I believe the greatest fear is not the fear of heights, spiders or (enter your phobia here)… I believe our greatest fear is to be found in a place we never wanted to be in.

Fear is one of the biggest enemies of a Christian, but finding yourself in a place where you never wanted to be is the greatest test you could fathom.

Well, let’s leave the fear factor for another blog post shall we?

Have you ever been in a place you never thought or wanted to be in? Maybe its filing for bankruptcy, flunking the exams, or even backsliding. Or maybe something far worse?

Question after question pops up in your mind: How did this happen to me, how did I get here, why did this ever happen, have my worst fears materialized?

As incredulous as you are, the greatest test involves your faith. Have you lost your trust in God? Do you feel God has a nepotistic agenda to favor only a few lucky ones?

“Why have you left me like this, God?”

There was a man named Job who experienced a very similar situation in his life. He lost his family, wealth, happiness and health – all of this in a single day…

Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; ¹⁴ and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, ¹⁵ when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” ¹⁶ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and ^[n]consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” ¹⁷ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” ¹⁸ While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, ¹⁹ and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”

Job 1:13-18 (NKJV)

It’s tough, no doubt, but if you may see through it, it’s temporary. As was in the case of Job, so will it be for you.

God puts us through unwanted situations. Here are 5 reasons why:

#1 It’s the only way you can get closer to Him.

This is true and has been historically proven. The only way we may grow spiritually closer to him is through our tough times. The Israelites always repented in difficult times of calamities and trials. However, they seldom thought of God in their comfort and times of abundance.

#2 He wants to prepare you for something greater

Yup. And if you need to take up a responsible position you may not be able to do it in the present state you are in.

There is no Johnny-come-lately in God’s record. Like how Moses was made to stay in the wilderness for years before facing the big task ahead of Him, God does the same for every other person He wants to see rise.

#3 Are You Legit or Fake?

Are you still inclined toward him Or Just pretending to do so?

This is one of the toughest arenas in the present generation. It poses one big question: is our relationship with Christ fake or real? (Read my previous article, “Are you Covenant or Convenient?” here)

Jesus in his final days had spoken on following Him. However, many left Him there and never came back. The apostles remained however, which shows that the deeper you walk with Him the harder you travail.

And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” ⁶⁶ From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

John 6:65-67 (NKJV)

#4 To keep a check on your faith

 

Sometimes, we might not know it but gradually we might be drifting away from Him. Uncalled circumstances helps us rectify this backsliding and helps us to devote more time for God.

#5 It’s not your way but His way

Finally, last but not the least: we often times forget that it is His way that leads us and not our ways. Remember, you tried and failed miserably and that resulted in you submitted yourself to Jesus. So let Him take over the wheel.

God bless!