By Olubunmi Adebayo
Yesterday, we mentioned five things God will likely do when he wants to develop a fellow.
The five things we mentioned were :
A) God separates a man.
B) He breaks a man.
C) He tests a man.
D) He rebuilds a man, and.
E) He humbles a man.
The following are Biblical examples supporting each of the categories :
1. GOD SEPARATES A MAN -(2 Cor 6:17) “Come out from among them and be ye separate”
Growth always starts with separation : The example of Abraham.
God said to Abraham – “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred” (Gen 12:1). God had to separate him from his family and idol-worshipping background in Ur before God could make him a nation.
If you stay around everybody on your way of growth and development, you may end up not becoming who God wants you to be.
The example of Moses: He was separated for 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd after 40 years in the palace. The palace made him a prince, but the separation moulded him into a prophet.
When God separates you, friends will reduce, invitations will stop, you will feel lonely. It is not rejection, it is a preparatory process.
2. HE BREAKS A MAN – (Psalm 51:17) “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
God never uses a man greatly until He breaks him deeply.
The example of Jacob : He was strong, cunning, courageous, and a man-wrestler (even in the womb he wrestled with his brother)
God needed to break his thigh at Peniel (Gen 32:24-28). After the breaking of his thigh, his name was changed from Jacob (supplanter) to Israel (a prince with God). God had to break his strength to reveal the true reality of his destiny.
The example of Peter : He was boastful – “Though all forsake you, I will not.” Jesus allowed him to be broken when he denied him. That breaking down killed his self pride and made him the humble disciple of Jesus Christ who later became an Apostle.
Breaking is certainly not punishment, it is to remove pride, self-reliance and stubbornness in a man.
3. HE TESTS A MAN – (James 1:2-4) “The trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Please understand that every promotion in our relationship with God needs an examination.
Joseph was tested with Potiphar’s wife. He passed the test of purity and lust in private before God could trust him with power in public. If you fail the secret test, you have failed the public trust that should follow.
God tests you not to fail you, but to show you what is in your heart and to prove who you really are.
4. HE REBUILDS YOU – (Jer 31:4) “Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built”
After breaking a fellow, God does not leave him in pieces. He rebuilds him thereafter.
Take the example of Job : He lost everything – children, wealth, health, friends. He was completely broken. But Job 42:10 says “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job… and gave him twice as much as he had before.” God rebuilt his family, his fortune, his health.
He rebuilds, and makes the character of a man stronger, his faith deeper, and his foundation more solid.
And finally,
5. HE HUMBLES A MAN – (Deut 8:3) “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger…”
God humbles a man so that He can sustain him. He humbles a fellow so he doesn’t think his growth was by his own power.
The example of King Nebuchadnezzar : Daniel 4. He said “Is not this great Babylon that I have built by my power?”
God humbled him to eat grass like an ox for 7 years. After he was humbled enough, his kingdom was restored and he gave glory to God.
The example of Paul, the Apostle: After great revelations, God gave him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble for his kingdom assignment – (2 Cor 12:7). God said “My grace is sufficient for thee.”
God will normally allow something to keep you humble, so that your gift doesn’t kill you.
Uzziah – the king from our earlier episode of Reflection : had 52 years of great successes – from one level to another, but he refused to stay humbled as he entered the temple of God to perform a role never meant for him. He was humbled by God. God by separating you from the crowd, breaks your pride, tests your character, rebuilds your life, and humbles your heart – so you don’t say “my power got this.”
Always have this at the back of your mind that whenever you are going through any of these, know that you are not being punished, but you are being prepared for your day of being shown forth.
Top of the day to you 👍
©️ Olubunmi S Adebayo.
