WHEN FAITH IN GOD IS TESTED

Just before I went to serve the nation, I had options of influencing it but I knew I simply wanted to go wherever I was sent (I had picked a prompt about this and I wanted to follow through).

When I got to the orientation camp, I had an option to be posted to a national institution but I refused that offer again. I wanted to follow through with what God would bring.

But when I got to the place of primary assignment, it was not desirable. I called my Uncle and he did not bother to listen again. My opportunity to be helped had passed. My flesh could not accept where the hand of the Lord has brought me.

In following God, one of the most sensitive seasons is the “in-between” moment. You can start out with conviction but somewhere on the journey, emotions will want to take the driver’s seat.

You had intense energy when the courtship started and you got married but now, two years down the road, your emotions are screaming loud and your conviction is getting weary of being tested again and again.

When Naomi announced that she was heading back to Bethlehem, Orpah and Naomi were probably super excited. They wanted the new experience. They maybe even pitied Naomi and wanted to be there for her.

But on the road, the test began: “But on the way, Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back to your mothers’ homes. And may the Lord reward you for your kindness to your husbands and to me.”Ruth 1:8 NLT

They still insisted they wanted to go. Then Naomi painted a grave image:

“Why should you go on with me? Can I still give birth to other sons who could grow up to be your husbands? No, my daughters, return to your parents’ homes, for I am too old to marry again. And even if it were possible, and I were to get married tonight and bear sons, then what? Would you wait for them to grow up and refuse to marry someone else? No, of course not, my daughters! Things are far more bitter for me than for you because the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.”Ruth 1:11‭-‬13 NLT

This where you either “Orpah” it or “Ruth” it. You either kiss that vision of a great marriage or ministry or business bye while you count your “losses” or you say even if I die doing this, I will not fail to follow through with what the Lord has said to me.

And if you have ever abandoned a divine journey in fear, take solace in a man called John Mark. He abandoned the journey when it got tough. When he wanted to restart, Paul rejected him. Barnabas took him. He went ahead to be mentored by Apostle Peter. He blessed us with the book of Mark.

What are you about to give up on?
Would you trust God till the end?