Bible Reading: Ezekiel 30, 31, 32; 1 Peter 4
“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he be no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” – 1 Peter 4:1-2
There are various schools in the world with various goals and objectives. The common denominator of all these schools is to communicate transformational skills either formally or informally. In the same way, God has a school designed for us to form character in us, it is the school of suffering. Growing up we have seen cases of school pupils who refused to pass the examination of a particular class which would have qualified him for promotion but at resumption, he felt he was no longer meant for that same class thus, he packed his books to move into the class of his supposed colleagues.
The above illustrates the situation of many Christians who have failed to allow the working of God to produce God-kind of character. What our faith in Christ meant is that, we have enrolled into His school and are willing to let Him take us through any necessary process for our ultimate promotion. Every child of God that shall witness glory must enrol in school of tribulation. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” – 1 Peter 2:21. Suffering develops patience in you. Naturally, humans wants everything to always be on the motion but never in the school of God. Never run out of patience with God because this shall surely deliver to you the needed experience to navigate the world. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” – 1 Peter 4:13. Ask Abraham when he ran out of patience with God, its effect is what we are still grappling with in the world today, Ishmael!
This experience which you gain from the school of God shall then develop in you the hope which cannot put you to shame. May I encourage you to keep growing in the school of God and never ask or demand for graduation abruptly until all that He determines to form in you are fully done.
Prayer: Lord, I desire to remain in Your school until I am fully made as You deem fit in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole