Text: Romans 8:28: All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose

There's nothing that happens in the life of a child of God that is not going to lead to a testimony.
Testimony is the baby of a test.

All things include afflictions. Psalm 119:71- David said it was good for him that he was afflicted, that he might learn God's laws.

The bigger the problem, the greater the testimony. John 11:39-45- there must have been a very great shout of joy when Lazarus came jumping out of the grave. Mark 10:46-52- the name "Bartimaeus" wouldn't have entered the Bible if he hadn't been born blind. Peter came in contact with his destiny after an all night failure. Luke 5:1-11. If he had caught some fish he would have gone home before Jesus came to the seashore and gave him a much needed miracle.

All things work together for good including the lockdown

Examples of those who became great in the Bible during a lockdown:

✓David: 1 Samuel 22:1-2 tells us that David was locked down in a cave called Adullam. He was hiding from his father-in-law who was trying to kill him. There were 400 people with David in that cave. They were transformed from being riff-raffs to being mighty men. 2 Samuel 23:8-39. They were became David's mighty men. The Bible doesn't use words anyhow. Those men became mighty during the lock down.

✓Elijah: 1 Kings 17:17-24. Elijah was locked down in the house of the widow of Zarepheth because a King sent an entire army to kill him. While he was there locked down, he became the first prophet ever to raise the dead. He grew spiritually to be a mighty giant.

✓Joseph: Genesis 40:1-22. In the lock down he grew from being a dreamer to being an interpreter. Genesis 41:1-44. As he was coming out of the lock down, he shot straight to the position of Prime Minister in a mighty land.

What do you do during a lockdown?
✓REJOICE: this is the time to rejoice. Philippians 4:4- rejoice and again, I say, rejoice. Paul made that statement while he was in prison. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-rejoice evermore; Paul also said this while he was in prison. The only way he could survive was to rejoice.
Rejoice because your tomorrow is all right

✓PRAISE GOD: 1 Thessalonians 5:18- we are advised to keep on praising God in all things, including in a lock down.

✓PRAY: there has never been a greater opportunity in your life to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. You are not going anywhere, pray without ceasing.

✓STUDY: 2 Timothy 2:15. Study to show yourself approved unto God. Enjoy God's presence.

✓MEDITATE: Joshua 1:8. You want to prosper? You want to have good success? Meditate and think on what you have read in God's Word.

✓RECEIVE VISIONS FOR YOUR FUTURE: Visions usually come when you are locked down and are not rushing to leave God's presence. The Book of Revelations was written by John the Beloved while he was locked down on the Island of Patmos.
Joel 2:28; Proverbs 29:18- where there's no vision, the people perish. Ask God to reveal to you what He has planned for your future.

✓PLAN: Plan the next course of action after receiving the visions. Plan towards actualising the visions. And then, hand over the plans to God. Proverbs 37:5.

✓CLEAN UP YOUR HOUSE: Deuteronomy 23:14- the Lord walks about in your camp...make sure your camp is clean.

✓GIVE: when you do the cleaning, you will discover that there are many things you have that you don't need anymore. Give out what you can. Lighten your house. The waters in a river is always fresh because it's always flowing. 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.

✓PRAY FOR THE G.O/PASTORS: The Bible asks us to pray for our leaders. 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Paul asked the church to pray for Him.

Conclusion
Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good to those that love God and not to everyone.
The lock down will bring blessings to those who love God. Proverbs 8:17, 35-36. If you find God, you find life but if you sin against Him it means you hate your own soul.

Turn to God today and have life.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God
Pastor E.A. Adeboye