The journey through the trials of life is not a pleasant one at all.
If care is not taken, it can destroy a person’s life and even ministry. But it
is interesting to note that the end result of trial can be glorious when one
endures it patiently. (Rom.5:3-4)The same goes for the paradox in this thesis -
the pain of serving Him becoming a thing of Joy. How can this be?
Moses was a
beloved servant of God, a man who spoke to God face-to-face. The Bible speaks
of him as the meekest of all men. He was a man who led the Israelites for forty
good years in the wilderness. Whenever he was faced with crisis, he cried unto
the sender of the ‘great exodus’ – God, Himself. He walked with God long enough
to understand His ways. But one wonders, “Why did he disregard His command at
some point?” He was angry at the Israelites one might say, and he referred to
them as “you rebellious people.” Did God hold him guiltless? Not at all. Though
he pleaded for mercy he was not spared by God. (Deut.3: 23-27)
Servant of God, did you notice that as long as Moses was living in
obedience to God’s command, God honored him in the presence of the Israelites
because he honored God? But on that unfortunate occasion when he lost control
of his temper, little did he realize what the consequence would be. Abraham
laughed at God’s promise (Gen.17:17), Sarah also laughed, and she even told a
lie (Gen.18:12,15); the virgin Mary asked the angel,“How shall this
be…(Lk.1:31-34). And Zacharias, a priest, also asked a question, “Whereby shall
I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
(Lk.1:13-18).
Moses was denied
the joy of entering the long awaited for Promised Land. Is that not painful?
Zacharias was pronounced mute for a season. What was the punishment meted out
to Sarah and Mary? I hasten to add, God’s servants sometimes experience ‘pains’
in serving the Master. What God overlooks while dealing with others, He will
hold you highly responsible for same. As ministers of God we need to remind
ourselves always of this maxim, “Others may but I cannot.” To remain victorious in God’s service, obedience to His commands cannot
be compromised. As long as we keep honoring the Lord in our daily walk with
Him, we can be assured of the JOY of serving Him.
HALLELUYAH!
