BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (Part 2)

Dearly Beloved,

BE ESTABLISHED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (Part 2)

“If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you” (Isaiah 54:15 NIV).

“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 AMP).

The first part of this message ended with an admonition to allow God to establish us in righteousness. In addition, it was established that tyranny and terror will be far from anyone that allows God to establish him/her in righteousness. However, this part will balance the truth. Being established in righteousness does not mean that there will be no hitch. In God’s promise in Isaiah 54:14-17, God made it clear that His people will be attacked, but, such attack will not be His doing, and He will definitely give His people victory over the attackers. Jesus Christ gave the same assertion as He was about to leave His disciples in John 16:33 quoted above.

Three truths can be deduced from this assertion. One, the fact that God has established a person in righteousness does not mean such person will not be attacked. A child of God who is doing the will of God is not free from the attack of the enemy. This attack may come in any form. Two, such attack is not from God. In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus said of the enemy, the Devil, who came while everyone was sleeping and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away (see Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Christians are facing many attacks today that are not God’s doing, but the handiwork of the Devil and his cohorts. Three, no matter the attack, victory is sure for those that have been established in righteousness. The Lord will enable His loved ones to overcome any trouble that may come their way. No wonder, the Psalmist could boldly say, “weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NIV. See also John 16:20-22).

In spite of the fact that many troubles will come this year, know that they are not God’s doing. If you are established in righteousness, your attackers will surrender to you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).