By Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Memorise: The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1:7

Read: Hosea 10:13-15

Due to the nature of man, placing your hope on associates can cause the death of your expectations. The reason some are hopeful of getting a job or a particular contract is because a friend or close associate has assured them of assistance. Never allow any associate take the place of God in your life! In Jeremiah 9:2-4, Jeremiah warned that the Israelites should not put their trust in their brother or neighbor because their lifestyle was replete with lies. Jesus did not commit Himself to man because He could see how vain they were (John 2:24-25). For those living in these last days, the Bible paints a bleak picture of their character and even believers are not spared because, commitment to the truth is ebbing fast. It is increasingly difficult to really have someone to trust among professing Christians today because many have adopted and retained some level of falsehood. Before you enter into partnership with fellow believers, be led of God to the specific believer or else, you would be thoroughly disappointed by the actions of some Christians whose lives have been taken over by the love of money and falsehood.

Similarly, any expectation built on influential people such as those in government, family, church, academia, trade unions, etc., can easily disappoint because those making the promises are ordinary men. How many people who were voted into public offices have truly kept their promises? Basing your hopes on such people could cause a heart attack when they disappoint you. God raised the nation of Israel through the ranks; from humble beginnings with inexperienced soldiers to a greatly fortified nation with mighty warriors. But what did the people do? They took their trust from God and placed it in their mighty men. No wonder God told them they would fail (Hosea 10:13-15). The confidence of some Christians has shifted from God to their prayer contractors. Even some church leaders now put their trust in their prayer band members forgetting that when men pray, it is left to God whether to answer or not. If He refuses to answer, you cannot take Him to court. Let your trust be in the Lord.

KEY POINT:
It is either you trust in God or in man. Who you trust determines whether you are blessed or not.

Bible in one year: Esther 8-10