Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly Akintayo Emmanuel Explores How to Pass God’s Tests
We all know that on occasion life can be full of challenges. Sometimes we see these events unfolding towards us from a distance, and other times they erupt in our lives without notice. Yet despite their different dynamics and details, what binds these challenging times is that they are all tests from God that we can either pass with distinction and triumph, or struggle and fail — and invariably find ourselves forced to face the same or a similar test down the road.
“In school we accept and even embrace tests that evaluate our level of understanding and help us determine whether we are worthy of moving ahead,” commented Akintayo Emmanuel, the Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly. “In the same way, we should view all of life’s seeming setbacks as tests that have been assigned to us by God. They are not punishments, but opportunities for us to assess our strengths so that we can enhance them, and our weaknesses so that we can fortify them.”
According to Akintayo Emmanuel, who in addition his work with God’s Remnant Assembly also serves as President of G42-Global Reformers, The Bridge, and GRA Mission Squad, while the Bible has an abundance of guidance on how we can successful pass all of God’s tests, three passages in particular should be essential reading: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 5:3–4, and Matthew 4:7.
1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
According to Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel, “Whenever we face a difficult challenge, or we are asked or expected to bear a difficult burden for someone in our lives like a family member or friend, we should always realize that God has empowered us with the will to endure. Like a loving parent to clearly sees his or her child’s immense potential, God knows how strong we truly are if we only rise to the occasion.”
Romans 5:3–4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
“This passage must be properly understood to avoid a regrettable misunderstanding. God is not telling us that we should necessarily seek or cultivate suffering” claims Akintayo Emmanuel. “Rather, in a righteous, honest, ethical and loving manner, we should always strive to resolve our problems and improve our situation. However, when we are undergoing a test from God, we should celebrate the truth that we can transform the experience into something positive. To whom much is given, much is required.”
Matthew 4:7: “Jesus answered him, `It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Commented Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel, who is a productive essayist, with a heavenly vision and commission to raise unto our God a mighty army of overcomers, who will be just like Jesus Christ in this age and yonder: “Sometimes when we are struggling and facing what we perceive to be adversity and strife, we turn the tables and try and put God to the test. This is futile. Our role is to surrender to God’s will, and know that He only does what is best for us.”
