God’s Classroom: The Test You Didn’t See Coming!

Sometimes God uses our struggles in ways we don’t expect. This is a story of temptation, integrity, God's love, wisdom, and how He prepares us to help others while teaching the power of forgiveness, discernment, spiritual growth, and How His ways is beyond ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

From series: What’s Your Story?

When God Uses Your Struggles

God had prepared me for a task I did not see coming. One day, while visiting a friend who is a Pastor, I was faced with a situation I never expected. Growing up as a young girl, my perception of pastors was not good. The reason was that almost every male pastor I got close to wanted to sleep with me. It took years for me to let go and bury these thoughts, only for them to resurface once again.

Ten years later, I found myself in the same predicament—being pursued by pastors, bishops, and apostles. Normally, this would not have bothered me; after all, if you’re single and find someone attractive, there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem I faced was that these men were married, just like those from my childhood.

However, something different happened this time. Before these exchanges, God prepared me both mentally and spiritually. He opened my eyes to how He works through us to fulfill His will because of the promise He made with mankind (Genesis 1:26; Psalms 115:16). Because of this promise, God often works through individuals who struggle with weaknesses.

I remember when I use to get annoyed with men aggressively pursing me and not taking no for an answer. I would respond with anger, frustration, and pride. And whenever a person who had a high position in the church, like a Pastor or an Apostle, approached me lustfully it made me want to walk away from the faith.

Yet, in His wisdom, God allowed me to experience many situations like this—both from men with callings and those without—to build character in me: patience, understanding, compassion, and to prepare me for the revelation that was coming (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).

I too had to be helped out of weaknesses, struggles, and sin. I always had a heart for the things of God, but my lifestyle did not reflect that. I remember wanting to reach out to someone to help me but knowing all I would get is slander, criticism, and being talked about behind my back. I feared I would be considered unworthy, which was why I turned down assignments I believed God wanted me to take on. I was afraid that if the church knew my secret sins, my name would be smeared.

Fortunately, God showed me that He is a trustworthy, understanding, all-knowing, caring, compassionate, loving, and helpful God—a God who, although He is our Judge, also helps us (Isaiah 33:22). He promised to guide me so that I would no longer fall into various temptations of sin. This was done through many means and methods, but the most powerful one was through the Scriptures. These experiences and lessons prepared me for a incident that happen on May 15, 2018.

While visiting a fellow Pastor, he opened up on how attracted to me he was and with action more than words wanted to have sex with me. The problem was, he was married. I would admit it took me off guard because first I haven't been in this situation in so long and two, I highly respected him.

As the day went on, it became mostly about resisting him until he finally gave up and I left. You’re probably wondering why I didn’t run out of there from the start. Sadly, the reason was that a small part of me enjoyed the attention. It also revealed something within me—that I had a propensity to flirt and entertain sexual temptation. I had a long-standing struggle with sexual sin that I had fallen into more times than I could count.

Fortunately, in that moment, I exercised self-control (Galatians 5:22). My fear of God and my desire to do what was right outweighed the temporary moment of pleasure. It was as if God gave me a glimpse of the devastating consequences that would have followed if I had given in. In that moment, I clearly saw how it was a cleverly designed trap from the enemy—meant to destroy either me, him, or both—which, I’m sure, both would have been the enemy’s preference.

Once I got home and was heading to bed, I noticed I didn’t feel the way I normally do after doing something I shouldn’t have done or that I helped stir up. I didn’t feel condemned. I did, however, feel convicted for the part of me that enjoyed the attention, so I asked God for forgiveness—and after that, I was at peace.

As I was lying in bed, dozing off, I wondered why I didn’t feel condemned but instead felt at ease. The next morning, while getting ready for work, the Holy Spirit spoke to me—and here’s the lesson I learned: God places some of us in positions to help others through the same struggles and weaknesses we face. Not because we’re better than them, but because we, too, know what it means to struggle and overcome. And that was it—God wanted me to do something different from what most people would do: to look beyond a person’s faults, see their need, and be that need.

Looking pass a person fault doesn’t mean we are ignoring or accepting their wrongs. Rather it means approaching them and the situation with God's love, and seeing how you can team up with the Holy Spirit to tear down the deception and break off whatever is keeping that person spiritually trapped or bound.

It reminds me of the Scripture James 4:12, which says, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” Just because we can see something doesn’t mean we’re authorized to speak on it. Only God is qualified to say anything about anyone. Only God is truly capable of passing judgment. Our role is not to condemn, but to intercede—for the person or the situation.

Galatians 6:1 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”

God’s Word also reminds us, “It is I who judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2, 7). People may judge, but God judges righteously, with honesty, mercy, and moral integrity.

How often have we judged or formed opinions about someone, not realizing that person may be an instrument of God? It’s not uncommon for God to use flawed people. We see it with Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul (2 Samuel 12:13; Numbers 20:12; Genesis 12:17-19; Luke 22:60-61; Acts 8:1–3; Genesis 16:1–4). And although God, in His mercy, gives us time to repent (2 Peter 3:9), we never know how much time that is. You might be part of God’s plan to help bring that person back to repentance.

He reminded me this is what His love is all about. It is not about condemning because He understands human weakness. Besides He experience human weakness first hand (John 1:1-14; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-8).

Exodus 34:6 says, “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…’” Romans 2:4 says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Finally, Jonah 4:2 says, “...I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity."

Although God is a righteous and just God, He would rather see you saved, set free, and on your way to spending eternity with Him (1 Timothy 2:3–4). This part of why He came and how we should be toward each other (John 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:2). Besides, we are all is part the kingdom of heaven—citizens of the same kingdom, brothers and sisters in Christ, and part of the family of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Romans 8:14–17). We’re one, and when one fails, we should respond as if it were our own biological family member (Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 12:26).

I was reminding of one of the reasons why God came into the world as a man, to save us, help us out of our weakness, and to give us truth (Mark 10:45). God helps us in many ways: through patience, mercy, and forgiveness just to name a few. And He wants us to do the same.

I learned this is the true meaning of intersession to intervene on the behalf of someone who desperately needs Jesus. To pray for God's will to be done in the persons life and stand in the gap between them and the forces of evil that befalls them. It is important for us to help those who have a mantle to fulfill, and this is done through helping them overcome their obstacles. 

I eventually spoke with the Pastor, explaining my personal convictions and how, years ago, I made a commitment to myself to always stand for integrity. I shared that I do not want to be used by the enemy as a tool and, most importantly, that I do not want to hinder or sabotage my own destiny.

I mentioned how nothing good can come from what he was asking of me and that I no longer follow my fleshly desires but strive to follow God’s guidance. I emphasized that this type of behavior would only take us backward spiritually, stunt our growth, and grieve the holy spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

I also shared that I could not face those I have counselled, encouraged, helped, and supported with a clear conscience while living this way. I encourage him to change his thinking and ways as continuing down this path will lead to poor choices and pain. Finally, I reminded the Pastor of the great opportunity he has to impact the world and that this should be his true passion.

I no longer judge as quickly as I used to. I must admit the temptation still comes, but I am more aware of it and mostly resist it than give into the temptation of judging, criticizing or fault finding, I have come to understand the importance of standing firm in integrity and morality, while also supporting and helping others. I’m not certain whether the Pastor is truly living an exemplary life, but I hope that every time he sees me, I serve as a reminder of the importance of striving for holiness.

Since writing this in 2018 and now in 2025, sadly, the Pastor’s behavior hasn’t changed. But I continue to pray for them nonetheless, that he would take God’s warning seriously, repent, and change before shame and destruction come (Proverbs 16:18).

Even though the effects of sin may not show up immediately, if you continue to practice ungodliness, you will eventually be exposed. God wants us to follow His example because it brings power and protection (Ephesians 5:1–3). Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses to God and renounces them finds mercy.”

God doesn’t warn us against sin because He enjoys placing rules and regulations on us. He is a God of love, and when someone truly loves you, they only want what is best for you. His warnings come from a place of care, protection, wisdom, and a desire to keep us safe. Sin opens doors to destruction and pain, stealing our destiny and purpose. But God’s desire is for us to flourish in life (3 John 2).

The bottom line is this: doing wrong, sinning, ultimately hurts us, and God does not want to see us suffer. Likewise, we shouldn’t wish that on anyone else. When we criticize, fault-find, judge, or gossip, we become part of the problem instead of the solution.

From series: What’s Your Story?

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A call for salvation 

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, His Spirit becomes one with yours. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You no longer need to go through anyone else to reach God—because you and He are now united.

All you need to do is receive the gift of salvation by repenting of your sins, inviting Jesus into your life, and confessing Him as Lord. This involves acknowledging your sin and the need for forgiveness, believing that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, and then surrendering your life to Him.

As Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” And 1 John 4:15 assures us, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.”

Another important step is to renounce the kingdom of darkness. By doing so, you are breaking any covenant or partnership with it and recommitting yourself to the Kingdom of Light—Jesus Christ.

When you take this step, you are saved and welcomed into God’s Kingdom—becoming a member of the family of Christ!

Here's a Prayer that you can pray to get saved:

"Jesus, I confess that You are Lord, and I believe in my heart that You died and rose again for my sins. I know that I am a sinner, and I repent and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite You to come into my heart and life, and I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Renounce the Kingdom of Darkness

Right now, I renounce and break all ties, covenants, and agreements with the kingdom of darkness, knowingly or unknowingly made. I reject Satan, all his works, and every influence of evil over my life.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Lead me, teach me, and establish me in Your purpose. From this day forward, I belong to Jesus. I am a child of God, and I walk in the light. In Jesus' name, Amen.

After this step, pray for guidance to find a ministry where you can grow spiritually, gain knowledge about the kingdom, and begin living the abundant life promised by Jesus.

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