Date: 08-Aug-2023
Name: Lakers Komaiya
Topic: THE MYSTERY OF PAIN
Content:
*Romans 4:16-21* - “Therefore it is of *faith* that it might be according to grace, so that *the promise* might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the *faith of Abraham*, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “*I have made you a father of many nations*”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—*God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did*;
18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And *not being weak in faith*, he did *not consider his own body, already dead* (since he was about a hundred years old), and *the deadness of Sarah’s womb*. 20 He did *not waver at the promise of God through unbelief*, but was *strengthened in faith*, *giving glory to God*, 21 and being *fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform*. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
*Elders who suffered incredible pain before they received the promise*
1. Abraham (Father of faith): Romans 4:13-21
2. Jacob: Genesis 28:10-15
3. Moses: Exodus 3:1-10
4. Paul (formerly known as Saul): Acts 9:1-19
*Pain | Encounter | Conviction | Faith*
*PAIN*
Vs. 13 - “For the promise that he would be the heir of the world…”
*Pain results from delay of fulfilment of promise*
*Your pain might be an indication of your purpose*
Prayer Points:
*Prayer Point 1*
Father, strengthen me through the season of pain. I receive the courage and perseverance to hold unto You even in my discomfort IJN.
*ENCOUNTER*
Vs 17 - “(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) *in the presence of Him* whom he believed—God…)
*Your pain may be the secret to your encounter*
*Genesis 15:1-6* - “After these things *the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
2 But Abram said, “*Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless*, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “*This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir*.” 5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
6 *And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness*.”
*Prayer Point 2*
Father, we receive a divine encounter with Your word and Your revelation. In Your mercy, grant us an undeniable experience and engagement with Your power.
*CONVICTION*
Vs 19 - “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and *being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.*”
Conviction is a strong belief in God, his purpose for your life, and the promise he has made to you. It strengthens you to work through the difficulties en route the fulfilment of God’s promise. Without an unwavering faith in God’s integrity and ability, you don’t stand a chance to fulfil your purpose and to obtain the promise.
*The link between promise and performance is CONVICTION*
*Men of Conviction*
1. *_Job_*
Job 13:15 - “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
2. *_David_*
Psalm 23:4 - “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; *Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me*.”

3. *_The Three Hebrew Boys_*
Daniel 3:17-18 - “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 *But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up*.”
*Prayer Point 3*
Father, I receive the grace for conviction to trust You regardless of any situation and challenge I am facing. IJN
*FAITH*
Vs 19 - “And *not being weak in faith*, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did *not waver at the promise of God through unbelief*, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.”
Not being weak in faith implies that you do not consider the physical limitations and you do not waiver at the possibility of the spiritual realities.
*Hebrews 11:6* - “But without faith it is *impossible* to *please* Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
*Prayer Point 4*
Father, I receive grace for faith that overcomes all obstacles to obtain God’s promise.
