically for us, and through this assignment we were reconciled back to God by Him paying the full debt for our sins.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to come, the only Son of God, and suffer all that He did? To me, it is like God saying, “Only the best is good enough. I love you too much to give you something that is merely good or even better.” I hope you realize that there were others He could have sent, innumerable angels with outstanding strength and beauty. There are the twenty-four elders and other heavenly beings, yet He sent His best. This reflects the depth of His love and the seriousness of the assignment. God was certain that His only Son would fulfill the assignment exactly as He intended, and indeed, He did.
All that Jesus suffered, the path He walked, and the depth of His commitment to the assignment prove this. He was sent, therefore anointed and empowered to:
1. Preach the gospel, which He did fully, even unto death.
2. Heal the brokenhearted, imagine the number of people healed and restored.
3. Bring deliverance, countless lives were delivered.
4. Recover sight for the blind.
5. Set at liberty those who are bruised.
6. Preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
All these Jesus did, and is still doing, first through His disciples and apostles, and now through every one of His beloved children.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus, we must also remember why He came and what our own responsibilities are. It is not just a season to eat, drink, give, and receive gifts. We must understand our part in the assignment. I want you to know today that it is a privilege to be called and entrusted with an assignment.
Have you ever considered the number of people in the world? As of 2025, it is estimated that there are about 8.2 billion people globally, and out of that number, He chose you, to deliver that message, to show love to that person, to bless that family, to give a job to that individual, to sponsor that project, to support that ministry, and to finance that mission. Even if we limit this to Christians, though we know God can use anyone and anything (even stones, animals, wind, and nature), the estimated Christian population is about 2.2 to 2.4 billion as of 2025. So you see, it is indeed a rare privilege. What is rare is valuable.
I also want you to know that if you refuse or choose not to do it the way He desires, there is always someone or something else He can use. We have heard of angels being sent to people. Do not esteem yourself too highly. It is mercy that you have received to be chosen. There are others who may seem more qualified, yet were not sent. Know this assuredly: if you do not do it, someone else will, because the King’s assignment requires haste.
There is no half-obedience or partial obedience; in God’s record, that is disobedience. The Bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. There is no amount of offerings or good works that can compensate for disobedience or partial obedience. This cost Saul his throne, almost cost Jonah his life, and cost the young prophet his life in 1 Kings chapter 13.
You are not doing God a favor; rather, you have received favor from Him because He has specially chosen you. You are special, you are not common, my beloved. He knows you are capable, and He has invested so much in you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to come, the only Son of God, and suffer all that He did? To me, it is like God saying, “Only the best is good enough. I love you too much to give you something that is merely good or even better.” I hope you realize that there were others He could have sent, innumerable angels with outstanding strength and beauty. There are the twenty-four elders and other heavenly beings, yet He sent His best. This reflects the depth of His love and the seriousness of the assignment. God was certain that His only Son would fulfill the assignment exactly as He intended, and indeed, He did.
All that Jesus suffered, the path He walked, and the depth of His commitment to the assignment prove this. He was sent, therefore anointed and empowered to:
1. Preach the gospel, which He did fully, even unto death.
2. Heal the brokenhearted, imagine the number of people healed and restored.
3. Bring deliverance, countless lives were delivered.
4. Recover sight for the blind.
5. Set at liberty those who are bruised.
6. Preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
All these Jesus did, and is still doing, first through His disciples and apostles, and now through every one of His beloved children.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus, we must also remember why He came and what our own responsibilities are. It is not just a season to eat, drink, give, and receive gifts. We must understand our part in the assignment. I want you to know today that it is a privilege to be called and entrusted with an assignment.
Have you ever considered the number of people in the world? As of 2025, it is estimated that there are about 8.2 billion people globally, and out of that number, He chose you, to deliver that message, to show love to that person, to bless that family, to give a job to that individual, to sponsor that project, to support that ministry, and to finance that mission. Even if we limit this to Christians, though we know God can use anyone and anything (even stones, animals, wind, and nature), the estimated Christian population is about 2.2 to 2.4 billion as of 2025. So you see, it is indeed a rare privilege. What is rare is valuable.
I also want you to know that if you refuse or choose not to do it the way He desires, there is always someone or something else He can use. We have heard of angels being sent to people. Do not esteem yourself too highly. It is mercy that you have received to be chosen. There are others who may seem more qualified, yet were not sent. Know this assuredly: if you do not do it, someone else will, because the King’s assignment requires haste.
There is no half-obedience or partial obedience; in God’s record, that is disobedience. The Bible tells us that obedience is better than sacrifice. There is no amount of offerings or good works that can compensate for disobedience or partial obedience. This cost Saul his throne, almost cost Jonah his life, and cost the young prophet his life in 1 Kings chapter 13.
You are not doing God a favor; rather, you have received favor from Him because He has specially chosen you. You are special, you are not common, my beloved. He knows you are capable, and He has invested so much in you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
POWER AND TIMING
All power in heaven, on earth, and underneath the earth belongs to God. He upholds everything in His hand. In fact, He displayed His power in the rescue of the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery and ensured that they did not go empty-handed. He gives power to His people to get wealth.
Psalm 62:11 says, “God has spoken once; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.”His enemies submit through the greatness of His power. No one can stand before Him. Our God is great and mighty in power. He gives power to those who need it and ask for it, no matter how small or faint they may be.
Just as a potter has power over the clay to make it whatever he desires, so God has power over His creation. He displays His power as it pleases Him. He sometimes endures with much longsuffering toward some, but it would be a mistake for anyone to think this is because He is powerless.
God directed that everyone should be subject to higher powers, because there is no power except that which comes from God. The powers that exist are ordained by Him. They are prearranged and unalterable; they are decreed. Therefore, if you disobey those in authority, you are actually disobeying God, even if you are born again. Knowing that God installs all kings and leaders, we should take heed of what Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:1–2. He urged us earnestly to pray, intercede, and give thanks for them, because their decisions have an effect on us.
So if God truly has all power, He who kills and makes alive, and in whose hands are the hearts of all people, including kings, directing them wherever He wills, why then are your prayers sometimes unanswered, even though you are His child? There may be many reasons, but today I want us to look at one important reason: timing.
Time is the inevitable progression into the future with the passing of present and past events. It is the appropriate moment for things, taking into account what has happened before and what is yet to come. From this, we understand that certain events must occur before others. Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 1–8, tells us that there is a time for everything.
If you have not gone through stages one, two, or three and expect God to take you straight to stage four simply because you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that will not happen. Each stage of time and season has its own lessons, knowledge, and growth. Skipping any stage or season will lead to a crash, and God loves you too much to allow that.
A minister of God once said, “What you are praying and fasting for is also looking for you, but not this version of you.”Genesis 8:22 tells us there is seedtime and harvest. Depending on the harvest you desire, the seed must first be planted, followed by a period of growth, germination, sprouting, and maturity, before the harvest can come. Seeds grow into plants and produce fruit only with the right nutrients and proper timing.
God’s power is not limited, but your growth can affect what you are able to receive. There is nothing wrong with His ability to give you what you desire; there is always a set time with God (Psalm 102:13). The responsibility of every believer is to be ready when that set time comes, their own appointed time.
You cannot use another person’s timeline to measure your own. This is one of the reasons why two individuals born on the same day, from the same womb, do not end up with the same outcomes. Your set time is very important.
It is very dangerous for an individual not to know his timing. It can lead to untold hardship and many years of setback. Jesus Christ cried twice: first at the tomb of Lazarus, and secondly over Jerusalem in Luke chapter 19, verses 42–44.
Knowing your timing and working with it will reveal what belongs to you and make accessing it easy. God said His people perish for lack of knowledge, not lack of anointing or power, but lack of knowledge.
Seek to know, and then war with that knowledge in prayer, fasting, and faith. You will succeed in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 62:11 says, “God has spoken once; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God.”His enemies submit through the greatness of His power. No one can stand before Him. Our God is great and mighty in power. He gives power to those who need it and ask for it, no matter how small or faint they may be.
Just as a potter has power over the clay to make it whatever he desires, so God has power over His creation. He displays His power as it pleases Him. He sometimes endures with much longsuffering toward some, but it would be a mistake for anyone to think this is because He is powerless.
God directed that everyone should be subject to higher powers, because there is no power except that which comes from God. The powers that exist are ordained by Him. They are prearranged and unalterable; they are decreed. Therefore, if you disobey those in authority, you are actually disobeying God, even if you are born again. Knowing that God installs all kings and leaders, we should take heed of what Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 2:1–2. He urged us earnestly to pray, intercede, and give thanks for them, because their decisions have an effect on us.
So if God truly has all power, He who kills and makes alive, and in whose hands are the hearts of all people, including kings, directing them wherever He wills, why then are your prayers sometimes unanswered, even though you are His child? There may be many reasons, but today I want us to look at one important reason: timing.
Time is the inevitable progression into the future with the passing of present and past events. It is the appropriate moment for things, taking into account what has happened before and what is yet to come. From this, we understand that certain events must occur before others. Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 1–8, tells us that there is a time for everything.
If you have not gone through stages one, two, or three and expect God to take you straight to stage four simply because you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that will not happen. Each stage of time and season has its own lessons, knowledge, and growth. Skipping any stage or season will lead to a crash, and God loves you too much to allow that.
A minister of God once said, “What you are praying and fasting for is also looking for you, but not this version of you.”Genesis 8:22 tells us there is seedtime and harvest. Depending on the harvest you desire, the seed must first be planted, followed by a period of growth, germination, sprouting, and maturity, before the harvest can come. Seeds grow into plants and produce fruit only with the right nutrients and proper timing.
God’s power is not limited, but your growth can affect what you are able to receive. There is nothing wrong with His ability to give you what you desire; there is always a set time with God (Psalm 102:13). The responsibility of every believer is to be ready when that set time comes, their own appointed time.
You cannot use another person’s timeline to measure your own. This is one of the reasons why two individuals born on the same day, from the same womb, do not end up with the same outcomes. Your set time is very important.
It is very dangerous for an individual not to know his timing. It can lead to untold hardship and many years of setback. Jesus Christ cried twice: first at the tomb of Lazarus, and secondly over Jerusalem in Luke chapter 19, verses 42–44.
Knowing your timing and working with it will reveal what belongs to you and make accessing it easy. God said His people perish for lack of knowledge, not lack of anointing or power, but lack of knowledge.
Seek to know, and then war with that knowledge in prayer, fasting, and faith. You will succeed in Jesus’ name.
HELP IS AVAILABLE AND ABUNDANT
While we were growing up, we were told that hard work brings success. So we worked hard, long hours, sometimes denying ourselves even the basic things. You buried yourself in work, thinking that in a matter of years you would be successful. But in spite of your commitment, you are still far from that success. You hear people say you still need to commit more. Yet you get to a point where you have no more to give. And to make matters worse, you see people who have not committed half of what you have, yet they are far more successful. They even seem to enjoy life more and do whatever they want, while you struggle just to keep your head above the waters.
Then came the era of “smart work.” You were told it is not about working hard but working smart. But the change is not easy. You have to undergo a complete mindset shift. You have to unlearn, relearn, and learn again. Meanwhile, age is not on your side, you are not as strong as you used to be. And still, there is no guarantee.
There are many factors to consider:
1. The world has become harsh.
Everything is hard. Compare five years ago to now, not just economically, but in all sectors: family, education, child upbringing, economy, politics, leadership, and more. Before, a little effort in the right direction produced good results. You could plan, and to a large extent, you were sure of the outcome. Not anymore.
2. Human beings, the height of God’s creation, can be wicked.
Desperately so. Many are selfish and self-centered. Nobody seems to care about others. Some people are unwilling to help, even when you share the same blood. You are important only to the extent that they can get something from you. They bleed you dry, suck you like an orange, eat the sweet part and throw away the peel. Their desire is to keep you down so they can be the ones calling the shots. They are not willing to assist you; instead, they look for ways to take the little you have. They present a façade before you, but behind you they hold daggers, ready to strike. Every word and action is misconstrued.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Wake up, dear brother and sister, we are indeed in the latter days.
3. The end time is here.
Because of this, the enemy (the devil) is fighting with all his might to ensure that God’s purpose is not fulfilled and to drag as many as he can to hell with him. For example, if God gives you an assignment to care for orphans and send them to school, the success of that assignment would draw them closer to God. But if your business or livelihood is not producing enough for your own family, how will you think of helping others? You see, the devil’s modus operandi has not changed: to kill, steal, and destroy. He only upgrades and repackages his strategies to deceive as many as possible.
I want you to know today that everyone you see who has succeeded tremendously has received or sourced help beyond the human sphere. Do not get me wrong, the spirit world assists people in this physical world to succeed. I am not referring only to the Spirit of God. There are many spirits operating today apart from the Holy Spirit: demonic spirits, human spirits, even your own spirit. When you submit to any of these spirits, you can access help and may even succeed to some extent. But if you want lasting success, success that is wholesome and adds no sorrow, only God can give such help.
Study the Bible. Many people were helped by God, and the end of such help was joy, peace, and righteousness. Isaiah 31:1–2 explains what happens to those who seek help elsewhere. God has promised to help you, so why look for help apart from Him?
Prayerfully study the Scriptures and ask for His help. He will help you.
See: 2 Chronicles 14:11; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 46:1, 5; Psalm 60:11; Psalm 94:17; Psalm 146:5; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 50:7; Hosea 13:9; Hebrews 13:6.
The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 that we should come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. This is the throne room where you are seated with Christ, if you have surrendered your life to Him.
Help is abundant for you, His beloved, but on His terms, not yours.
Help is available for you.
Then came the era of “smart work.” You were told it is not about working hard but working smart. But the change is not easy. You have to undergo a complete mindset shift. You have to unlearn, relearn, and learn again. Meanwhile, age is not on your side, you are not as strong as you used to be. And still, there is no guarantee.
There are many factors to consider:
1. The world has become harsh.
Everything is hard. Compare five years ago to now, not just economically, but in all sectors: family, education, child upbringing, economy, politics, leadership, and more. Before, a little effort in the right direction produced good results. You could plan, and to a large extent, you were sure of the outcome. Not anymore.
2. Human beings, the height of God’s creation, can be wicked.
Desperately so. Many are selfish and self-centered. Nobody seems to care about others. Some people are unwilling to help, even when you share the same blood. You are important only to the extent that they can get something from you. They bleed you dry, suck you like an orange, eat the sweet part and throw away the peel. Their desire is to keep you down so they can be the ones calling the shots. They are not willing to assist you; instead, they look for ways to take the little you have. They present a façade before you, but behind you they hold daggers, ready to strike. Every word and action is misconstrued.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Wake up, dear brother and sister, we are indeed in the latter days.
3. The end time is here.
Because of this, the enemy (the devil) is fighting with all his might to ensure that God’s purpose is not fulfilled and to drag as many as he can to hell with him. For example, if God gives you an assignment to care for orphans and send them to school, the success of that assignment would draw them closer to God. But if your business or livelihood is not producing enough for your own family, how will you think of helping others? You see, the devil’s modus operandi has not changed: to kill, steal, and destroy. He only upgrades and repackages his strategies to deceive as many as possible.
I want you to know today that everyone you see who has succeeded tremendously has received or sourced help beyond the human sphere. Do not get me wrong, the spirit world assists people in this physical world to succeed. I am not referring only to the Spirit of God. There are many spirits operating today apart from the Holy Spirit: demonic spirits, human spirits, even your own spirit. When you submit to any of these spirits, you can access help and may even succeed to some extent. But if you want lasting success, success that is wholesome and adds no sorrow, only God can give such help.
Study the Bible. Many people were helped by God, and the end of such help was joy, peace, and righteousness. Isaiah 31:1–2 explains what happens to those who seek help elsewhere. God has promised to help you, so why look for help apart from Him?
Prayerfully study the Scriptures and ask for His help. He will help you.
See: 2 Chronicles 14:11; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 37:40; Psalm 40:17; Psalm 46:1, 5; Psalm 60:11; Psalm 94:17; Psalm 146:5; Isaiah 31:1; Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 50:7; Hosea 13:9; Hebrews 13:6.
The Bible says in Hebrews 4:16 that we should come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in times of need. This is the throne room where you are seated with Christ, if you have surrendered your life to Him.
Help is abundant for you, His beloved, but on His terms, not yours.
Help is available for you.
BE SENSITIVE
God delights in a robust relationship with every one of His children, and He will go to any extent to sustain it. The devil has no power to destroy such a relationship. However, you alone determine the trajectory of this relationship.
On one hand, you have God, who will spare nothing to ensure the success of your relationship with Him. But one thing that can affect it is sin. The devil will not stop you from going to church, singing, or jumping; instead, he will systematically shift your focus away from God. He knows he cannot tempt you outrightly to steal, kill, or do something extreme, but he will quietly lead you away through subtle disobedience, such as ignoring divine instructions not to go somewhere, refusing to get up and pray, refusing to forgive, or engaging in things God knows will not end well.
According to 1 Samuel 15:23:
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Rebellion is resistance to an established government, in this case, the government of God. It is defiance of His authority and control. So whenever you rebel against or resist God’s directives or guidance, you are practicing witchcraft. You are no different from witches.
Stubbornness is not only refusing to believe a crucial message but also despising or looking down on the person God sent to deliver it. The Bible equates it with idolatry. An idol is not only a carved object; anything in your heart that refuses to bow to God’s Word is an idol.
That pride and arrogance…
That “this is how we are in my family”…
That anger you justify because “you can’t take any nonsense from anyone”…
Even when the Spirit of God keeps telling you to deal with it (Job 41:34, Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 12:5).
These things look innocent, but the enemy uses them to build strongholds.
Unforgiveness, yes, someone wronged you, but God said forgive. Unforgiveness is like cancer. When you hold on to it, it eats away at you, your health, your organs, your finances, and your peace.
My dear beloved, is it worth it?
Must you lose your joy, peace, and God’s favour because someone expressed an opinion or made a statement that didn’t come from God? Must you crumble because someone rejected you, when your Creator has not rejected you? Or because someone thinks you’re “not enough,” when God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made?
The devil will keep whispering that you’re not at fault, that you have every right to be angry and refuse to forgive. Your heart then begins to build resentment until you desire to see that person hurt or destroyed. Before you know it, the idol becomes so large that you are waiting eagerly to hear bad news about them so you can lift your hands in thanksgiving that “God has judged your enemy.”
But that is not godly, and that is not God at work.
God is love, and He expects you to walk in love.
He said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)
The devil will even use people close to you to incite you, giving advice that sounds right but contradicts God’s instructions. Be watchful. They are not bad people; their judgement is simply based on earthly reasoning, not divine guidance.
Moreover, God expects total and absolute obedience from you. You will be measured by this, not by the actions of others.
There are little foxes that spoil the vine, things that seem inconsequential to you but which the enemy uses because you are not spiritually alert. Before you realize it, they grow into something large and difficult to handle. Backsliding doesn’t happen in a day; it happens gradually.
When the devil keeps magnifying the things you don’t yet have, you slowly lose joy over the things God has already done for you. Soon, your joy disappears, your strength to praise weakens, and your confidence in an unfailing God fades. Then the devil begins to subtly plant suggestions, and before long, you begin to consider following his ways. He will show you stories of people who “succeeded” by going his way, but he will never show you what they exchanged for it.
Dear beloved, it is not worth it.
Your Father is working behind the scenes. He has promised you peace, not evil, and He will give you your expected end.
Rejoice always.
On one hand, you have God, who will spare nothing to ensure the success of your relationship with Him. But one thing that can affect it is sin. The devil will not stop you from going to church, singing, or jumping; instead, he will systematically shift your focus away from God. He knows he cannot tempt you outrightly to steal, kill, or do something extreme, but he will quietly lead you away through subtle disobedience, such as ignoring divine instructions not to go somewhere, refusing to get up and pray, refusing to forgive, or engaging in things God knows will not end well.
According to 1 Samuel 15:23:
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Rebellion is resistance to an established government, in this case, the government of God. It is defiance of His authority and control. So whenever you rebel against or resist God’s directives or guidance, you are practicing witchcraft. You are no different from witches.
Stubbornness is not only refusing to believe a crucial message but also despising or looking down on the person God sent to deliver it. The Bible equates it with idolatry. An idol is not only a carved object; anything in your heart that refuses to bow to God’s Word is an idol.
That pride and arrogance…
That “this is how we are in my family”…
That anger you justify because “you can’t take any nonsense from anyone”…
Even when the Spirit of God keeps telling you to deal with it (Job 41:34, Romans 12:16, 2 Corinthians 12:5).
These things look innocent, but the enemy uses them to build strongholds.
Unforgiveness, yes, someone wronged you, but God said forgive. Unforgiveness is like cancer. When you hold on to it, it eats away at you, your health, your organs, your finances, and your peace.
My dear beloved, is it worth it?
Must you lose your joy, peace, and God’s favour because someone expressed an opinion or made a statement that didn’t come from God? Must you crumble because someone rejected you, when your Creator has not rejected you? Or because someone thinks you’re “not enough,” when God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made?
The devil will keep whispering that you’re not at fault, that you have every right to be angry and refuse to forgive. Your heart then begins to build resentment until you desire to see that person hurt or destroyed. Before you know it, the idol becomes so large that you are waiting eagerly to hear bad news about them so you can lift your hands in thanksgiving that “God has judged your enemy.”
But that is not godly, and that is not God at work.
God is love, and He expects you to walk in love.
He said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:19)
The devil will even use people close to you to incite you, giving advice that sounds right but contradicts God’s instructions. Be watchful. They are not bad people; their judgement is simply based on earthly reasoning, not divine guidance.
Moreover, God expects total and absolute obedience from you. You will be measured by this, not by the actions of others.
There are little foxes that spoil the vine, things that seem inconsequential to you but which the enemy uses because you are not spiritually alert. Before you realize it, they grow into something large and difficult to handle. Backsliding doesn’t happen in a day; it happens gradually.
When the devil keeps magnifying the things you don’t yet have, you slowly lose joy over the things God has already done for you. Soon, your joy disappears, your strength to praise weakens, and your confidence in an unfailing God fades. Then the devil begins to subtly plant suggestions, and before long, you begin to consider following his ways. He will show you stories of people who “succeeded” by going his way, but he will never show you what they exchanged for it.
Dear beloved, it is not worth it.
Your Father is working behind the scenes. He has promised you peace, not evil, and He will give you your expected end.
Rejoice always.