By Sister Shirley Tarpley
Have you ever come to a place in your Christian walk with God that no matter what you do there is such a strong gravitational pull in your life that you can’t seem to escape it; this is generally called a black hole.
In outer space black holes are believed to form when stars collapse in on themselves. In your Christian walk, perhaps your “black hole” is because you are relying too much on your power and not on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you; and you collapse within yourself.
There is deliverance from a Christian’s “black hole.” “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Joshua 1:5 (KJV)
A black hole is a place though of as total nothingness. It’s a time in a Christian’s life when God removes the resources and supports that they normally rely on to feel secure – their careers, finances, friends, family, their health, and so on. But, for Christians, it should be a time of preparation. When Christians find themselves in a black hole experience, they shouldn’t just sit and brood. They need to take stock of their life. Take a good look at their relationship with God.
First, ask God if there are any sins, habits, or attitudes that He might be judging in their life. It’s important to discern or recognize whether the trial they face is the result of God’s discipline for their sin; or if it is preparing them for a future leadership role.
Second, when Christians enter a time of preparation, they should not trust their feelings. They should only trust God. Most people’s feelings will tell them that God has rejected them; to abandon all hope. He has left you utterly alone. Remember, feelings change; but God never changes. Feelings will come and go; God is always with us.
Third, remember that your time of preparation experience is not only intended to refine and define you; it’s also intended to influence and change the lives of hundreds or even thousands of other people. God always has a plan for your life and other lives as well. Our adversity is not just for us, but others in our sphere of influence.
Fourth, don’t try to hurry the time of preparation process along. Keep in mind that when Joseph was in the depths of the pit, there was nothing he could do about it. He couldn’t climb out, jump out, levitate out, or talk his way out. All he could do was pray and wait upon the Lord.
Fifth, lean on God. Even when you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway. When you don’t feel like reading His Word, read His Word. Even when you don’t feel like singing songs of faith, sing anyway. When you pray, don’t just talk; listen to what God has to say to you. Be silent before Him and listen for His still, quiet voice.
Sixth, be alert to new truths and new perspectives. During a time of a preparation experience, God often leads believers to amazing new discoveries. A time of preparation can be a storehouse of unexpected riches for the soul. As you wait on the Holy Spirit to lead you, look outside and see the glory of God. Witness a rain coming down and freezing as it coats the trees, forming little icicles along the twigs and branches. Oh, how beautiful it is; but, don’t forget how dangerous it can be. Branches may split and break, trees may fall; some may recover while others will die. Ice gets heavy and slick and wreaks havoc on so many things, interrupting power, causing accidents, and on and on. So it is with the things of the world.
Sometimes things may appeal to our senses, but they bring with them danger that can break hearts, damage relationships, ruin lives and even result in death. Ask God to help you to remain alert to dangers and snares and to always be ever sensitive to the Holy Spirit each and every day of your life. Pray for others and ask God to rescue those who have been overcome by the temptations that beckon, and have fallen. Thank God for protecting all believers in Him and lifting them up. And don’t forget to thank God for staying close and being there for you, ready to reach out and grab you whenever you look up and cry out. Keep your focus on Him and live your life accordingly.
