While preaching at the March 17 Thursday Showers service, Pastor Anne Sule affirmed that there is suffering all over the world and not just limited to Nigeria.
She stated that sufferings are part of God’s plan to assure His children that because they were called according to His purpose, those sufferings will work for their good.
The preacher referenced Biblical characters like Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 12:10 & 26:1-6), who went through sufferings and how these worked for their good.
According to her, believers, irrespective of status and geographical location would go through some sort of suffering, but the Lord would always be with them, to guide them through it to a glorious end.
Speaking from Romans 8:18-28 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Minister noted that God created problems so that His children will be solutions to them.
This, according to the preacher, is because creation (the entire world) is earnestly awaiting the revealing of the sons of God.
Pastor Anne Sule said God’s children are revealed when they provide solutions to the problems of the world.
The referred Bible passage mentioned one of these problems being the bondage of corruption; “the same thing we are battling as a nation in Nigeria and the Bible has confirmed that the sons of God (Christians) are the solution to this major national problem,” she added.
In providing this solution, Dr Anne Sule noted that some of God’s children must become like Nehemiah who will return home from their sojourn abroad to rebuild the walls of the nation; some will take bold steps like Esther, and some will leave their hiding place like Gideon to save the nation.
This, according to her, is because nothing catches God unawares, and He sees whatever problems Nigeria is facing.
“He has also created His children as solutions. For him, believers, are to take up that role so that the Glory of God may be revealed through the sufferings,” she had hinted.
She outlined six steps to take in transforming our sufferings into Glory. They are praying always, seeking knowledge, having a heart of service, bridling one’s tongue, having the right authority or mentors, and rejoicing always.
“We must pray without ceasing because in prayers, our purpose is revealed and the steps to take begin to unfold. Christians are to continue to seek the knowledge of God just like Mary did at the feet of Jesus and not be like Martha who was busy with worldly concerns.
“We should pray to God to find the right authority that will provide us with Godly guidance in our life’s journey.
“We also need to utilize our time and talents to propagate the gospel, providing solutions wherever we find ourselves using our talents. We need to bridle our tongue and change the narrative through our confessions.
Then, learn to rejoice in the God of our salvation even when the situation does not seem right or joyful, we are to joy,” she said.
Other scriptural references include Romans 8:26-28, Luke 18:1, I Thessalonians 5:16, Genesis 26:12-13, Job 42:10, James 3:8-13, Hebrews 10:23, Ruth 1:1-5 -16, and Habakkuk 3:17-18.
