Dear fellow believer in Christ, how has it been with you? How far are you progressing in your spiritual life, which is your journey to the wealthy place? Some have even forgotten that they are on a journey, that their Christian life is a journey. Yes, it is a journey, for it has a starting point and a destination as well.So, how are you getting on in your journey to the wealthy place? To the place of abundant life in Christ.Has it been hectic and dreary? Have things turned upside down beyond every human control? Do you feel like giving up your Christian faith? Are you frustrated already? Remember, you are on a journey!A passenger in transit does not stop midway on his journey nor cease to move on his journey simply because the roads are bad or because it is raining or for whatever reasons. The person is determined to get to his destination and to fulfill whatever obligation or assignment he has to accomplish, no matter the pains, difficulties and uncomfortable experiences he might have on the way.Naturally, we deem it fit to overlook, or rather, endure with great hope when for instance our promotion in the office is delayed. We join the queue when there is much traffic, for we can't fly over it. In the hospitals, we wait patiently for the doctor to diagnose us very well and proper medications given.Now, why is it that we refuse to endure afflictions, persecutions, trials, chastisement and of course hard times, with great hope too, when it comes to our Christian journey? This is more especially when we know that these things are allowed by God for our ultimate maturity. This is food for thought. He that has ears should listen to what the Spirit of God is saying.The truth is that we all want the accomplishment of God's promises in our lives but refrain from the sacrifices required! For instance, how would you explain this - you are asking and believing God for material blessings and all of a sudden you receive a letter from your director in the office saying that you have been fired! What a paradox! Isn't it? It does not look like what a good God will permit to befall His child, one may say. But then, on our journey to the wealthy land, such instruments of purging (afflictions, disappointments, trials, etc.) are bound to come. They are "necessary evils" that the Holy Spirit takes a believer through, to season and prove him or her, so as to make them ready for the Master's use.For in-depth revelation, proper understanding and a deeper relationship with God, you may have to pause now and ask the Holy Spirit to take you through the pages of this book by HIMSELF. Ngozi Favour AnyaoraDecember 2004