PREACHER: Theme, Job-Victory, Mindset
By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
TUESDAY
THEME: “JOB-VICTORY” MINDSET
SCRIPTURE: John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
REFLECTIONS:
Does an authentic Christian experience pain, tribulations, discomfort, troubles, problems, or a test of faith? Does the Bible state that all true believers will have no challenges? What about the preachers who claim that because you have accepted Jesus Christ, you are free from disease, failure, poverty, etc.? Some people lose their faith because, upon accepting Jesus Christ, they were conscientized to believe that they would experience no pain again. Such people get gravely disappointed when dreadful days come, and their faith is shaken. The promise of bliss – no pain, struggles, or death is for the hereafter, which preparation to fit must begin now.
Jesus did not mince words or give false hope but stated the obvious in John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” There will be tribulation – not an easy one. But Christ assures you can trust Him in those times, so He will grant you peace that cools you off in the fire. Because of His victory, He always makes help available for victory to be won amidst the suffering. The fact is that because of your loyalty and devotion to Him, you become the enemy’s target.
What is biblical about suffering is what Revelation 21:4-5 provides, “[4]And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” [5]Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Until Jesus comes the second time and creates all things new, everyone born into this world will experience pain, awful moments, displeasures, and distress. Do you yearn to experience a pain-free life? Serve God. Be faithful to the end. Suffering and victory for the Christians are intertwined. Jesus told the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:10 – “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Is to say, in this life, as long as night follows day and day follows the night, pain, sorrow, decay, degeneration, deterioration, and death will continue to manifest? God may allow your suffering to end in death – but there is hope beyond. Those who have given their lives to God hold a particular worldview and a mentality in the face of trials, which we will call a “Job-Victory” mindset. This is a mentality that holds a positive outlook on suffering, saying: “[25]For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; [26]And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, [27]Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27. The Job-Victory mindset says that pain is part of life, but redemption, which is victory, is imminent and looming. Job—Victory mindset says, “Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him . . .” Job 13:15. This text, beloved, is one of the finest statements of trust ever penned down in human history. Jesus gives peace in trials. God’s faithfulness is your inspiration to endure. Return, remain with Jesus!
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 461 – “Be Still, My Soul” – Rendered by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for victories in His name; thank God for trials that enable you to hold on to Him; pray for a strong commitment to God and trust in His faithfulness;
– Pray for all believers who face serious temptations because of their faith; pray for backsliders who could not stand the wiles of the devil; pray for the Spirit to guide youth exposed to temptations;
– Pray for Christians living as minorities in some countries and cultures; pray for a “Job-Victory” mindset; pray for people to be receptive to the word of God during these difficult times;
– Pray for the country’s progress and peace; bear the nation’s leaders before God; pray for healing for the sick and families facing famine; pray for your church members.
