LOYALTY TO GOD IN ADVERSITY

Memorize: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him; Job 13:15.

Devotional Reading: Job 13:1-18

It is well known that most people remain loyal during good times, whilst only a few maintain loyalty in times of adversity. When someone is in a position of power or influential, you will always find people around them answering to their call, even at odd or difficult times. As soon as that power is taken, or influence lost, only a few remain loyal. However, this is in fact the attitude of the world. God expects his children to be unique through their consistent loyalty, despite the circumstance.

Lynda Randle composed a beautiful song – “For the God of the mountain, is still God in the valley. When things go wrong, He’ll make them right”. That should be our belief and attitude as Christians.

This was the attitude of Job when he went through extensive trials and affliction, he trusted God, established his faith in the Lord and remained loyal.

Job seemed to have lost everything: His wealth, property, family, and health. Facing a situation that seemed hopeless, his wife urged him, “Curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Pained by his suffering, he had many questions, but never seemed to lose faith in God.

Even when first experiencing problems, he “fell to the ground and worshiped,” saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” Job 1:20-21. Job believed God, that his difficult times will not last forever, he believed that Godwill make a way of escape for him.

He did not understand why he had gone through difficulties, but didn’t allow these problems to deter his faith and confidence in God, declaring, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” He placed himself completely in God’s hands, and remained confident in Him, regardless of the circumstances or what other people said.

Job did not know when or how God would act, but clung to the hope that He would take care of everything. And, if he remained faithful and trusted in Him, Job believed that he would come forth as gold, Job 23:10. Job’s expectations was not cut short. I don’t know what you too are going through right now, trust God like Job, God will make a way of escape for you in Jesus name.

Apostle Paul had similar conviction to remain loyal to Christ regardless of circumstances, Romans 8:35; Who shall separate us from the love Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As far as Paul was concerned, nothing will change his loyalty from Christ.

Many people would have deserted God or look for alternatives, but Job and Paul did not, they remained steadfast. God is looking for people that will trust him and remain loyal to him even in times of adversity. God is not surprised if we have questions. If we doubt, or feel confused, bitter, or even angry.

But, deep down, we need to believe that God always is with us, and that He cares for us. No matter what you go through, remember you can hope in God.

Call on Him with the questions that trouble you. Trust Him to deliver you, and provide what you need. As you persevere, have faith that you will come forth as gold!

Prayer point: O LORD God of the universe, please help me remain loyal to you regardless of my circumstances in Jesus name.

Key dose: If you rest your hope and loyalty in God, he will release his power unto you.

Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)

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