Skip to main content

The Journey Of A True Disciple

       These indeed are stressful times, especially for a Disciple who intends to live in the purity of God's Word. The journey of a Christian is often marked by wilderness seasons and life’s storms—challenging times that test, train, and ultimately transform the Christian into a true Disciple of Christ. Throughout Scripture, these experiences are not seen as punishments but as divine opportunities to grow in faith, deepen trust, and draw closer to God. When one is going through these experiences, it is likened to a wilderness experience, filled with disappointments, sometimes betrayal, lack and the like. 
       In this guise, the wilderness experience is not merely a barren or lonely place; it is a sacred space where God refines His children. It is in the wilderness that dependence on God is forged, and distractions are stripped away. The children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness experience. The voice of John the Baptist rang out from the wilderness when the Holy Spirit activated him. Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness equally exemplified this reality. In that desolate place, Jesus, like the children of Israel faced temptation, hunger, and isolation—yet He emerged spiritually victorious, anchored in the Word of God and obedient to the Father’s will. The Bible tells us that He learnt obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). 
        Presently, the storms of life—whether emotional, physical or spiritual — are moments when the strength of our faith is revealed, and if we submit to God's mighty Hand, we are strengthened in our faith. When the disciples were caught in a terrifying storm (Mark 6:48–52), Jesus came to them walking on water, calming the wind and waves. This miracle reminds us that He is Lord even over chaos and that no storm is beyond His control. 
      When going through a wilderness experience, we must draw comfort from God's Word because He has promised to be with us until the very end. One of the comforting Scriptures in this situation: "BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt [to the Babylonians] for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba [a province of Ethiopia] in exchange [for your release]. Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:1-4, 19, AMPC). Likewise, Psalm 91:1-16 offers a powerful declaration of God’s PROTECTION. This Psalm assures us that even in danger, the Disciple is shielded under the wings of the Almighty. 
        Beloved, our safety is not in the absence of trouble but in the Presence of God with us in the trouble. You might say that is Old Testament; no worries, Jesus Himself prepared His followers for the difficulties with the assurance that with Him, victory is assured: "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration, but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33, AMPC). Beloved, the promise here is not the avoidance of trials, but victory through them. Our peace lies not in circumstance change, but in Christ who has already overcome the troubles on our behalf! 
      As a true disciple, we must persevere in this journey, having the full assurance that our journey does not end on this part of eternity, and it carries a weight of glory in the eternity to come as we will reign with Him. "Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12 AMPC). 
        Finally Beloved, God, in His wisdom, uses the wilderness and storms not to harm us, but to prepare us. These experiences refine our character, strengthen our dependence on Him, and align our hearts with His purpose. The enemy may try to use these moments to sow fear or doubt—but God's power always prevails. He turns trials into testimonies and pain into purpose! The key to enduring these seasons is clinging to the truth of Scripture and resting in the assurance of His presence. He who led you into the wilderness will sustain you through it—and lead you out stronger, wiser, and more rooted in Him: "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest" (Exodus 14:14, AMPC). May the peace of God rest upon your heart, in Jesus Christ name, Amen! God bless you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Quarry Site Experience

Have you ever visited a quarry site and considered the process the rocks are subjected to before they become dressed stones to be used? If the stones could talk they will have a story to tell about their experiences.  As children of God we go through diverse experiences and we wonder if we will indeed survive them. Sometimes we wonder why our gracious and compassionate Father would allow such to befall us considering who we are in Him and what we are doing in His vineyard.  The Scripture that should readily come to our minds in such circumstances is God’s assurance when He said: “I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire and the flame will not burn you ” (Isaiah 43:2). This Scripture assures us that through the experiences of flames and waters, God is always by our side to see us through.  Thus, it is necessary for us to go through the...
Post a Comment
Read more

It Is Time To Raise A Cry For Nigeria!

  "The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8).         Listening to a brother detailing how Nigeria will be great again because it was foretold decades ago, I quieted down in my spirit to listen to him. According to him, the prophecies of old say that Nigeria will become a beacon of God's light to the rest of the world as they carry His Word to the rest of the world, especially in Africa. He enumerated the many qualities of Nigeria, especially the spiritual significance of her position within the continent of Africa. She will be used by God to trigger the last move of revival in the last days, he continued.         I listened attentively,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Are You A True Disciple? Part 1

       This decade opened with very dire straits for mankind, as many people around the world woke up to a world that stood still as each nation shut their borders, homes and institutions shutting their doors. If many had been told this scenario could happen a couple of decades ago, one would say it was crazily impossible. But it did happen! Many lives and livelihoods were destroyed, and many institutions and lifestyles, including the Church, were affected. As terrible as the times were and still are, it is exposing the hearts and state of many 'sons of God'!         Many wondered aloud, 'What does the devil want for causing all this havoc?' And some went further to ask, 'What does God want?' The answer to both questions is 'Man' (male and female)! It is a battle between the Kingdom of God and darkness for the soul of man. As a result, man is being prepared both by God and the devil for eternity with either!         ...
Post a Comment
Read more