ENDURING FAITH
I appreciate your presence this evening at this special midweek event known as Switch at the Elevation Church. Regardless of your location, whether you are joining us online, I want to hear from you. This evening’s event is live because I desire to interact with you, answer your questions, and pray with you as you share your prayer requests. It is indeed a unique midweek event, and I am excited to engage with all of you.
Tonight holds a special significance, and I trust that it will be a tremendous blessing to each one of you. To all those tuning in via Instagram, whether on my personal page or the Elevation Church page, Facebook, or YouTube, I extend my gratitude. Please let us know your current location, whether in Lagos, outside Lagos, on the Mainland, Island, Lekki, London, the US, or elsewhere. I am personally broadcasting live from our studio at the PISTIS Conference Centre in Lekki, Lagos, and I am looking forward to a meaningful time as we delve into the word of God together.
As we delve into the scriptures, I will be sharing from the book of Luke, chapter 32, focusing on the theme of “Enduring Faith.” I want to encourage you that your faith will not waver in this season; instead, it will grow stronger in the name of Jesus. Prepare your hearts for the message, have your questions ready for discussion, and when we come together in prayer, let your petitions be sincere, for I believe that God will answer each prayer we lift up tonight. Let us anticipate a powerful and transformative time in the presence of the Lord.
The passage from Luke 22 verse 31 in the Bible recounts a significant moment when Jesus had a personal conversation with Simon Peter, one of His disciples. This interaction took place during a crucial period, just before Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. As Jesus foresaw the events that were about to unfold, He specifically addressed Peter, indicating the importance of the impending trials and challenges that Peter would face. This moment of dialogue between Jesus and Peter highlights the depth of their relationship and the care that Jesus had for His disciples during a time of great uncertainty.
As Jesus spoke to Peter, He revealed that Satan had requested to test Peter during the upcoming trials. This revelation underscores the spiritual warfare that was taking place behind the scenes, as Satan sought to undermine the faith and resolve of Peter. Jesus’ words to Peter served as a warning and a reminder of the spiritual battles that believers may face, especially during times of crisis and uncertainty. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Jesus’ personal interaction with Peter demonstrated His love and concern for His disciples, offering them guidance and strength to navigate the difficult circumstances that awaited them.
The encounter between Jesus and Peter exemplifies the intimate relationship that Jesus had with His disciples and the individual attention He gave to each of them. In the midst of the impending turmoil and change, Jesus took the time to speak directly to Peter, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead. This moment of personal interaction not only revealed Jesus’ foreknowledge of the events to come but also highlighted His compassion and care for His followers. As believers today reflect on this passage, they are reminded of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of adversity, knowing that Jesus is with them every step of the way.
In this passage, Jesus communicates a profound message to Peter, indicating that Satan has sought permission to test him, akin to the process of sifting wheat. Sifting involves separating the edible grain from the chaff, a meticulous process that transforms harvested wheat into a usable form. While the intricacies of this process are not the focus of the discussion, it is essential to understand that Jesus is forewarning Peter about the severe trials he is about to face. The implication is that Satan intends to challenge Peter’s faith with relentless intensity, aiming to undermine his spiritual resolve.
Jesus reassures Peter by stating that He has prayed for him, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith during these impending trials. The phrase “when you have returned to Me” suggests that Peter will indeed stray from his commitment but will eventually find his way back. This return is not merely a personal restoration; it carries a directive for Peter to strengthen his fellow disciples upon his return. Peter, filled with confidence, asserts his readiness to accompany Jesus to prison or even to death, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the Lord, despite the foreboding warning from Jesus.
However, Jesus counters Peter’s bravado with a stark prediction, stating that before the day ends, Peter will deny Him three times. This revelation appears to be inconceivable to Peter, who believes firmly in his ability to remain steadfast alongside Christ, even amidst adversity. The context of this moment is critical, as it marks a transitional phase for Peter and the other disciples, who are on the brink of facing significant upheaval and uncertainty. Their previous lives, characterized by stability and miraculous experiences under Jesus’ guidance, are about to be challenged, leading to a crisis of faith that will test their convictions and reshape their futures.
At that particular moment in time, the disciples of Christ were facing a great deal of uncertainty. They were filled with palpable fear, as they were about to witness Christ being taken away from them. Their sense of security was deeply tied to Christ’s physical presence, and the prospect of Him leaving them was causing them to question everything they had believed in. Despite Christ’s assurances that He would send the Holy Ghost and that they had nothing to fear, the disciples were still gripped by fear and insecurity. It seemed as though the very foundation of their faith was being shattered, and they were on the brink of losing all hope.
The disciples’ situation can be likened to the feelings of uncertainty and doubt that many people experience in their own lives. Whether it’s dealing with illness, loss of employment, or other challenges, it’s common to question whether God is still faithful and has a plan for us. The disciples’ fear and doubt mirrored these feelings, as they struggled to reconcile their belief in Christ with the impending events that seemed to contradict everything they had been taught. It’s important to remember that, just as Jesus assured Peter that his faith would not fail, we too can find strength in the knowledge that we are marked and protected in times of crisis.
In times of crisis, it’s natural to question our faith and wonder if God has forsaken us. The disciples’ experience serves as a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and fear, we can find reassurance in the knowledge that our faith is being upheld through the prayers of Jesus. Just as He prayed for Peter, He continues to intercede for us, ensuring that our faith will not fail. This season of uncertainty is an opportunity for us to draw strength from the knowledge that we are marked and protected, and that our faith will endure despite the challenges we face.
It is crucial to highlight that for any endeavor to result in failure, it must first undergo a process of evaluation or testing.
This principle is particularly evident in the academic context; students can readily relate to the notion that one must take an examination to be deemed successful or unsuccessful. If a student does not participate in the exam, they are classified as absent rather than failing. Conversely, if a student completes the exam but does not perform well, they are then considered to have failed. This illustrates that failure is intrinsically linked to the experience of trial or testing, as one cannot truly fail without first confronting some form of challenge or adversity.
Trials and tribulations serve a significant purpose in assessing the resilience of our faith in God. It is important to understand that these challenges do not arise from a desire for us to fail; rather, they are opportunities for growth and strengthening of our beliefs. The example of Jesus and Peter is particularly poignant in this context. Jesus reassured Peter that although the devil had intentions to undermine him, He had already interceded on Peter’s behalf, ensuring that his faith would endure. Despite Peter’s moment of denial, his faith ultimately prevailed, demonstrating that even in moments of weakness, there is a pathway to restoration and reaffirmation of one’s beliefs.
In light of these reflections, I extend a message of hope to those who may feel they are faltering in their faith or facing significant challenges, particularly in the aftermath of difficult circumstances such as job loss or business struggles. This evening is an opportunity for renewal and reconnection with God. Just as Jesus encouraged Peter to return and support his fellow believers, I pray that those who have strayed or experienced setbacks will find their way back to faith and strength. This is a moment for restoration, and I encourage anyone who feels distanced from their beliefs to embrace this chance for renewal, as it is a pivotal time for reclaiming one’s faith and purpose.
I estimate that I have approximately 10 more minutes to share with you before we transition to a time of Q&A and then a time of prayer. There are two aspects to the trial that our faith will undergo at this moment, similar to the two aspects of the trial that the disciples also experienced. The first aspect is the trial of your faith in God and your love or dedication to Him. The COVID-19 pandemic and this current season will challenge my faith in God, my dedication to God, my belief in the word of God, and my application of the word of God. This season will test whether I truly believe in the command in Philippians 4:6 to “be anxious for nothing,” as I find myself waking up and going to bed feeling anxious. If I cannot live without anxiety, then God would not have given that command. There are numerous promises in the word of God that this season will put to the test.
This season will also test your belief in Philippians 4:19, where Paul prays for the church in Philippi, stating “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” If you find your faith in this promise wavering during this season, then this situation has come to test your belief system. Deuteronomy 8:18 states that “The Lord our God gives us the power to get wealth.” Do you still have faith in these words? The situation we are currently facing will test whether the circumstances in your office are stronger than the promises in the Bible. The fact that people around you are falling ill – is this becoming more powerful than the promise of God to heal, as He said “I am the Lord your healer”? This current situation will test my faith and yours.
Jesus said to Peter, “I prayed for you that your faith won’t fail.” We will pray together tonight, and I believe that your faith won’t fail either. The trial of our faith, as I mentioned, will be in two dimensions: the trial of faith in God and the trial of your love and dedication to Him. This season will test our faith, our belief in the word of God, and our commitment to God. It will challenge us to truly live out the promises and commands found in the Bible.
Romans 8:35-39 is a powerful passage that reassures believers of the unwavering love of God and Christ. It emphasizes that no matter what challenges or trials we face, nothing can separate us from this love. The scripture mentions various hardships such as tribulation, distress, persecution, and famine, highlighting that even in the midst of these difficulties, our faith in God should remain steadfast. The New Living Translation beautifully captures the essence of this message, reminding us that overwhelming victory is ours through Christ’s love.
As believers gather for a special midweek event at the Elevation Church, the message is clear – our faith should not waver in the face of adversity. The prayers of saints from all over the world are lifting you up, ensuring that your faith remains strong and unwavering. Just as Jesus prayed for Peter in his moment of weakness, we are reminded that God is not about to fail us. It is a call to rise up with strength in our hearts and spirits, knowing that God’s love will never fail us, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.
The passage from Romans serves as a powerful reminder that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus. It is a message of hope and encouragement, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and trust in God’s unfailing love. As we face various challenges and uncertainties in life, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s love is constant and unchanging. Let us hold on to this truth and continue to walk in faith, knowing that we are secure in God’s love.
The test of faith can manifest in various dimensions in our lives. One of these dimensions is a general test where we may find ourselves denying Christ and choosing to live life according to our own desires and plans. However, there is also a more specific test of faith that each individual will encounter at some point. This specific test challenges our faith in particular areas of our lives where we may be facing pain, difficulties, or uncertainties. It is during these times that we may lose sight of God’s promises and struggle to maintain our faith.
For instance, when faced with a troubled marriage or job loss, it is crucial to remember that God calls us to place our trust in Him for restoration and peace. A clear indication that our faith is faltering is when we begin contemplating divorce or giving up on our business due to challenges such as the impact of COVID-19. In such moments, it is important to resist the temptation to succumb to despair and instead, reaffirm our faith in God’s ability to bring life and renewal to our circumstances.
Despite the trials and tribulations we may face, it is essential to hold on to the promises that God has made to us. God remains steadfast in His love and commitment to us, and He will not abandon us in our time of need. Even when circumstances seem bleak and uncertain, we must trust that God has a plan for our lives and will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Therefore, let us not lose hope or give up on God, for He is faithful and will see us through every challenge we encounter.
It is important to maintain faith in God, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Our faith may be tested, but it is crucial to remember that God’s plan is for our faith to remain strong. Flexibility is key during these times, as we may need to approach certain aspects of our lives differently. This may include adapting to new ways of working and acquiring additional skills to strengthen our position. Despite the challenges, God is still at work, guiding us towards a place where our faith will not fail.
If you are feeling fearful about the future, it is essential to remember the story of Peter, who also experienced fear and uncertainty. Despite denying Christ three times, Peter was eventually restored. This serves as a reminder that even if our faith has faltered in the past, there is always an opportunity for restoration. Instead of dwelling on feelings of powerlessness, it is important to speak words of faith and declare the promises of God. By doing so, we can expect God to turn things around for our benefit.
As we navigate through the challenges of a post-COVID world, it is crucial to recognize that these are not endings, but rather bends in our journey. God has great plans for each of us, and it is important to position ourselves to receive His blessings. By maintaining faith, speaking words of positivity, and embracing flexibility, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is working in our favor. This period of change may be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
There exists a realm where you can reside, a place where opportunities are unable to find you, and where you are unable to perceive opportunities. This place is not limited to physical boundaries but extends to mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. It is a space where opportunities seem to consistently evade you. However, it is declared that this will not be your portion in the name of Jesus.
On the contrary, there is another emotional space where you can dwell, a place filled with the joy of God in your heart. Similar to Peter’s experience, you can return to your faith, begin to trust in God once more, and feel the bubbling joy of the Holy Spirit within you. As you embrace this emotional state, you will witness the heavens opening over your life in unprecedented ways. The favor of God will descend upon you like never before, ushering in new beginnings and a reset in your destiny.
This transformation will enable you to swiftly take hold of your blessings and become a source of blessing to the world around you. It is believed that this is the work that God is currently undertaking in your life. Therefore, it is essential to open your heart to Him and allow your faith to remain steadfast. Rest assured that your faith will not falter, and as you align yourself with God’s will, you will experience a profound shift in your circumstances.