Christians have been urged to serve God amidst tribulations, oppositions, afflictions, and difficulties, with the assurance that those who persevere and depend on the Lord will be rewarded in the end.
This message was delivered by Rev. Dr. Akpen Leva, resident Pastor of NKST (Universal Reformed Christian Church) Iortyer, during the Tiv worship service on Sunday at the Church Auditorium.
The theme of the service was “There is Joy in Suffering for Christ’s Sake.” Reading from 2 Corinthians 11:24-33, where Paul recounts his labors and sufferings not out of pride but to honor God, Rev. Leva encouraged his congregation to emulate Paul’s perseverance despite facing numerous afflictions as a servant of Christ.
Rev. Leva, who is also the immediate past Benue CAN Chairman and current Synod Executive Committee Member, noted that God had set Paul aside to serve Him despite his troubled past. “God subjected Paul to encounters with persecutions, trials, and difficulties, but these bitter experiences inspired and challenged him to serve God wholeheartedly.”
He cautioned Christians against focusing on the past of those whom God has called to work in His ministry. “Sometimes God can call condemned criminals, prostitutes, and kidnappers with horrible backgrounds and experiences to serve Him.”
Rev. Leva admonished Christians to find joy in serving God even in the midst of suffering and pain, citing Jesus Christ’s own experience of torture for the sake of humanity’s salvation.
He emphasized that no pressure or hostility should deter Christians from serving God, referencing John 16:33, where Jesus reminds His followers that they will face tribulation but should take courage because He has overcome the world, and Romans 8:38-39, where Paul affirms that nothing can separate believers from God’s love.
