The Rough Patches 2

You can't escape the Rough Patches of life. As anointed as the Apostles were, they weren't insulated from trials and challenges. As a matter of fact, the very things that could have made them resign their faith, rather made them dogged and sold out completely.

Now, let's hear Paul out. He testifies that it's not only when it's rosy and all the provisions are available, the miracles are explosive, the angels are constantly on assignment, that they stand for God. "As servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way; in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots, in hard work; sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as unknown; dying and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything". (2 Corinthians 6:4-10)

These guys didn't necessarily have it easy, but what made the walk worth the while and one to remember is the fact that, they gathered their victuals as they journeyed all through the rough patches God brought them through;  and allowed God's divine purpose be established in all things. This was the same thing Joseph did. He never rushed ahead of God. He patiently went through the rough patches before ascending the golden throne. From the scratch, it was simply about his brothers and parents paying obeisance and honouring him from his small mind. But, really, it was about the preservation of the entire generation of God's people. How huge!

This then shows us there's always a "particular reason" why God has put us in a certain place, position and bestowed us with certain resources. God is a God of intentions and He's always deliberate about things He does. The questions that arise from this would be: Why am I here?,  For, what reason have I been blessed with this gift?, How do I go about fulfilling the primary purpose for which God has placed me here?e.t.c These are questions we need to take time to reflect on and allow the Holy Spirit help us answer accurately.

I know that the rough patches of today are becoming stepping stones tomorrow...If we are patient, go through the learning process with God, don't skip classes and we're well prepared. Before long, we'll find ourselves gaining grounds God has prepared us for and accomplishing by grace, feats in every sphere of life we never knew we could.

Prayer:
Father, help me not to run ahead of you. Give me grace to be patient as I tread my rough patches in Jesus name. Amen.

With Love
Holy Spirit in Omotola