THE MESSAGE NOW
Vol. 5, No. 7 – Sunday, 16th February, 2020
(Gen.37:15-27, Ps.40:1-5, Jonah.1:17)
THE PIT WAS NOT A BUS STOP OF GRIEF; IT WAS A TRANSITION PORT TO GREATNESS
It was the political economist, Reverend R. Malthus, who opined that: ‘human nature and impulse undergo change overtime’. Certainly, this statement cannot be untrue about humanity especially because of man’s fallen nature of depravity as well as his susceptibility to swings owing to emotive modes and media. The same cannot however be said about the nature of God which is ever constant and full of love.
Because of man’s fallen nature driven by emotions and depravity in most situations, man is often encumbered by unsolved mysteries. One of such troubling mysteries relates to the matter of pit experience as was exemplified in the life and trials of Joseph the 11th son of Jacob (who was named Israel by the angel at Jabbok which is equally called Peniel).
The pit experience does not just blind man from seeing the love-infested nature of God, rather, the pit experience only reminds man about rational questions which are justifiable by human rational thoughts and imaginations only.
It is always during this pit experience that questions arise in man. Such questions query the silence of the Almighty and query whether the Almighty is truly loving. For instance, during pit experiences, the human minds queries: where is God whilst all these is happening to me? Is God truly loving? Don’t tell me that, is the devil stronger than God? Why can’t the Almighty do something? Is God sleeping or is He on holiday? Why are good things happening to other people, and not me?
What the one who is passing through the valley of the pit experience does not know are so many. First, he/she does not know that only those who have great dreams in life go through pit experiences. That pit experiences are never for those who are aimless and without a definite goal to pursue.
Second, the pit experience cannot swallow great dreamers; it rather reject them in the end and even transfer them to others until they will arrive at the palace podium of pomp and pageantry.
Did Judah not advise that Joseph should be thrown into the pit? Did God not arrange how the pit released him? His transitting from the pit to Potipher’s place, then to the prison and eventually to the palace of Pharaoh was not strange to God but to him.
Why? Because, God makes all things beautiful in His own time (Eccl.3:11). Why? Because, all things work together for them that Love God, and who are the called according to His purpose’ (Rom.8:28). Why? Because, ‘known unto God are all His works from the foundation of the world’ (Acts.15:18). Why? Because, God knows and even declares the end from the beginning (I.46:10).
Third, sometimes, pit experiences are part of God’s divine design en route the accomplishment of one’s destiny. In God’s divine design, the pit experience is a training ground to learn something; it is never a pit of grief. Instead, it is a port and point from which one will be transferred until one meets eventual greatness prepared before one was formed in the womb. Did it not all happen to Joseph?
The prophet Jonah, having landed in the belly of the whale (another replica of pit experience) must have concluded that it was all over. But was it truly over? Beloved of God, believe this, it is never over even when it is over.
Prophet Jonah was eventually vomited to the land of the fulfillment of his destiny, the land of Nineveh where he fulfilled divine assignment. Do you know that without fulfilling that divine assignment, there would have been no reference to prophet Jonah in the entire Bible?
Fourth, not everyone is special. Not every man has a divine agenda to accomplish. What distinguishes the special from the unspecial is that GOLD OF SPECIALTY in the special ones. This GOLD is only allowed to shine after it has been tested by the fire of trials properly so-called pit experience.
The question to you and to me is this: do you know why the Lord is allowing you and I to pass through that valley of delay and pit experiences?
Whether you and I know the answer to the foregoing question or not, just remember this that the finer the gold the more fiery and hotter the fire must be. I can only say this: enjoy that pit experience while it lasts because a palace is already prepared awaiting you and your greatness. Only make sure that you enjoy the experience in faith, hope, holiness and the allowance for the love of God to deeply permeate your heart. With these, you are certain to find succor and peace in the end.
IN THE END, HOLD DEAR TO YOUR GOD-GIVEN DREAM. IT IS THE REASON FOR YOUR AFFLICTION. AND IT IS EQUALLY THE TOOL FOR WHICH ALL AFFECTION AND ATTENTION MUST TURN TOWARDS YOU WHEN YOUR SURE MOMENT OF GREATNESS DAWNS.
Question and Answer Section
Question: How old was Joseph when he was sold by his brothers?
Answer: Seventeen years.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Counseling, Prayers and Appointments: Please contact contactus@expressimageglory.com Alternatively, meet us every Sunday at the address below:
Suit 26, 2nd Floor, Nikky Africana Plaza, 70C Allen Avenue, Opposite UBA/MTN Office, Ikeja, Lagos.
Donations and Financial Supports – Please support the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus in this Ministry by paying your hard-earned money to only this one account and no other: Express Image Glory Ministry, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Account number – 0020881228.
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ALTAR CALL:
Backslidden – living in sin – needing fresh recommitment (say):
Christ Jesus, You are the Anointed One of the Most High. I come to you today as I am. In your mercy, help me out of my situation. Heal my soul, my spirit, my body, my life and my destiny. I acknowledge you as the only true lover of my soul. Please, deliver me on every side and save me through and through. I promise from the depth of my soul to be yours from henceforth, in Jesus name. Help me now O God. Be my Lord, my Saviour and my all in all from this day. Thank you Lord (read Ps.54 in closing and pray more).
HYMN: Leave It There
PRAY NOW:
1. Holy Spirit, give me hope and joy in my pit experience.
2. O power of the pit holding me, reject and release me.
3. My glorious moment must come to pass, in the name of Jesus.
4. O God, put the unquenchable aura of favour upon me.
5. Whatever has been repulsive about my life, remove them today and let all men forget about them.
6. Release my gold onto me.
7. O my palace moment, appear.
8. Pray for Express Image Glory Ministry.
Present your personal petitions.
