Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 35

THE LOSS OF CONTROL FOR GOD'S PEOPLE, IS IT GOOD OR BAD?

                                                        THE LOSS OF CONTROL

“…HE rules over the nations…” (Psalms 47:8 KJV)

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God’s sovereignty should become distinct in your life, once you confess Jesus as your lord and savior. God “….made …Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ…” (Acts 2:36 KJV).

Jesus submitted to God’s sovereignty during his “season of suffering.” “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…Christ suffered for you…, leaving you… an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

Entrusting yourself to God’s sovereignty will always include a willful and voluntary “loss of control:” YOUR CONTROL. Control is when YOU direct or determine your own actions, thoughts, emotions, or plans. Control is when YOU govern your own restrictions or liberties. The Hebrew word for control is atstar, H6113 in Strong’s lexicon and means to hold back, shut up, halt, stop, detain, or restraint.

Sudden losses or “seasons of suffering”, where you are propelled into an alternate and unfamiliar reality will bring on a loss of control. This means you have lost the ability to direct, determine, or govern yourself or the world around you. You feel helpless, off balance, and as if your equilibrium has gone south for the winter. What are you to do?

You will either try to regain control of the situation or you will submit to a higher power, such as the LIVING GOD of CREATION and his sovereign, LOVING control. Some things CANNOT be controlled or regained by human will. “One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). Job could NOT, through human will, control what happened.

When I had my brain bleed, I lost control of my health. Then like dominoes I lost control of my many areas of my life such as my balance, my relationships, my independence, my choice of residence, my ability go and come as I please, my ability to multitask, my preferred lifestyle, my ability to eat what I wanted, my original speech, my ability to filter my words, and many other normal and controllable things. How do you survive such a drastic loss of control?

First of all, a “loss of control” strips your pride so far down until you are naked with helplessness and vulnerability like a neon sign. Everybody can witness your “loss of control” and it feels as if you are living in a fish bowl. Suddenly you have a ravenous “need” for the caregiving and support of others.

Without knowing it, we are programmed to avoid “needing” others as much as possible. We are taught to be independent and autonomous, especially in the American culture. My “need” was like a magnet attracting the Christian love, kindness, and friendships of so many wonderful people. My “loss of control” was so expansive, and my “need” so public I couldn’t diminish my helplessness or vulnerability.

When God reached out to me through others, I reached back. It was EXTREMELY hard to be so publicly helpless and vulnerable, but a “loss of control” will take you to unfamiliar places. I was usually on the other side as a giver, but not so much as a receiver, especially to this depth.

I watched people minister to me through their caregiving. . “Ye are of God, little children …We are of God: …Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). I recognized God’s disciples by the way they demonstrated love “…one to another [and to me]…” (John 13:35 KJV).

When a “loss of control” leaves you helpless and vulnerable, you must surrender to the new reality. Humility becomes a prominent teacher and proves to be a very powerful guide for killing any carnal pride you may have left.

Humility is also a sign that an individual recognizes the sovereignty of God and have put control back into the proper hands. HALLELUJAH!! Jesus said: “…I am humble ...IN HEART …” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). However, “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). Jesus “…humbled himself ….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “...[Willfully choose, like Jesus did, to]...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).  

Humility also allows redeemed souls to be content, peaceful, and restful about God’s “will” and plans for their lives. “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

“…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...He (gave Himself over to Him (God, the father and the Holy Spirit) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way…I have NOT seem the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread…The Lord forsaketh NOT his saints; they are preserved for ever…The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein for ever… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land…behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace…But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in a time of trouble. And the Lord shall help deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust him…” (Psalm 37:23-40 KJV).

 “…The plans [God has]…for you (the redeemed soul) … [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which …[God, the Holy Spirit; Jehovah Jireh, your PROVIDER] … hath prepared for … [the redeemed souls] … that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Becoming openly helpless and vulnerable helped me gain a GREATER respect for God’s sovereignty. I had a problem that only God could solve. I needed God and totally dependent upon him. I thought I was a humble person, but during this “season of suffering” I realized I had some lingering pride in my heart. I willingly chose to entrust myself to God.

My spiritual development grew in leaps and bounds by allowing me to experience a deeper, fuller, richer, and more productive relationship with God through Christ. HALLELUJAH!!!

God is sovereign over the life of the believer, but it is talked about more than it is actually experienced. Anywhere pride lingers God is NOT sovereign in THAT area of your life. You may be okay with God NOT being sovereign in that area, but God is not.

“...[Willfully choose, like Jesus did, to]...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God...” (1 Peter 5:6).  

Christ died so God could be sovereign in the lives of his people, particularly through the Lordship of Christ. “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).

My new level of humility enabled me to submit deeper to the Lordship of Christ. Submitting to the Lordship of Christs says God is sovereign over your ENTIRE life and you wholeheartedly surrender to his will. “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

 

It’s easier to submit to the sovereignty of God when you see, especially through “seasons of suffering,” how much he loves and cares for lives of his redeemed people. “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). God “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but delivered him up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “...Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

“…Who will separate ...[the redeemed soul]... from the love of [Christ? … [Nothing]…will be able to separate ...[the redeemed soul]... from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [you, the redeemed soul]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

“…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [the redeemed soul]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for ...[the redeemed soul].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  

God deserves to be sovereign over the redeemed soul. He proved how much he loves and cares for them by paying the price for their redemption.  “…the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). Praise the sovereign God for all “…[the] great things [he hath done] for ...[his people]…” (Psalm 126:2-3 KJV).

I will “…confess with [my]…mouth, the Lord Jesus ….” and humbly submit, my life, to the sovereign love and care of God (Romans 10:9-10 KJV). “...for he careth for ...[HIS people].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  He “…. [loves, his people]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).

By submitting to others through my helpless and vulnerable medical condition, I learned to submit in a greater way to God’s sovereignty. My heart begin to say daily, I surrender again and again to the sovereign God through Christ Jesus my Lord. “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).  

“….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

If I am not willing to give up everything, I“…cannot [fully] be (Christ’s) disciple…” (Luke 14:26 KJV). “Seasons of suffering” will TEACH you that it is costly to “…come after [Jesus]…..”(Luke 14:27 KJV).

“Seasons of suffering” can lead a more focused spiritual life. The less control you have to take many paths, the clearer “the” path that leads to lead becomes (Matthew 7:14). “...Enter through the narrow gate (FOCUS); for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction (that leads to too many options), and there are many who enter through it.  For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life (Jesus, the Living Word of God, is the WAY), and there are few who find it...” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

When God is sovereign in your life, it will be evident by your submission to HIS Lordship over your path. “...Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me...” (Matthew 16:24 NASB).

“…‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Redeemed souls can’t “do” Christian character like humility without the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).“….Apart from [God, Jesus, the Word]… [redeemed souls cannot]..do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [indwelling power]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…God ...does the work ....The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…the invisible things of him (who dwells within the redeemed soul) from the creation of the world (have always been) CLEARLY SEEN…”(Romans 1:20 KJV).

The sovereign God may use a “season of suffering” to enable his people to actually become truly humble. God’s sovereignty is experienced through a life progressively growing and developing in the grace, knowledge, and image of Jesus Christ “...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 NASB). “...those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren...” (Romans 8:29). 

Somewhere along the way, a true believer or redeemed soul will experience a “loss of control,” which will motivate and encourage them to stop living independent of God’s sovereignty. Jesus said, “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).

Submitting to God’s sovereignty will demonstrate your personal commitment to God though Christ. It will be evident by your humble surrender to God’s guidance, his love, and his care, for you, especially during a “season of suffering.”

Surrendering to God's sovereignty, during a “season of suffering,” is NOT easy, but as you continue to walk in humble submission to His will; trusting and depending upon God will become a way of life. “...Whereby (the redeemed) are given ... exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ...[they]... might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, [they are to become]... diligence...[in order to]... add to ...[their]... faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in ...[God’s redeemed souls]..., and abound...[the more productive and useful they will become for DOING God’s will]…” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

A “season of suffering” is most likely about producing God’s glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power) “in” and “through” the lives of his people. When God’s people trust and depend upon him, “…God ...does the work IN and THROUGH all of ...[HIS people]... The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power, (presence, and goodness) THROUGH each of ...[his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [them] … he doeth the works...[of empowering his people to produce spiritual fruit and become useful to HIS PLANS upon earth]…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...[the]... lives...[of his people]... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”

You will never know God’s ability to empower, through everything your encounter, you until you submit to sovereign will, his love, his plans, and his faithful care. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3 KJV).

Redeemed souls were called and sent to earth to serve God, first and foremost. Like Jesus, redeemed souls did “…not come to be served, but to serve….” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

A Hebrew word for serve is abadand one of the definitions is to work. Jesus said, “…for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him who that me...” (John 6:38 KJV).

 “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). Jesus literally “became” God’s personal servant from his heart. Jesus wanted to DO God’s will.

Another Hebrew word for serve is sharathand one definition means to become a “personal servant to.”

The bible says Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  

It is clear Jesus submitted to God’s sovereign will and served him wholeheartedly. Jesus confidently said, “…the ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).

Jesus was God’s personal servant while on earth. Jesus submitted to God sovereign will, no matter the cost, by actually becoming “…a ransom for many...” Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV). He was absolutely and totally surrendered to God’s will. “...He (Jesus) gave Himself over to Him (God, the father and the Holy Spirit) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV). “…Father …not Mywill, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…I (Jesus) do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Fatherthat dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Jesus is the ultimate example of how, redeemed souls, are to go through a “seasons of suffering.” First, choose to “become” a personal servant to God’s sovereignty through Christ. Remember, God called Jesus his “beloved Son” in whom he was well pleased (Matthew 3:17).

Second, keep in mind that God’s will is that every redeemed soul is to “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). Finally, even when you are suffering, choose to continue to “….work out your own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV).  

Surrender your whole life to God’s sovereign will, no matter what HE allows to happen around you. “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…"Father ... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

No matter what your “season of suffering” is or how long it’s been going on; faithfully remain God’s personal servant just like Jesus did. “…"Father ... not My will, but Yours be done"(Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Part of God’s sovereign will and indwelling work, within you, is empower you believe Jesus, (trust and depend upon HIM) his LIVING WORD.  "...Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him (Jesus, his Word) whom he hath sent...” (John 6:29 KJV).

Jesus “…Christ suffered for you…, leaving you… an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him (God, the Holy Spirit) who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

God sent the Holy Spirit to help and empower, redeemed souls, do the same thing. “…For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…Now may the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Jesus willing chose to became God’s personal servant on earth and submitted to his sovereignty. JESUS SAID: “… I...[choose to]... lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I ...[choose to]...lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). Jesus offered his earthen vessel as a “…living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1-2) “…"Father ... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus suffered too, like God’s people do, because he took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).

Jesus literally experienced the human journey and therefore, can “…be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (especially when it comes to suffering through something)...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). Jesus experienced a REAL “season of suffering,” “…yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

“...Who (Jesus) in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).

The “season of suffering” was challenging to Jesus too. “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus went through his “season of suffering” in human flesh too, but also empowered by the indwelling the Holy Spirit. The flesh is simply human flesh, but the Spirit is the indwelling POWER of God. Jesus said, "...That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...” (John 3:6 KJV).

Jesus demonstrated to mankind the indwelling power that KEPT him during his “season of suffering.” The indwelling power didn’t keep Jesus from experiencing suffering, but it empowered him to endure until God’s will was DONE. God “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

 “…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “...he (Jesus)said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

Jesus came to earth to give his life a ransom for many.“…to giveHis life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  

“… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

Jesus chose to laid down his life for God’s purpose. “… I [laid]... down my life... No one [took]... it from me, but I [laid]... it down of my own accord (my own choice). I [was given]... authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command (authority, choice) I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Jesus went ALL “IN” to secure SALVATION for everybody, which was the REASON God sent him to earth. “... But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him (allow him to go through suffering) and cause him grief ... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “…my righteous servant (Jesus) ...[made] ... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

It COST Jesus’ EVERYTHING to become GOD’S SALVATION PLAN: the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sin, or a RANSOM for many. “… the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .. though HE WAS [spiritually] RICH, yet for your sakes he became [spiritually] poor, that ye through his poverty might be [spiritually] RICH…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “... his life [was made]... an offering for sin...” (Isaiah 53:10-11 NLT). “...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT).  “...Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him...” (Hebrews 7:25 NLT). Jesus came “…to giveHis life a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

Hallelujah!! Jesus went through his “season of suffering” and lovingly kept his focus on God’s sovereign will.

Jesus’ humble submission transformed the entire world. Jesus was promoted, like Job, Joseph, and the Hebrew boys and is now “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). In addition,“…at .the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).

Your, personal, “season of suffering” will be a struggle, however, if God’s people entrust themselves to God they will be reward.“…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

“…[You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

No matter what is happening, has happened, is going to happen, keep trusting God and doing his work upon earth. Jesus said “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:1 KJV).

“Seasons of suffering” last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and the details or experiences can be almost unbearable. Job said, “….All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come…” (Job 14:14 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

However, when God allows or permits a “season of suffering” it is usually NOT so much about what is actually happening TO you as much as it is about what is happening IN you. God cares about your heart. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God looks at the “…hidden man(woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts … [PRIDE] … these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The HEART “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Thus, God wants to develop the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). Remember, God took Israel through the wilderness (trials) for forty years? He did it to humble them, test them, to see if they would keep his commandments or not, and to “….know what was in [their]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).

Forty years is a LONG time to be in a “season of suffering”, but sometimes it takes people a long time to see their own sinful condition in the holy light of God’s truth. Some of God’s people have walked with him for years and still participate in a lifestyle of secret sin. Many claim to be God’s people, yet have not truly turned from their wicked ways. The bible says, “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

God wants his people to BE holy (live free from the practice of sin) like him, that’s his standard, and he does NOT mollycoddle sinful practices. “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practiceslawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides (WORD/WORDS ABIDE) in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD..” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

God loves his people, but he will NOT pamper or indulge their ongoing, sinful lifestyle. “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). Nonetheless,“.....If a man (woman) abide not in me, he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).

“...For if, after they (redeemed souls) have escaped  ... they are again entangled in them (their former sinful lifestyles) ... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ... It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

Heartfelt respect for God’s sovereignty will humble you. God is in control, but he is not controlling. God’s people CHOOSE to give control, of their lives, over to God. “...He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less...” (John 3:30 NLT).

God’s sovereignty will become crystal clear, especially when a “season of suffering” comes and exposes the hearts of his people. “…If you love me, you will keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… [God’s people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART departeth from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV).

 The bible says, “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).“... I forewarn you (Everyone, including those who “claim” to be his people) ... that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

When a “season of suffering” comes, if the human heart is not right, whatever is ‘IN” that heart WILL come out. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies...” (Matthew 15:19 KJV).  Can believers give their hearts to God, but not their control? OR does the heart and surrender to God’s control work together?

“Seasons of suffering” is about the “… trying of [a believer’s]… faith [(trust and dependency upon God, which]...worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect (maturing, spiritually developing) work, that ye may be perfect and entire (spiritually mature and whole), wanting nothing…” (James 1:2-6 KJV).

During “seasons of suffering” or the “trying of one’s faith,” a “loss of control” is inevitable. “…[God] knoweth the way that I (his people) take; when he hath tried ...[them], I (they) shall come forth as gold...” (Job 23:10 KJV). AND “….the proof of [his people’s]…faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7 ASV).

“Seasons of suffering” can be long, make no sense, and can feel as if God has abandoned you.  “…In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ASV). When the “season of suffering” lasts TOO long it doesn’t feel like you are overcoming IT, but that IT is overcoming you.

Trusting God’s sovereignty becomes questionable. The long-term distress and continual disappointment feels as if God is no longer involved with your test. However, God said, “…I have overcome…” (John 6:33 KJV).  If Jesus said “I have overcome” then you have too! You win!!!

Even if you don’t understand the LONG “season of suffering,” trust God’s sovereignty. “...O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

God “… ways [are often]…past finding out…” and his ways will NOT always make human sense (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). In the story of Lazarus and the little girl in John 11 and Mark 5, it seems Jesus simply didn’t come to the situation “on time.”

In “seasons of suffering” it may seem “too late” for Jesus to show up. It is normal to feel that way when someone we love dies anyway, or gets sick anyway, or leaves anyway, or a marriage breaks up anyway, especially after all you did to stand in faith! What is the point of trusting Jesus if the situation or circumstance dies a slow pitiful death ANYWAY?

After reading and studying these two biblical stories where Jesus did not come until death occurred, I wondered “why?” It’s over right and everybody is packing up to leave, so why is Jesus showing up now? Jesus had a sovereign reason. Unfortunately, long-term “seasons of suffering” can highly tempt many to “give up” and blatantly accuse Jesus of not working things out the way they wanted or he promised.

Lazarus’ sister, Martha said, “… as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV). She boldly accused Jesus of not being there and implied it was TOO LATE, so she said, “… Lord, by this time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …” (John 11:39 KJV). In the other story they thought he was TOO LATE too and “…they laughed him to scorn… “(Mark 5:40 KJV).  Is God still sovereign in these stories?

Well Jesus showed up in his sovereign time and with a sovereign purpose. Martha, Mary, and others were DONE. People were weeping and wailing over Lazarus and the little girl (John 11:17-22, Mark 5:38-39). 

When the situation looks dead, “…only believe,” because God is still sovereign (Mark 5:36 KJV). God loves you, you love God, and you trust and depend upon his control, even when it looks DEAD.

God’s DELAYS come with the intent to help HIS people develop a GREATER and STRONGER experience with FAITH “IN” his empowering WORD. “…[That]…ye MAY BELIEVE…” (John 11:14 KJV).

“Seasons of suffering” was not meant to weakened faith, by DELAY, but to STRENGTHEN it. Jesus TOOK Martha and Mary BACK to the PLACE where they BURIED their disappointmentin Lazarus’ death. “…the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

God’s sovereignty, in his purposeful delay, is revealed in both stories. “...And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

“And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.” (Mark 5:41 KJV).

“…Jesus (the LIVING Word) said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

God is sovereign over dead situations. Therefore, no matter how long, KEEP TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon HIM. God is not limited by time or how many days, weeks, months or years it’s been. Nothing is dead until God says it’s dead!!

You may have “loss control” and can’t fix the situation, but the sovereign God can. Wherever you have laid down your trust in and dependency upon God, go back and get it. The bible says, “...Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

No matter how long it’s been, the sovereign God can still, “…do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “…Only believe” (Mark 5:36 KJV). Keep trusting in and depending upon his sovereignty and accept “…his ways [are]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

If it’s been a long “season of suffering” and you no longer understand or believe the test will turn around. There is no doubt that God’s holy ways are often highly incomprehensible, beyond finding out, and daunting, but have faith anyway. “...But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Let’s visit the story of King Hezekiah again and read how God tested his heart. “… God left him, to try him that he might know all that was in his heart…” (2 Chronicles 32:31 KJV).

Hezekiah did a lot of good things, especially when he restored the temple and its worship practices. However, his heart was not right before God and God knew it. “In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 32:24-25 NIV).

God in his sovereignty knew Hezekiah’s heart in spite of all the good he’d done. God clearly saw a rebellious, selfish, and prideful side that was hidden in his heart. “… Hezekiah’s heart was proud…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV).

God, in his sovereignty, permitted a “season of suffering” and Hezekiah had to look at what was truly in his own desperately wicked heart (Jeremiah 17:9).

Hezekiah saw for himself the darkness hidden in his heart. Hezekiah “loss control” and recognized his behavior reflected a prideful and blatant ingratitude. “… Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him…” (2 Chronicles 32:25 NIV). Hezekiah did not give God the glory for the great things he had done (Isaiah 12:4-5).

After a while, Hezekiah “… repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord’s wrath did not come on them… (1 Chronicles 32:26 NIV).

Some “seasons of suffering” go on for days, weeks, months, or years. God, in his sovereignty, permitted a situation where Hezekiah could truly transform. In the stories of Lazarus and the little girl Jesus showed up in God’ sovereign timing!!! And at God’s appointed time, “…[all could see]...the glory God, [and also]…that the Son of God might be glorified thereby…” (John 11:4 KJV).

The enemy of God’s sovereignty is man’s refusal to face a “loss of control” with the right attitude. The “season of suffering” is for your good and God’s glory. If God is not sovereign, your outcome will be a lot different than Job’s, Joseph’s, or the Hebrew boys. God is in control, but he is not controlling.

Therefore even in a “season of suffering” you can willfully rebel against his sovereignty. Pride will always be in conflict with God’s sovereign will, and his desire to be lovingly in control.

Hezekiah got the lesson and eventually accepted God’ sovereign will. God allows certain trials and tribulations to intervene in our lives to promote spiritual growth and development.

God rightfullyhas sovereignty over your life. You agreed when God, “….made …Jesus, whom [was] …crucified, both Lord and Christ…” and you believed “…on the Lord Jesus, and …[was]…saved” (Acts 16:31KJV).

If you have been through or are going through a LONG “season of suffering” go back and get the cup: “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

KEEP TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon THE SOVEREIGN GOD. IT IS “NOT” IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO FIX IT, NO MATTER HOW LONG IT’S BEEN. NOTHING IS DEAD UNTIL GOD SAYS IT’S DEAD. “…Jesus said…[HE IS]... the resurrection and...[HE IS]... the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

 

EVEN IN SUFFERING, GOD IS SOVEREIGN: TRUST HIS PLANS EVEN WHEN IT HURTS!

                                            GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN SUFFERING

“. He (God) does as he pleases… “ (Daniel 4 NLT).

*

Nothing brings God’s sovereignty to the forefront like a “season of suffering” or a test. Believers know God is sovereign, but don’t usually experience it until something happens for which they have NO control.

God’s sovereignty means God and God ONLY has complete, supreme authority, power, and control over everything (past, present and future), everybody, every event, and every “season of suffering.”

As the ultimate ruler of the universe, God has the RIGHT to allow or set in order ALL things, events, and people, according to his holy, divine will. “There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil”

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord , and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord , and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand…”(Job 1:1, 6-12 KJV).

In the book of Job, God demonstrates his sovereignty over Satan by setting boundaries regarding Job. God also demonstrates his sovereignty over events, people, and “seasons of suffering.”

Thus, God allowed these events, in Job’s life, to be set in motion when he says, “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? …” (Job 1:6-12 KJV).

The most asked question is “WHY?” God said Job “…was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil” (Job 1:1 KJV). God also said, “…my servant Job ... there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3 KJV).

We may ask God “why” he allowed Job to suffer and he would say “...there was no reason WHY...” “…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause (reason)…” (Job 2:3 KJV). For SOME, this may be hard to accept but, nonetheless, God said, he allowed him to suffer “without cause” or for NO reason. READ IT in God’s own words. “…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause(reason)…” (Job 2:3 KJV).  Now what?

Job wasn’t guilty of anything. He wasn’t being punished or cursed for some secret sin. According to God, himself, Job “…was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil…” (Job 1:1 KJV). “Without cause,” therefore, God allowed Job to suffer through a horrendous “season of suffering.”

In God’s sovereignty he allowed Satan to be an instrument for Job’s suffering, - a man of “complete integrity”- and for NO logical REASON. “…to destroy him without cause(reason)…” (Job 2:3 KJV). 

The book of Job was written for our learning and our admonition (Romans 15:4 & 1 Corinthians 10:11). Job’s story was written for our knowledge and as a warning.“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

It is crystal clear that there was no cause or any other sufficient basis for Job’s suffering as far as God was concerned. However, Satan had a cause and that was to prove Job would curse God or become unfaithful to him, or disobedient through these trials. Yet, even though Satan “…intended to harm [Job]… God intended it for GOOD…” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

Job never once cursed God, was unfaithful, or disobedient. In fact, whether he understood God’s reasons or not; whether he agreed with God or not; he maintained his integrity during his “season of suffering.”

The story of Job reveals that Satan’s accusations were unfounded. Satan was his accuser like he is for ALL of God’s faithful servants. “…for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10 KJV).

During his “season of suffering,” the book of Job gives no proof of Job cursing God or casting away his integrity. Instead, the word says, “…And he (Job) has maintained his integrity…” (Job 2:3KJV).

He was clearly not the person Satan accused him of being. Yet it “seems” Satan had “…movedst [God]… against him, to destroy him without cause...” (Job 2:3 KJV).

The bible says God doesn’t change therefore Satan can’t truly influence the unchangeable, immutable nature of God. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

Satan did proposition God in regard to Job. God, in his own sovereignty allowed it, which was strictly an act and decision of his own divine will. “...Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him...” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

No one counsels God’s actions or decisions, especially Satan.  God does as he pleases. “…O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?..” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

Satan came into Job’s life, in an attempt to literally kill, steal, and destroy him to the brink or boundary of his soul, which he couldn’t touch. “…And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath (outwardly) is in thy power; only upon himself (his soul; his inward self) put not forth thine hand…”(Job 1:1, 6-12 KJV). Job became a man “undone” by all he had lost and this “without cause.”

The sovereign God allowed it and the sovereign God permitted it. Does God owe Job or “his” people an explanation when he allows suffering?  “…All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NIV).

“All the peoples of the earthare regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

“Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

God’s sovereignty is supreme and the only proper response to it is respect and a willing submission. “…O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). “…he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

“Are [you asking IF]… God was unfair? Of course [he’s]…not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

When you go through “seasons of suffering” it is not unusual for you to question God’s sovereignty, especially when you don’t understand it or agreed with it. Therefore, when you don’t understand or agree with what has happened, or what is currently happening and it makes no human sense; it is normal to question God. However, just remember, “…he (God) does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

Like it or not, “…[God]… does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

The only thing that is absolutely sure is that God does what he pleases with “….the powers of heaven and the people of the earth…” (Daniel 4 NLT). God allows or permits suffering because it is his sovereign right to do as he pleases, with HIS people, and “without cause” either.

No matter what the “…people of the earth...” think of what he allows or permits they are warned: “…Woe unto him that striveth (fights, disagrees, complains, makes judgements, etc.) with his Maker!” (Isaiah 45:9 KJV).

God is sovereign, holy, wise, kind, merciful, full of grace, presence, good, powerful “…[and]… great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “…Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV).

The bible repeatedly says: “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “…Oh how great is thy GOODNESS… (Psalm 31:19 KJV). “…for he is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “..The lord is GOOD…” (Nahum 1:7 KJV). “…GOOD and upright is the Lord…” (Psalm 25:8 KJV). “…For thou, Lord, is GOOD…” (Psalm 86:5 KJV). “…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD… ” (Psalms 106:1 KJV).“…O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is GOOD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (1 Chronicles…” 16:34 KJV).

There is NO ONE as merciful as God, either. “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).

We may FREELY question God, because he’s GOOD and MERCIFUL, he will listen. AND, even though God is sovereign, he is EXTREMELY and INNATELY “LOVING” all the time, even during questions about his sovereign actions or how, his people, judge what he does or does not allow. “…Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?  Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?”He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home...” (Genesis 18:22-33 NIV).

God was good, kind, and merciful during Abraham’s questions about his sovereign actions. Abraham FREELY questioned God “about” his sovereign decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.  

Ideally, it is better not to question God’s GOOD, sovereign decisions, but trust them, yet God’s people are only human. Maybe there is no available or ready cause for certain “seasons of suffering,” but “…as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [God’s]… ways higher than your ways and [God’s]… thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah. 55:9 KJV). 

If God chooses not to give a preferred or satisfactory, human reason or cause, for suffering; it is his prerogative. “…he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

God is EXTREMELY and INNATELY good and merciful. God is not trying to harm, his people, through “seasons of suffering,” but he promises them “hope” and a “future” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

God has the sovereign and divine right to do as he pleases in heaven, with the people he created, and upon earth. . “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).

The people of the earth have a will, and understand to some extent, what it feels like to do as YOU please or choose. God’s divine will is His right just like YOU believe, your human will, is YOUR God-given right.

 Jesus said this about his own will to “lay down his life” in service to God: “…I lay down my life. …I have authority to lay it down …. This command I received from my Father...” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

God has GIVEN all of mankind the authority, through human will, to choose. “…I lay down my life. …I have authority to lay it down …. This command I received from my Father” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Choose you (MAKE A WILLFUL CHOICE) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

He also has a right to revoke that authority, to make a willful choice, if he wanted to. “…The Lord gave and the Lordhas takenaway. …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

However, God GAVE and created mankind in his image, which included a human “will” similar to his. God said, “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…A man (woman) can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him (her( from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV).  “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). SO “…What do you have (including a human will) that God hasn’t given you?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).  “…. This command (to willfully choose to lay down his(Jesus’) life) I (Jesus) received from my Father...” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

 Every redeemed soul, therefore, has been given the authority to make unrestricted, willful choices that allow them to live and do as they please. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

“Jesus saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

The human will can create problems between God and the redeemed soul.  In the Old Testament, when “…there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes...” (Judges 21:25 KJV).

God’s people often STOPPED listening to him and willfully followed their OWN stubborn choices. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

The choices made by the HUMAN WILL resulted in God’s people abandoning him. “…They ABANDONED MEand did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).“…The Lordreplies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

The choices made by the HUMAN WILL resulted in God’s people forsaking him. “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!..” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “…they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).

Satan was kicked out of heaven because his will, given to him by God, made him prideful. He thought he could be as sovereign as God. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!…For you said to yourself, ‘I will…” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

Satan, “the shining star, son of the morning” was cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:4, 9; Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12).

Obviously, the “will” can fill you with pride and puff you up with arrogance. Like Satan, you may begin to think you can also CHOOSE to, “…climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High…’ ” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

God creates humans with a “will” and the authority to USE it to make decisions. Humans have a human will and God has a sovereign will, which means he is ULTIMATELY in CONTROL.“…He [God, the Holy Spirit, not HUMANS, sovereignly and ultimately] does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

 

The human will wants to be in control, but God is the ONLY one with the true abd sovereign control of EVERY single THING or PERSONS. “…He [not mankind, sovereignly and ultimately] does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

And more often than not, God will uses and allows a “season of suffering” to demonstrate his ultimate sovereignty. “…those who walk in pride… [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV).

If you read my last book, do you remember willful and prideful King Nebuchadnezzar, who boasted of his small sphere of control? “...he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4).

THE BACK STORY: “ I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. I had a dream that made me afraid. So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me, but they could not interpret it for me. Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream.

“This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar ( another name for Daniel) , tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”

Belteshazzar answered, “My lord…The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— Your Majesty, you are that tree!

You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground.

Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’ “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven.

Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later,as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?”

Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox.

Seven times (years) will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.

He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

At the end of that time , I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride (self-will) he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).

The king FREELY made his CHOICE and God FREELY made his. God is in control, but he is not controlling. Every individual can make a decision, but they can not decide on the outcome of those decisions.

God is sovereign over the tests, and trials he allows, yet the human “will” wasn’t designed or created to be controlled. In the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, ultimately, he had to voluntarily decide or choose to humble his human “will” under God’s sovereign control “...[Willfully choose to]...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor...” (1 Peter 5:6).

King Nebuchadnezzar voluntarily, decided, to surrender to God’s sovereignty. “...At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

King Nebuchadnezzar further teaches us that having a human “will” is the God-given authority to choose, but it doesn’t have ultimate sovereignty. However, God’s will does. “...All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind or human will) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?...” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s holy and ultimate sovereignty is his right to do as HEpleases. Your human will is God’s bestowed authority to choose, which gives people a license, issued by HIM, to decide as they please. “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).

God doesn’t want mankind to forget “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

Yes, you have the God-given authority to decide or choose as you please, but the human “will” is a created gift. Therefore, “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

Doing whatever and nobody can stop you, can become intoxicating. It can always puff you up and make you become prideful. So be careful and remember, “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

King Nebuchadnezzar forgot his human will was a God-given authority “created” by God, but NOT sovereign authority like God’s. “…All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later,as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NI V).

 “….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you….He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).

The KING said:“...Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NI V).

 The WORD said: “…For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

The human “will” can cause pride to confuse a person’s bestowed, God-given authority as sovereign, when that kind of CONTROL belongs “ONLY” to the LIVING God of all of creation.

King Nebuchadnezzar made that mistake, but finally came to respect and submit to the sovereignty of the LIVING God of ALL creation. “At the end of that time, I,Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven…. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever… Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV).

An example of God-given authority is similar to a young child living with his parents.  The parents own everything, control everything, and oversee everything, which gives them ultimate rights and sovereignty. The child, however, is bestowed the authority, from the parents, to liberally share all they have as if it’s their very own.

If the child begins to abuse that authority the parents would, mostly likely, usurp their sovereign authority to remind the child who is ultimately in charge.

If the child doesn’t obey, the parents may begin to revoke some of the child’s parent-given privileges.

King Nebuchadnezzar lost everything he took authoritative pride in, such as what he had built, his power, and his majesty. “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NIV). Who was in ultimately in control, him or God?

Because the human will is or has been enslaved to sin, it can cause people to abuse the God-given authority HE has given them. Willful pride can lead to some of the greatest abuses of all because it is influenced or enslaved by the “evil one”.

“We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

God knows the human “will” can lead to trouble if not willfully and voluntarily put under the sovereignty of God’s DIVINE will. Apostle Paul talked about the troubles he had with his own human “will” that was influenced by the sinful nature. He said:

“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature). I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good,but I don’t.

I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway . I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want (WILL) to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme (within my sinful nature). Oh, what a miserable person I am!

Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin (self-will through the old sinful nature)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

We are to learn and be admonished after reading and studying the book of Job. “… whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

God’s people learn that in this life they (those in antiquity and in the 21st century) all have a “common destiny.” “...So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. All share a common destiny—… The same destiny overtakes all.… time and chance happen to them all so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them…”(Ecclesiastes 9 NIV).

“For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them” (Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV).

“….People are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them…”(Ecclesiastes 9 NIV). “…All share a common destiny …” (Ecclesiastes 9 NIV).

However, those “IN” Christ have the guaranteed promise “...that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

So whether you understand your suffering or not; whether it is “without cause” or not; whether it is unjust or just; whether you agree with it or not; whether God permitted and initiated it or not; whether you are faithful, blameless, righteous, perfect, upright, full of integrity, or not – GOD IS SOVEREIGN and “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

The bottom line: “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

Job gained a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty. “...Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee… now mine eye seeth thee…” (Job 42:1, 6 KJV).

Job had justified himself whether than God. He defended himself and his righteousness whether than God, who allowed his suffering, and HIS righteous decision. God’s corrected Job through Elihu. “…Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu ... against Job ...because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job...” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).

For those “IN” Christ, there are some things the Word of God teaches about suffering. “…Christ suffered for [us]…, leaving [us]… an example, that [we] should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”  When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

First lesson, “… [when he (Jesus) suffered,] …he entrusted himself to him who judges justly...” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). “…that ye(redeemed souls) should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

“….he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceasedfrom sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV).

“…if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

 “…the suffering of this present time ARE NOT worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…” (Romans 8:18 KJV).

“...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…”(ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“…So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

“…The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).

Remember, Joseph went from prison to a high position, after a “season of suffering.” “Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. …“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”…Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”…So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.”  Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command,[and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt…”(Genesis 41 NIV).

After suffering in the fiery furnace, the Hebrew boys were also promoted. …Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon” (Daniel 3 KJV).

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12 KJV).

Whatever you lose or give up, during a “season of suffering,” for God’s sake; God gives you a powerful promise: “...Then Peter began to speak up ‘We’ve given up everythingto follow you,’ he said. ‘Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News,will receive NOW in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Therefore, “...Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

God is saying: "…Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness…” (Isaiah 43:19-20 NASB).

"I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." (Isaiah 42:9 NASB).

 “...I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along “unfamiliar” paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them...” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

Again, “…When he suffered …he entrusted himself to him who judges justly...” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). “…that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).

“…After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

 

 

 

 

           

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ITS ONLY FOR A SEASON: IT "WILL" PASS!!

                                    SEASONS OF SUFFERING

“…after you have suffered a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

  Even though, the bible says, “…Christ … [already] suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV), the bible also says to“…[entrust yourselves]…to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). ). “Seasons of suffering” are not that simple or cut and dry.

What does it mean, “…after you have suffered a little while…” or after a “season of suffering?” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT). This verse implies that there will be “a little” suffering to some degree or duration, but it will pass based on the word “after.” I will be using the terms “seasons of suffering,” or tests, or trails, or tribulations interchangeably.

Therefore, suffering, no matter how severe, is temporary and the bible says, “…the suffering of this present time ARE NOT worthy to be compared with the glory (compared to God’s presence, goodness, or working power) which shall be revealed in us…” (Romans 8:18 KJV). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

It is comforting to know Jesus suffers with us, enables us to endure suffering, absorbs the pain of our suffering, which he took upon the cross; yet we STILL have to go through or experience it. “…AfterYOU have suffered a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

“Seasons of suffering” may include: the loss of a significant love one, an unexpected medical diagnosis, a divorce, infidelity, a wayward child, loss of viable income, reduction in wealth, a foreclosure on a home, some type of disability, a pandemic, a type of abuse, brain surgery, rape, incest, war injuries, mental illness, or any number of horrendous experiences.  “... We [face]… conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside…” (2 Corinthians 7:5 KJV).

Our initial reactions are not necessarily spiritual. We are only human and “seasons of suffering” usually rock us to the very core. Job was only human and was of course, saddened and heartbroken over his loses: “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head (OT behaviors for sadness, grief, or sorrow)…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Job went through a horrific “season of suffering” and felt all the common, human emotions about it. “...I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!...” (Mark 9:24 NIV). Even if you are a staunch believer, faithfully trusting in all of God’s promises; you are only human.

It is typical to go through a period of doubt, or sadness, or grief, or attitude, when being tested. “…I walk around filled with grief…” (Psalms 38:6 NLT). Even though Jesus was the resurrection and the life, he was sad about Lazarus’ death. “….Jesus wept…” (John 11:25, 35 KJV).

“Seasons of suffering” will elicit a response of shock, sadness, confusion, questions, fear, grief, or disappointment. “I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief…” (Psalms 38:6 NLT).

“Seasons of suffering” can rip through the heart like a bulldozer and suddenly you are propelled into some alternate reality. King David said, “…I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.  Look upon mine affliction…” (Psalms 25:16-18 KJV).

When “seasons of suffering” appear on the scenes of our life, they are hard to accept. “...Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?...” (Psalm 43:5 KJV). One moment Job had a huge family and the next moment, he had no family at all. “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

The reality of that kind of drastic change is overwhelming and hard for the human psyche to comprehend initially. “...Why art thou cast down, O my soul? …” (Psalm 43:5 KJV).

Job’s “season of suffering” started like this: “..One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).

This “season of suffering” included Job’s health. “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

This “season of suffering” included relational issues too. Job’s wife said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV).

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head (ancient Near East behavior for sadness, grief, or sorrow)…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

These are some harsh loses: family, prosperity, status, health, relationships, etc. In addition, sudden losses leave you with a sense of helplessness, or loss of control.

When I received the news that I had a brain bleed I didn’t believe it. I went through a period of denial. This happens to other people, not me. I didn’t blame God. I didn’t blame anyone. It wasn’t hereditary, so I couldn’t blame my family either.

My brain bleed was caused by an arteriovenous malformation or AVM for short. It was a one in a million medical condition and I was the statistical one in the million.

Once I was diagnosed everything happened swiftly after that and before I could blink I was at Georgetown University Hospital. I was admitted on a Wednesday and on the following Tuesday I was scheduled to have brain surgery. However, I had a seizure instead and ended up having surgery two days later. I was in a coma for a few days and stayed in ICU for almost a month.

After ICU, I was sent to Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital for another two months. During my stay in the Rehab Hospital I was inundated with daily therapy sessions, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. In addition, I was assigned a neuropsychologist.

While talking to the neuropsychologist I realized I was angry and she did too. Initially, I didn’t know what I was angry about, but I was angry nonetheless. It takes a while for your mind to catch up with the reality of your new situation. While being counseled, I learned I was now considered disabled. I wasn’t ready to face that. I asked one of the nurses “Who you calling disabled?” She said, “YOU.” I wasn’t ready to face that.

It was true nonetheless and my new, inescapable vulnerability also made me angry. I was totally dependent on others for my care. I was so emotional about it and would cry at the drop of a hat for no conscionable reason. My anger had no real target either, but I was mad at everything and everybody anyway. Deep inside I knew it was no one’s fault, yet I was angry that the brain bleed happened in the first place.

I tried to control the anger, because I would feel guilty for taking my attitude out on someone else. I had to apologize to my neuropsychologist on a couple of occasions. Why was I angry? I had lost my health and I was now considered disabled because my brain surgery had highly impacted my balance.

Loss, whatever the loss, always paves the way for grief. “…I walk around filled with grief…” (Psalms 38:6 NLT). Grieving is unique to each individual and is an extremely personal process. Grief has no steps, or levels, or stages, or exact procedures; it simple requires a process of time.

After a period of anger I went through a mild period of depression. I am normally an optimistic individual, but my imbalance limited my independence and mobility. I couldn’t drive or do things “I” wanted to do, but was at the mercy of others. It made me sad. I missed my own lifestyle, my own independence, and doing my own thing.

Living with imbalance, due to an AVM, is challenging and the brain is SLOW to heal. I learned that medical doctors treat you, but only God can truly heal you. “…for I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26 KJV). I had to come to the reality that healing from my disability was in God’s hand. God was healing me in his timing and on his schedule, not mine.

In the meantime, God led me to accept and receive the love, caregiving, and support of friends and family. When you get sick, you will be surprised to find out who your “real” friends and family are and disappointed to find out who is not your “real” friend or family. WHOA!!! In addition, I wrote books, which I enjoyed and it made me feel better by giving me a sense of purpose. In fact, you are reading one of them now.

I concluded, I am merely the clay, NOT the POTTER. “...O Jehovah, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we (all redeemed souls) ...are the work of thy hand...” (Isaiah 64:8 NASB).God made everyone. “...[God]...Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous...You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born...” (Psalms 139:14-16 NLT).

Eventually, I began to submit to the reality of my “season of suffering.” I begin to understand it was only temporary, God was in control, and made my peace with the process. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). This is the part of the process where I truly began to “… [entrust myself] to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

“…I [began to learn] … to be content whatever the circumstances. I know [now] what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I … learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). Truly, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Learning to trust and depend upon God, during a “season of suffering,” is a deeply personal experience. God can help you process through a “season of suffering” better than anyone. God understands suffering. “…Christ suffered for you…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

Thus God will help you through the entire process and soothe all your emotional experiences. “…Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted...” (Matthew 5:4 KJV).

Friends and family are very helpful, but sometimes it is difficult to share the challenge or depth of your journey with them like you can with God. “..[Jesus is able]… to empathize with our ...[EVERY]...weakness…” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

With God, you can face the deep emotional grief and sadness that comes with the “season of suffering.” God understands in a way that promotes supernatural healing. “...Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation…”(2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV).

I absolutely DID NOT like this “season of suffering” It radically changed my entire life. I went from a comfortable, but unexciting complacency to an uncomfortable, but exciting walk of faith. Eventually, my uncomfortable, but exciting walk of faith became my peaceful, Christ-enabled contentment.“…I [learned] … to be content whatever the circumstances. I … learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

I prayed for God to change several things in my life, but I wanted him to change them my way so that my life remained comfortably complacent in the process. That’s not God’s style."…Behold, I will do something new, Nowit will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness…” (Isaiah 43:19-20 NASB)."I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images... "Behold,the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaimthem to you." (Isaiah 42:9 NASB).

If you want “something new” you are asking God for something fresh, unfamiliar, or different, right? So what will God do? “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along “unfamiliar” paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

Don’t ask God for change and continue to hold on to your comfort and complacency for dear life. “…You skillfully ….hold on to your own tradition...” (Mark 7:9 NLT). A “season of suffering,” no matter how devastating, may be your answer to prayer. God “… is able to do [or answer prayer]… exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). Hard trials will, no doubt, make you question God and make you wonder how this “suffering” is answering your prayer. Yet, “…[entrust yourself]…to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

And remember, “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). So like it or not, a “season of suffering” demonstrates that many of God’s ways are simply “…past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV).

My conclusion to these truths is that God is in control and I am NOT. Comfortable complacency is about “YOUR” control. Taking a risk and walking by faith may seem the same to some and feel the same, but they have very different foundations. One is based on a whim or your control and the other is based on God and his control. “… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…I will do all my pleasure…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).

“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand"(Deuteronomy 32:39 KJV).

“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things." (Acts 17:24-25 KJV).

I didn’t like what had happened to me, but I AM NOT in control. “...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

I had to face the truth. I AM NOT in control. God is in control. “…How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.

Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil” (James 4:15-16 NLT).“…For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:16 KJV).

I had a brain bleed. I couldn’t heal myself. I couldn’t make my balance return when “I”wanted it to return or in my timing.  I couldn’t be independent. I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t go where and when I wanted to go. I couldn’t be in my own home. I couldn’t live the life I once lived. I couldn’t live in my own state. I couldn’t make people around me act the way I wanted them to act. I couldn’t. I couldn’t. I couldn’t. My control took a roller coaster ride right off the tracks. “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

I DON’T run the show; I’m NOT in control, and I DON’T do what I want to do.” The bible says, “…those who walk in pride (self-control and not God’s). [God] is ableto humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

I thought I had given God control, but evidently not total control. I needed to grow deeper in humility and respect for God’s sovereign control. This is so new and so fresh I am still undergoing the lesson. But I will share it with you in hope it will help you. Being transparent is the pits!

Before my brain bleed I was already going through a long “season of suffering.” I had gone through years of suffering, in fact. I had given up, and grown weary. Further, I had become comfortably complacent about it.

First of all, I had accepted the long “season of suffering” as my faithfulness to God, but not necessarily his faithfulness to me. “Poor me” I underwent my long-term test thinking I’m being a martyr for Christ and enduring my share of suffering.  I wasn’t. I was however, walking in complacency, but not faith.

I had learned to adapt to my test and control its impact to a certain degree. In the beginning of my journey, I was more fervent about overcoming my test by faith, but as time tarried on my enthusiasm faded tremendously. I had come to the conclusion that God wasn’t going to change my situation and maybe he couldn’t change it anyway.

So I adapted to the “season of suffering” and became comfortably complacent about it. I remained faithful and loyal to God, but I had grown weary, given up, lost interest, laid it down, and became detached from ever overcoming my test.

My ongoing prayer about my “season of suffering” went from asking God to give me the strength to overcome it - to give me the strength to live through it. We actually need both; the strength to overcome and the strength to get through. However, I was ONLY praying for the strength to get through.

In all honesty, I felt my “season of suffering” was like Lazarus, buried so long; “… by this time, [it] stinketh: for [it]…hath been dead for …[years] …” (John 11:39 KJV). I still had some small tidbit of hope. Thankfully, God “…dealt to every man(woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV).

 I had my “..measure of faith…” Yet and still, I felt if God could truly change my “season of suffering” - it wouldn’t have died out. I related to Martha feelings. “… As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV).

After so many years, I concluded that God had abandoned me or trapped me in my long-term “season of suffering.” I was “humbly” accepting it by becoming complacent. “Poor me, the suffering little martyr.”

Whether I knew it or not, I wasn’t walking by faith to overcome the test, but simple trying to get through it or survive it.  “…In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ASV).  I believed this verse to be God’s absolute truth, but not for my long-term test.

I prayed and depended upon Jesus to change and deliver me from many other things, but NOT my long “season of suffering” This test had become like a brick wall to me and no matter how much I hammered it; it was only getting thicker as time travelled on.

Somewhere along the way, I laid my hope or my hammer down. I heard God say through Jesus “...I have overcome…” (John 6:33 KJV).  If Jesus said “I have overcome…” then I have too! I win, right?!!! I laid that truth down, anyway, in regard to my long-term “season of suffering.”

In addition, without knowing it; I started doubting God’s ability to overcome my test, control it, change it, fix it, or do the impossible with it. The long, enduring test made no sense to me anymore, too many years had passed, and the persistent trial was a constant neon sign of its presence. Furthermore, my so-called perceived evidence (walking by sight, not faith) told me that God couldn’t overcome this one.

Neither could I overcome it. Did I think because I couldn’t change things, neither could the ALMIGHTY God? “…thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV). I was tired, weak, and without, I thought, sufficient hope.

Did I lay my hope down because I didn’t believe “I”could overcome it or that God couldn’t?

When did I start thinking I was in control of the test or its outcome? When did I start believing in my puny power and not the power of the Almighty God? I know how Job felt when he said, “…Now I have seen you with my own eyes.  I take back everything I said [and did], and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). I got it wrong and “…thoughtest that [God]… was altogether such an one as [myself]…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

I AM FINITE. I AM NOT IN CONTROL. I CAN’T DO ANYTHING MIRACULOUS WITHOUT GOD. IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT IS TO BE DONE AND NOT MINE. IT IS GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE, IN HIS TIMING AND NOT MINE. I AM JUST A HUMAN VESSEL. I AM THE CLAY AND HE IS THE POTTER. WITHOUT GOD, I CAN DO NOTHING AND I AM WEAK, but GOD!! I am not shouting at you. I am just emphasizing those facts.

It is hard to look at the places you have held on to your pride. Only God knows what it will take to get your attention and humble you. Pride will puff you up falsely, but God will humble you authentically. Even during a test, you can begin to think more highly of yourself than you should.

When did I take control of my test from God? What made me think “I” could turn it around? Laying down my hope was the same as falling down off a pedestal. “Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV). “A man's pride shall bring him(her) low…” (Proverbs 29:23 KJV). “For if a man(woman) think himself(herself) to be something, when he(she) is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). “…thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

I didn’t know that pride was an issue until my brain bleed, but God did. Thankfully, God, “…you have searched me, Lord, and you know me …you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3 KJV). “…And those who walk in pride …[God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4 NIV). Like Job, “…I take back everything I said [thought or did), and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).

It took my LONG “season of suffering” and my new “season of suffering” to further humble me and give me a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty. Only the Sovereign God knows how to work “…all things… together for GOOD to them that LOVE [HIM], to them who are THE CALLEDto his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

The good comes out of all the spiritual growth and development. Satan “…intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 NIV).

My suffering has proved God’s love, for me, yet again and his desire for my utmost holiness (freedom from sin). We continue to love him deeper and deeper, because he continues to show the depth of his love for us. “We love, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

Satan “…intended to harm me, but [the loving]…God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:20 NIV). God cancels Satan’s intended harm and overrules it by working “…all things …together for GOOD… ” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Satan may form destructive events against us, but they won’t prosper. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

Satan may FORM his many events and devices and we may grow tired, weary, hopeless, and weak in the process, but hold on to God’s hand. “… I can of mine own self do nothing…” John 5:30 KJV).  However, “…the things which are impossible with men(women) are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  

I admit I had grown tired from my LONG “season of suffering” as well as weary, hopeless, and weak. God counsels us about that. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).

God says, don’t get weary, but “…only believe…” that, “…I will supply all your NEED…” (John 12:32 & Philippians 4:19 KJV). HALLELUJAH!!!

When I was at my utmost weakest, my faithful Creator says I was really at my strongest!!! “…[God’s] grace is sufficient for you, for [his] power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

The truth is, “….apart from [Christ]…, you can do nothing…”(John 15:5 NIV). However, “…[You] can do all things through Christwhich strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…for [HIS]… power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  Even though I got weak and weary, God’s, “…grace [became]…sufficient for [me (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

God’s sufficient Grace reminds me of the generator that kicks in when your electricity goes out, during a storm.

In both of my “seasons of suffering” God’s grace is revealed, experienced, and undeservingly available to me in abundance!! Praises to “…the incomparable richesof his GRACE, expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...”

“…My God will supply all [your need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…what is the riches of the glory…; …CHRIST IN YOU…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

I have NO CHOICE, but to be victorious and overcome “in” Christ Jesus. “…In this [fallen] world [I] shall have tribulation (no matter how LONG): but [I can]…be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).  

Jesus is assuring you and I of the victory and is deeming it already DONE and WON. Whatever the “season of suffering” or test, or trial, or tribulation, Jesus has already overcome it and his victory is YOURS too. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace…In this [fallen] world [you] shall have tribulation (no matter how LONG): but [you can]…be of good cheer, [God through Christ (in YOU) has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).

I admittedly grew weak in my LONG “season of suffering.” OUR own, lonely, finite, self-effort will run out of steam pretty quickly, during a test. Those times when I didn’t rely on the grace and sufficiency of God. I probably said, “…Father,… take this cup from Me; …[however]...not [your] will, but [mine]… be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). Whether I was aware I was saying it or not, I took that stance.

Jesus asked God to take his cup or “season of suffering” from him, but I laid my cup down without asking permission. Jesus said, “…Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

I probably said, “...Father, I AM laying this cup down, even if you don’t take it. That’s my will; not yours...”

I stayed the course, but my hope for overcoming my “season of suffering” was gone with the wind, but GOD!!! “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

In the story of Lazarus it seems Jesus didn’t come to the situation “on time.”  “Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord if thou hadst been there, my brother had not died” (John 11:21 KJV).

That was the opinion, of Mary and Martha, concerning Jesus’ delay. I felt that way too. My LONG “season of suffering” had died-out, even after all I thought I did to stand in faith and be a righteous person!

I justified my righteousness, but condemned God’s righteous decision to allow me to go through my LONG “season of suffering,” I had to repent. “…Job... justified himself rather than God...” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).

I thought, haughtily, what is the point being faithful, obedient, and trusting Jesus if your “season of suffering” ends in defeat, dies a hopeless death, or gets worst ANYWAY?

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus did not come visibly to the situation until death had occurred. What is the point of showing up AFTER death? It’s over and the situation is a bust, so why is Jesus showing up now? Mary and Martha condemned Jesus’ actions, just like the rest of us do or are doing, right now.

Further, this is the place many of us “give up” or accuse God of not working things out the way “WE” wanted them to work out or the way HE claimed it would (Romans 8:28). I am guilty of having this attitude.

One of Lazarus’ sisters said, “… as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming … Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died… ” (John 11:20-22 KJV). Martha accused Jesus of not being there and declared it was TOO LATE, so she told him “…Lord, by this time, he stinketh: for he hath been dead for four days …” (John 11:39 KJV).

WHO AM I or who ARE WE TO QUESTION GOD? WHO AM I or who ARE WE TO QUESTION HIS POWERFUL TIMING, OR HIS SOVEREIGNTY OVER “ALL” SITUATIONS? “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

My LONG “season of suffering” was dead to MY CONTROL, my finite power to change it, and my ability to hope in its resurrection or its life, but Not GOD’s!!!  I“…thoughtest that [God]... was altogether such an one as [myself]…“(Psalm 50:19-21 KJV).

Jesus is always with you throughout your entire “season of suffering” no matter how long. He will “…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

However, Jesus will clearly manifest himself in his timing, with the purpose of giving you a GREATER outcome!!! “…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory (presence, goodness, and working power) of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

While Martha and Mary were being comforted by friends and family, Jesus had something better in mind. (John 11:17-22). 

I thought my LONG “season of suffering” was dead, but after my brain bleed, God said, “…only believe…” (Mark 5:36 KJV). God is not limited by ANYTHING and a tidbit of hope or a mustard seed of hope WILL MOVE MOUNTAINS!! “…For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you…” (Matthew 17:20 KJV).

God has“…dealt to every man the measure of faith...” and therefore, we are NEVER destitute of faith (Romans 12:3 KJV). It’s not a feeling, it’s a fact. “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

Look what happened for Mary and Martha. “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...”(John 11:43-44 KJV). Their “season of suffering” was OVER!!!

Mary and Martha could have chosen to “…[entrust themselves]… to HIM who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). God goes BEYOND what you can see, your timing, what you can endure, what you can control, or comprehend. Nothing is dead until God says it’s dead!! In Mary and Martha’s story, “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

I realize God loves me dearly and deeply. He created me to overcome, he gave me victory in Jesus, and NOW nothing is impossible for me.  Jesus asked Mary and Martha, “…where have ye laid him?..’ (John 11:34 KJV).

God used that same verse to ask me where had I laid my hope. “…Jesus saith unto to her, ‘Said I not unto to thee, that, if thou wouldest believe,thou shouldest see the glory of God’…” (John 11:40 KJV).

My brain bleed came to help me grow deeper spiritually, to renew, to restore, to develop, to strengthen my faith, to humble me, to fill me with fresh hope, to help me gain a deeper respect for God’s sovereign control, to allow me to gain more revelation knowledge of God’s divine nature, and to draw me even closer to him.  HALLELUJAH!!!!

God didn’t want me limited by my human, finite abilities, complacencies, and human reasonings. God wanted me to become EMPOWERED by the unlimited indwelling Holy Spiritthat enables me to keep trusting and depend upon God through everything. The bible says, “...Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths...” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

When LONG “seasons of suffering” make no “human” sense and time, invested in years, continue to pass; Jesus says, “…you must believe and not doubt….” (James 1:6-8 NIV).

I am glad God loves me. I am glad he remembered my work and labor of love; not because I deserved it, but because of his sufficient grace, mercy, and unmerited favor(kindness). “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name…” (Hebrews 6:10 KJV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV).

I am glad God remains faithful, even when I don’t. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV). I am glad God keeps his word and promises, even when I forget them! “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

Goodness and mercy, because of God, and in spite of me, follows me ALL the days of my life, even when I stop being aware of it (Psalms 23:6).  Praise God who is able “… to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB).

I am again reminded, “…you must believe and not doubt….” (James 1:6-8 NIV). I still don’t like “seasons of suffering,” but I respect my Father’s ways of correcting me. “…his ways [are]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

I firmly believe that, even in the STORMS of life,  “…[my] eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into [my]… heart … the things which God hath prepared for [me]....” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). I am excited!!!

In regard to my LONG “season of suffering” and brain bleed I have, always had, the GUARANTEED VICTORY!! I AM REJOICING. JESUS HAS SPOKEN. “…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).

Myparaphrased version: “And [the situation]… that was dead [has come] forth …Jesus saith unto [it ‘I have overcome the world’], Loose [the situation]…, and let [it] go...”(John 11:43-44 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto to her, ‘Said I not unto to thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God’…” (John 11:40 KJV). “...thou shouldest see the ...presence, goodness, and working power]... of God’…” (John 11:40 KJV). “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

I BELIEVED AND I WON!!!

DOES YOUR SUFFERING HAVE A PURPOSE?

                                                    IF  CHRIST ALREADY SUFFERED FOR US, DID HIS SUFFERING HAVE A PURPOSE?  ARE YOU HAPPY HE WILLING SUFFERING, SO THAT YOU MAY BE SAVED?  “…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).*Suffering is not an easy topic to write about. Further, it is a hard to accept or see God’s loving justice in suffering of any kind. If we are in a relationship with God through Christ, then suffering is even more confusing and questionable. Why are we suffering while in a relationship with God through Christ? Some of us are committed, loyal, and faithful followers of Christ and yet we have experienced or are experiencing massive or horrendous suffering. We have lost love ones through unbelievable types of death. We have lost our health. We have lost spouses. We have lost money. We have lost positions and jobs. We have lost friendship. We have lost close family ties. We have lost our renown. We have experienced failure, humiliation, rejection, undeserved blame, isolation, abuse, loneliness, disability, long-term sickness, and poverty of all kinds.Yet, the bible says, “…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). The bible provides ample stories about God’s people who had to endure some kind of suffering. The book of Job is a prime example of suffering. Job was a faithful servant of God “…perfect and upright and one that feareth God and escheweth evil…” yet he experienced suffering through horrendous lost (Job 1:1 KJV). In fact, God allowed or permitted the suffering Job endured and “without cause.” “And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3 KJV). Job’s suffering and pain was unbearable to read about or even imagine, but he endured it without blaming God. “In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God” (Job 1:22 KJV). At first glance, it seems Job’s suffering served no just, spiritual, or wise purpose. It is not unusual to question God’s love during difficult times. “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ” (Mark 4:38 KJV).How can God be loving when he allows or permits suffering? “… although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause ” (Job 2:3 KJV). Eventually, Job has questions too. “Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?” (Job 3:11 KJV). “I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?” (Job 9:2 KJV). “ If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14 KJV).Job’s suffering didn’t make sense to him and he couldn’t find an adequate or justifiable answer. Asking questions is the best way to find answers. Elihu told Job, “… I would seek unto God , and unto God would I commit my cause…” (Job 5:9 KJV). Wise men sought God (Matthew 1:1-12). “ Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV). “… those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17 KJV). “… seek , and ye shall find… (Matthew 7:7-8 KJV). “ The LORD [is] good …to the soul [that] seeketh him…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). When suffering “... call upon [God]… in the day of trouble : [He] will deliver [you]…” (Psalms 50:15 KJV).  “ Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near…” (Isaiah 55:6-7 KJV). “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 44:6-7 KJV).However, when suffering, looking for answers or explanations in finite man; misses the whole point. “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3 KJV). Job’s friends looked for answers in Job by accusing him of some secret sin and Job thought it was about himself too. “[It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:9 KJV).“Are [Job and his friends]… saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course [he’s]…not! For God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). God has the sovereign right to do what he wants with our lives whether we like it or not.  “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).We belong to him. When the sovereignty of God is realized and we finally surrender to the fact that God is in control. We humbly agree, “…it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). Elihu was instrumental in showing Job and his friends this truth. “Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself”(Galatians 6:3 KJV).Suffering is something Christ did as well. “… Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). God “… spared not his own Son, [from suffering,] but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).We are to follow in his footsteps, which means suffering will be a part of the human experience for believers. “…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).God’s standard is HOLINESS and suffering is sometimes a part of his Sovereign wisdom for developing that holiness. Job’s suffering elicited a deeper level of holy humility. “Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not (Job’s suffering made him more humble); things too wonderful for me, which I knew not” (Job 42:3 KJV). “You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about (Job’s suffering give him a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty), things far too wonderful for me” (Job 42:3 NLT).Regardless of Job’s lack of knowledge and understanding of God’s sovereign reasons for his suffering, Job ultimately needed to surrender to God’s omniscient, finite decision to use Satan to further develop his spiritual life. “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee (Job’s suffering opened up Revelation knowledge of God to him)...” (Job 42:5 KJV).God uses ordinary people to speak for him. God’s corrects Job through Elihu. “…Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).Job needed to continue to grow and develop spiritually. Job was righteous and upright man, but he had not arrived to the high mark of his calling, nonetheless. God said Job was a “…perfect and upright and one that feareth God and escheweth evil…” (Job 1:1 KJV). “...Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I ...[choose to]...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 13:13-14 KJV). “...I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us...” (Philippians 13:13-14 NLT). Nonetheless, Job’s suffering made him question the infinite God, whether intentional or unintentional, which was a provocation(vexing, complaint) to God’s sovereignty. Job said: “...You (God) asked...[me]..., ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I (Job)—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about (Job’s suffering give him a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty), things far too wonderful for me” (Job 42:3 NLT). “...So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job…” (Job 33:1-10 KJV). God wants his people to grow and develop spiritually and become holy as he is holy. . “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). In the New Testament, Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). A “season of suffering” is similar to a period of pruning that aims at stimulating growth and more fruit bearing (John 15:2).Holy humility is the best response to the omniscient will of God and his use of trials in our lives. “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38: 2 KJV). “Then the Lordanswered Job from the whirlwind: “ Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words ?” (Job 38:2 NLT).We learn, in the story of Job, to trust God WHEN we don’t understand, BECAUSEwe don’t understand, and SINCE our understanding is finite at best. “…I uttered that I understood not ; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not” (Job 42:3 KJV). God challenged Job on his finiteness in comparison to his infiniteness. God said to Job: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?” (Job 38:4-11 KJV).It is only human, during times of suffering, to question God. Job’s questions eventually helped him uncover and seek pertinent information found only in the answer, which is GOD. In the midst of his mind-boggling suffering, like David, Job  “…sought the LORD, and he heard [him], and delivered [him]… from all [his] fears” (Psalm 34:4 KJV).“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee” (Job 42:5 KJV).God answers Job in chapter 38 with his own set of questions and finite truths. “… The Lord answered Job …” (Job 38: 2 KJV). It is God’s response to Job that leads him to surrender to the finite God and find peace to his many questions. “Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee…I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:1, 6 KJV). The righteous and upright Job REPENTED.“Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). So Job’s suffering was not merely about what happened TO him, but also what happened IN him. “… but now mine eye seeth thee… ” (Job 42:1, 6 KJV). Godly enlightenment is about spiritual growth and development.It is clear, in the book of Job, that Satan cannot do anything to you, without permission from God. God is sovereign over every created thing, angel, or person and establishes boundaries as he pleases. “And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:12 KJV).“And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life” (Job 2:9 KJV).We all question God whenever we go through horrendous trials, but often God’s “…ways [are]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV). Job also teaches us that suffering has nothing to do with how righteous you are, but is based exclusively on God’s sovereign right to use suffering to prune you, develop you, test you, correct you, make you holy, or enlighten you further through his revelatory knowledge. “ The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).The bottom line, God is worthy of all praise regardless of what we face in this life! “..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). The conclusion of Job’s suffering was his new revelatory enlightenment of God. “… but now mine eye seeth thee… ” (Job 42:1, 6 KJV). It demonstrates the need to trust God during suffering whether you agree with it or not. “… [Entrust yourself]… to him who judges justly… ” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). Job’s personal knowledge of God deepened as well as his holy humility as a direct result of his suffering. Job sought God and found him.Job’s story is a classic example of suffering and demonstrates God cares about your spiritual development. God cares about the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). The bible doesn’t say all thing ARE good, but he says all things work together for good: God’s good. “… All things work together for GOOD (God’s kind of good) to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).Hard tests, for the 21st century believer, means that the “working together for good”, is about your suffering mixing with the finished work of Christ on the cross. “…After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, … he said, It is finished : …” (John 19:28-30 KJV). Once Job was pruned through God’s sovereign love and care, he received a double blessings for all he had loss. “…Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before . The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” (Job 42:10, 12 KJV).Job’s spiritual development had a priority over all the things Job possessed or held dear to his heart. “…seek ye first the kingdom of God , and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you… ” (Matthew 6:33 KJV). Most people believe that the greatest part of Job’s story was his double, temporary, outward material blessings and not his double, eternal, inward intangible blessings which is priceless!!God said Job was “blameless and upright”. “..There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil .” “” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). “…Through all [his suffering]… Job did not sin nor did he blame God “ Job 1:20-22 NASB). However, God also tells every one of children to continue to “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. … ”(Matthew 23:27-28 KJV). Job “did” not sin and was a “blameless and upright man.” God is the one who said that about Job. However, “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).After his season of suffering, Job was still “blameless and upright” but had grown spiritually, which was, I believe, a part of his DOUBLEblessing too!! He gained a deeper humility towards God, a greater revelatory knowledge of God, and a more profound respect for God’s sovereignty. Paul said, “….everything else is worthlesswhen compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).“..., I ...[choose to]...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 13:13-14 KJV). One disciple said: “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus (THE WORD) said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).Therefore, spiritually and materially “…the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before (IN “THIS” LIFE) . The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…”(Job 42:10, 12 KJV). What steps concluded this season of Job’s suffering? First Job repented. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “ …I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance ” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Second he prayed for his friends. “… When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes …” (Job 42:10 NLT). Second, Job’s friends had given him “dark counsel” (Job 38:2) and implied that his suffering was a sign of God’s punishment for some personal sin. Their “dark counsel” made Job defensive about his own righteousness. Job also questioned his suffering.Job’s friends were wrong in their assessment of God and so was Job in his knowledge and understanding. However, after Job’s conversation with God, he repented. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.   I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance ” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Thus after Job repented, God instructed him to pray for his friends. Job ministered to his accusing friends in prayer at God’s command.What THREE areas did job grown spiritually? First, Job demonstrated a deeper humility before God. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “… ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Second, although Job was a “blameless and upright” man, he was seeing God in a new light. For the first time he was gaining personal revelatory knowledge, of God, for himself. Job also said, “…I had only heard about you before, but I have seen you with my own eyes…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Job was experiencing direct communication with God and God was talking back to him. “…“Then Job replied to the Lord… “You said, ‘Listen and I will speak...” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).Third, Job gained a deeper respect for God’s sovereignty. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Job’s spiritual growth made him REPENT. “…For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation…” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV). Job said: “…  I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance ...” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).Job’s suffering transformed him, he quit justifying himself and realized God was ALWAYS just in ALL he does; not mankind. “Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell me [Job], if you know ALL this ” (Job 38:18 NIV). Job replied “I have declared that which I did not understand” (Job 42:3). “… there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name isgreat in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes …” (Job 42:10 NLT). Praying for his friends was the zenith of his suffering. Once Job repented, was shown grace and mercy, was restored, and graduated from his own personal lessons, he interceded for Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar “…and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer…” (Job 42:9 NLT). “…. pray for one another so that you may be healed . The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB). “… When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes …” (Job 42:10 NLT). “…So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV). All human suffering “in” Christ culminates with a promise: “….that all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). In order to fully benefit from suffering it is important to “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). In order to look forward to deliverance from suffering and bear its affliction, one must have faith they will overcome. “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer , [God has]… OVERCOME the world …” (John 16:33 KJV). Only those “ in ” Christ who “…live by faith, not by sight...” will overcome (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). Many people, including believers, go through suffering from which they are not delivered and from which the affliction defeats them. Many will NOT “…live by faith, [but]… by sight...” thus will NOT overcome (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).Many will NOT believe God, “….that all things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). OR THE WILL NOT BELIEVE “…the plans [God has]…for [them]…. plans to prosper [them].. and not to harm [them]…, plans to give [them]… hope and a future ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). God alone “…. [calls]… you out of darkness into his marvellous light… ” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). God alone, “…. delivered [you].. out of all [your]..trouble…” (Psalms 54:7 KJV). “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles ” (Psalms 34:6 KJV).God alone, “…in his kindness [has]…called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).“…for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin(grown in HOLINESS)…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). God alone, sees the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…The LORD does not look at the things people look at . People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). “…So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).God cares about your spiritual growth and development. “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… ”(Matthew 23:27-28 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). Job grew in holy humility. “…God … predestined [you] to be conformed to the image of his Son… ” (Romans 8:29 NIV). Jesus said, “…I am gentle and humble in heart …” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). What you know will puff you up, but WHO you know will humble you.Which would be a priority to God your outward attachments or your inward holy character? “…he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin(or gained holiness)…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “..In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other …” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB).“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far morethan he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life [or any other outward attachments]— otherwise he cannot be my discipl e ” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever . ” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT). “…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). Suffering is not so much about what is or what has happened TO you as much as what is happening or what has happened IN you. God’s priority is the “… hidden man of the heart …” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). We are blessed, NOT simply for the mere outward things, how limiting, but for the inward blessings or for possessing the “riches of his glory” The REAL blessing is that God has “… [made] known… [to you]...the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “Christ in YOU” is a double blessing which includes unlimited outward and inward blessings!!!!!“… As many as are the promises of God , in Him they are yes …also … Amen … ” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “ And this is the confidence that we have in him , that, if we ask any thing according to his will (outward or inward requests), he heareth us …” (1 John 5:14 KJV).“… You can ask for anything (a house or for ANSWERS) in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.   Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it ...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  “… Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass …” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “… He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises …” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).“…And God has given [you] his Spirit as proof that [you]… live in him and he in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). Therefore, “…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).Christ suffered for you and when you suffer, he suffers “WITH YOU. “ [God can]… be touched with the feeling of our infirmities… ” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).Jesus enables you to endure suffering, “… that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “ [You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you].. .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). But even greater , not only does Jesus suffer with you, enable you to go through suffering, but he will absorb the suffering FOR YOU!! “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME .” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). Furthermore, when you go through horrendous suffering you can cast your cares on Jesus. “... Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  You can cast your cares for whatever you are suffering, because Christ already suffered for you on the cross. In order to cast something, you have to let it go.“...Christ … suffered for us , leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “…When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). Therefore, the example he left us to follow is to entrust ourselves to Jesus during suffering! The pain, if you give it to him by faith, becomes his pain. Jesus personally took on those hurtful experiences on the cross, even before they happened. He already suffered for you when “…he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT).Whatever you suffer, “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: " Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord… ” (Romans 12:19 ASV).When you give it to God through Christ, he takes your suffering upon himself. Follow his example and entrust yourself to God. “...Christ … suffered for us (already) , leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “…When he suffered, …he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). “…that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).God took care of your suffering on the cross. When his disciples were suffering by the hands of Saul, Jesus took it personally. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord , went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord ? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes …” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).When you learn obedience and TRUST God, peacefully, through the things you suffer you “… have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . [You]… know what it is to be in need, and [you] ...know what it is to have plenty. [You]..have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). YOU, “ …can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]... .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). This is the key to TRANSFORMING SUFFERING: “…[Jesus]… was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). Jesus suffers with you. Jesus enables you to go through suffering. Jesus absorbs your suffering. Jesus already suffered for you when he took your suffering upon himself on the cross! Therefore, “ …[You] can do “all things” through Christ which strengtheneth [you]... .” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). God has “… [made] known… [to you]...the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).“…[Jesus]… was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed …” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT). Therefore, “...Christ … suffered for [you already] …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “…Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ , and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith ” (1 John 5:4 KJV).Therefore, when you suffer “…[ entrust yourself]…to him who judges justly ” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). “...Christ … suffered for us , leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). When you are suffering through things, “…let the peace of God rule (or the kingdom of God rule) in your hearts … ” (Colossians 3:15-17 KJV). Remember, “[God’s]…kingdom [has] come. [God’s] will be done in earth (which is you), as it is in heaven ” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “ … we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).“…In earth (which is you; earthen vessels), as it is in heaven ” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). In heaven, “… God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away… ” (Revelation 21:3-4 KJV). “…thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth ….” (Luke 11:2 KJV).  Physical death causes suffering, but “…I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death ” (John 8:51 KJV).  “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die . Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV). “[God’s]…kingdom [has] come. [God’s] will be done in earth, as it is in heaven ” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). “… God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away… ” (Revelation 21:3-4 KJV). “…thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth ….” (Luke 11:2 KJV). “… Believest thou this ?” (John 8:51 KJV).

SUFFERING THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS FOR THE GOOD!

TRANSFORMING SUFFERING: HOW CAN YOU KNOW JESUS UNLESS YOU SHARE IN HIS SUFFERING “…That I may know him … and the fellowship of his sufferings…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).* “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering…” (1 Peter 4:12-14 NLT).God says, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  It starts with God’s instructions to “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). The bible says, “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV). If we are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” we need to develop the mind of Christ (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  Thanks be to God, “…we have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). A mind that can FORM thoughts “like” Christ’s thoughts. Therefore, “ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus… ” (Philippians 2:5 KJV).The bible says, “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV). What this verse tells you is that information for the mind, comes from the heart to FORM the thoughts we think. So, as a man or woman “…thinketh in his(her) heart…” We’ve always understood that thoughts are associated with the mind. All people think thoughts that are formed in the mind, however, the information sent to the mind to FORM those thoughts come from WITH IN the heart . The bible further confirms this: “ … For out of the heart come evil thoughts —murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you THINKING these things IN YOUR HEART?” (Luke 5:22 NIV).  If we are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” our hearts need to be clean (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “ Create in me a clean heart, O God …” (Psalms 51:10 KJV).God says the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]...” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “ And God, which knoweth the hearts …” SAYS, “ I will givethem a heart to know Me …” (Acts 15:8 KJV & Jeremiah 24:7 NASB).The bible informs us, “…that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed…” (LUKE 2:35 KJV). See the following scriptures about the “…thoughts of many hearts…”1.      ADULTERY “…whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adulterywith her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 KJV).2.      EVIL “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:24 KJV).3.      UNFORGIVENESS “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart…” (Matthew 18:5 NASB).4.      HARDNESS / SUBBORNNESS “He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8 KJV). “And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts…” (Mark 3:5 KJV). “For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heartwas hardened” (Mark 6:52 KJV).5.      HYPOCRISY “He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heartis not right in the sight of God…(Acts 8:21 KJV).6.      DOUBT “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Matthew 11:2 KJV).7.      HAUGHTY BEFORE MEN “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (LUKE 16:15 KJV).8.      FEAR/WORRY “ Men's hearts failing them for fear , and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken (Luke 21:26 KJV). “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap…” (Luke 21:34 NASB). “And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?” (Luke 24:38 NASB).9.      THE DEVIL “And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him…”(John 13:2 KJV).“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” (Acts 5:3 KJV).10. DISOBEDIENCE “To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt…” (Acts 7:9 KJV).11. DULLNESS/ INSENSITIVITY TO THE WORD “ For the heart of this people has become dull , And with their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them” (Acts 28:27 KJV).12. APPROVING YOUR SIN AS WELL AS OTHERS “…and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32 NASB).13. FAKE EXAMPLES “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18 KJV). 14. DARK/BLIND “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart…” (Ephesians 4:18 KJV).15. UNFAMILIAR WITH GOD “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways” (Hebrews 3:10 KJV).If you are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” you need a heart-cleansing (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  God’s goal is “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). Therefore, “... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly ...” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are “…[cleansed]…  through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am ... the truth…” (John 14:6 KJV).  Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“… thy word (jesus) is truth … ” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “ ...[The truth makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by thecleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). Therefore, you are cleansed through the indwelling power of Jesus, the Word of truth; when “… Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV).Again, cleansing takes place when “…Christ [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Jesus is the cleansing Word.  “...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).  “… Christ [will come to dwell]…in your hearts by faith …” AFTER “…thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). God through Jesus, the Word, “… [purifies your]… hearts by faith (trusting in and depending upon God). ..” (Acts 15:9 KJV). “ [Jesus (the Word) makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” first, believe on Jesus so “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…” (ROMANS 8:29 & Ephesians 3:17 KJV). Again, “.. Believeon the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “…Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believethat Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (ACTS 8:37 KJV). “…Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…This is the work of God , that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent .” (John 6:28-29 KJV). In order“…to be conformed to the image of his Son...”  BELIEVE so “…that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…” (ROMANS 8:29 & Ephesians 3:17 KJV).Further, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” trust and depend, upon God, that the Word (Jesus) is NOW in your heart (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “… I will put my laws (Jesus, the Word) into their mind, and write them in their hearts …” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV). "… I will put my law (Jesus, the Word) in their mindsand write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people …” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV).God sent HIS WORD into the HEART of the redeemed soul. Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS WORD) into our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).  The heart, the information center, informs the mind and the mind forms thoughts that direct speech (what is said) and behavior (what is done).“ … out of the heart come evil thoughts —[which can result in verbal expressions or actions of]...murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander…” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “...And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ?...” (Matthew 9:24 KJV).“…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” examine yourself and “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “ Examine yourselves . Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).Know for your own self that Christ is in you literally and “… [dwells] in your hearts by faith …” (Ephesians 3:17 KJV). If you are a believer, Christ is in YOUand the Word confirms this over and over. Therefore, “…Examine yourselves , whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).“Christ IN YOU” is the catalytic agent for being “…conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). The “seemingly” hidden life or indwelling Christ in you IS “…the invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made …so that [you] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV). You provide the vessel, God provides his glorious Spirit (Christ IN you), and it should be “clearly seen.” His indwelling Holy Spirit has “MADE” you into a NEW CREATION.“…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he  (she) is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).However, if God’s glorious Spirit is NOT “clearly seen,” through your life, what’s the problem? “…the invisible [Spirit is] …clearly seen... by the things that are made …”(Romans 1:20 KJV).“… The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “… Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…the invisible [Holy Spirit is] …clearly seen ... by the things that are made …”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit produces ...[spiritual]...fruit …” (Galatians 5:22 NLT).  “… t hose who do not have the [indwelling Holy]... Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all . ….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT). “… Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). If God’s indwelling Holy Spirit is NOT “clearly seen” through the lives of REDEEMED SOULS what is the problem?This was a tough question, but it offers a lot of food for your thoughts.  I was lead to study a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse takes place when the earth, because of its position, blocks or cuts off the BRIGHT light of the sun and the moon. In addition, it’s amazing that the earth can block or cut off the BRIGHT light of the sun. Especially, since the sun is so very much larger than the earth. It would take over a million earth masses put together to match the size of the sun, yet the earth can BLOCK OR CUT OF its light.“....But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23 KJV).“…The light of the body is the eye.…” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). Light, in this verse, means the mind or the thoughts. “…The lightof the body is the eye. …If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). The light within you can be blocked or cut-off by the eclipse of dark thoughts. Imagine YOUR thoughts being a mass like the earth. A mass is a group of individual parts that together form a unified or solid body. The thoughts are individual, such as doubt, adultery, fear, disobedience, etc., that come together to form a solid dark mass in your mind. In addition, the actual physical brain is said to be gray or white matter, which means it takes up space and has mass too. “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). If the glorious Spirit of God through Christ is within you and is not “clearly seen” “something” is blocking the light?God’s “… radiance is like the sunlight…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB). Jesus, “… the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him , Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me (Jesus, the LIVING Word) hath seen the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” (John 14:9 KJV). “ The Son (the Living Word) is the radiance of God’s glory (it is his presence, his goodness, and his working power) and the exact representation of his being (his divine nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…The light of the body is the eye (mind). …” (Matthew 6:22 KJV). The eye (mind) was created to work together with the brain (heart) to EMPOWER speech(what you say) and behavior (what you do). Remember, the light of the body (human vessel) was meant to enlighten the mind. If the mass of thoughts, FORMED by the mind, with information that comes from inside the heart, is dark; how dark will the speech and actions be? “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the “heart-informed” mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (or by cleaning away the dark information within the heart)….” (Romans 12:1 KJV). If you are “…to be conformed to the image of his Son…” you need the mind of Christ (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “... The Son is the radiance of God’s glory (his presence, goodness, power, etc.) …” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). ). Therefore, “... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus ” (Philippians 2:5 KJV). You now “…have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV).“Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). You now “…have the mind of Christ” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:16 KJV). “… [Jesus Christ’s name]... is called The Word of God (revelation knowledge)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… THE WORD (Jesus, revelation knowledge of God) …was sown in ... [your]...HEARTS (to become your NEW information center to inform the mind, which will FORM thoughts that empower righteous speech and actions)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV).God purposelygives and “…[creates within the redeemed soul] a clean heart …” (Ezekiel 36:26 & Psalm 51:10 KJV). God knows that the heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). God knows “… out of the heart come evil thoughts , murder, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders…” (Matthew 15:19 NASB).Let’s take a closer look: “… THE WORD …was sown in ...[the heart of the redeemed soul]... [like a seed]...” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “… …The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). The WORD(s) of God “is” Spirit. “… THE WORDS   ... I (Jesus) SPEAK ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and refers to himself as “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). The bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.  But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). The rain represents God, the Holy Spirit’s gracious care for the implanted seed. When rain, falls upon the ground, which represents the human heart, where good seed (Jesus) has been implanted it will begin to produce fruit. “… The sower SOWETH THE WORD …The seed (Jesus implanted) is the WORD OF GOD ….. THE WORD … [is]... sown in [THE REDEEMED SOUL’S HEART]... (the ground; earth)…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “ … [Redeemed souls]... have this treasure  (this implanted seed) “ in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).  Jesus is the “good” seed implanted within the redeemed heart and it will always, if watered with “living” water produce a good crop. “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV). God is a “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will, when watered with “living” water,]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT).“…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). The same rain fell upon the ground, which produced thorn and thistles. The ground represents a human heart and it is the hardened heart, hardened by sin, that produces thorns and thistles. “…Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled…” (Hebrews 3:15 NLT).  “...TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS..." (Hebrews 4:7 NASB). A person willfully and voluntarily CHOOSES to harden their hearts when they refuse or reject to follow God’s instructions. “... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… My people would not listen to me . They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).When the RAIN falls, the harden heart will not receive God, the Holy Spirit’s “living water, that makes the seed (Jesus) grow. Thus, they cannot and will not produce spiritual fruit, but will, instead, become USELESS. “…. Apart from [God, the Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul will not and cannot]..do nothing (or produce anything spiritual) …” (John 15:5 NIV). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless . The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). God GRACE is CLEARLY upon those who choose to receive his “living water” Those who do not receive his “living water” will be condemned. Although there is no condemnation “in” Jesus, UNBELIEF (rejection of God’s Word) makes the person condemned already. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “… HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY , because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in ... [the WORD]…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).     “… it (that ground or human heart) is useless . The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). ). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the Holy Spirit) taketh away ...If a man(woman) abide not in me, he(she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).A good crop is a result of the ground or human heart that chooses to trust and depend upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, also the WORD, to DO the work “IN” them (planting Jesus, the seed) and “THROUGH” them (cultivating and producing spiritual fruit). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain (is being cultivated) and bears a good crop (produces spiritual)for the farmer (represents God, also the husbandman), it has God’s blessing (serves his purpose)…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “ God [the Holy Spirit] … worketh in [his redeemed people] …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… the Father [the Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth in… [the hearts of his redeemed people], he doeth the works (of cultivating righteous works, empowering holy living, and producing spiritual fruit) …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law (without empowering the indwelling Holy Spirit’s help) could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ (the seed that produces life and fruit) to die…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).“…God [the Holy Spirit] ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his (redeemed people)… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The [indwelling seed or ]...Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [y]our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (by implanting Jesus, the seed into redeemed hearts)…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).“… His name (Jesus) is [also]...called The Word of God (the “good” seed)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).  “…The Lord (the Word, the seed) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (produce fruit, display God’s presence, goodness, and powerful, righteous works) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…. Apart from [the indwelling seed or Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul cannot]...do nothing [likr live righteous, holy, or produce fruit] …” (John 15:5 NIV).The thorns and thistles represent what a human heart, hardened by the ongoing PRACTICE of SIN will produce. Becoming cut-off from Christ, the indwelling seed, the WORD, or the Holy Spirit is a CHOICE. “… [You]… have been cut off from Christ (the WORD)! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless . The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “... Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the husbandman) taketh away ...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).“… HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY , because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in ... [the WORD]…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).The heart is clean because of the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word). The implanted SEED(Jesus, the Word) is a storehouse of NEW INFORMATION that will inform the mind to FORM thoughts that empower righteous speech and behavior.However, the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word) must be watered with “living water” in order to GROW and DEVELOP into a CROP that produces spiritual fruit.The “living water” cleans, washes, and cultivates the heart by making the ground HOLY, so it will produce a GOOD crop of spiritual fruit.“ [Jesus (the Word) makes the heart]… holy and clean, [and the heart is]...washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “…The seed that fell on good soil ...  [will, when watered with “living” water,]... produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted... ” (Matthew 13: 18-23 NLT). “…When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.   …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). How are dark thoughts washed away? By the “living water” or the Word of God. How is the mind renewed?By watering the implanted SEED (Jesus, the Word) so it can empower you to grow and develop spiritually. What is the process of renewing the mind called? Sanctification. What is sanctification? The washing away of information - planted within heart by the sinful nature - through the power of God’s Word. “.... [The righteous, therefore, are MADE] ...holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).“...[The Word]... is faithful and just ... to cleanse [the redeemed soul]... from all unrighteousness...” (1 John 1:9 KJV). .“...ye (the redeemed souls) are clean ( washed ) through the word which I have spoken unto you....” (John 15:1-10 KJV).“...the willof God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFYyou (through the cleansing power of his Word) ...entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB).  “…God (the Holy Spirit) is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word (the speaking Word, Jesus) was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... [the word, Jesus]... is a light to reveal God (the Holy Spirit) to thenations (the redeemed soul)..” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “… The [word] ...is perfect (by maturing developing, growing, renewing the mind, and ) , restoring the soul; The [WORD]... is sure, making wise the simple. The [WORD is] ... right, rejoicing the heart; The [WORD]... is pure, enlightening the eyes . The [WORD]... is clean, enduring forever; The [WORD is]... true; they are righteous altogether. [The Word is]... more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your [branches are]... warned . In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).  “... [The redeemed soul is]...  clean through the WORDwhich I (Jesus, the Word, the Holy Spirit) have spoken unto [them]...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).  “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV). “… be conformed to the image of His Son …” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “… In this world we (the redeemed souls) are LIKE JESUS (in their speech and actions) …” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...You [redeemed souls]... were washed (cleansed (freed) from sin), you were sanctified (made holy by the implanted SEED), you were justified (made right with God again) [through Jesus, the Word and the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV).God is interested in the condition of your HEART, which informs the mind to “FORM” thoughts which direct your speech and behavior. “...God seesnot as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “For out of the heart come evil thoughts —murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV).You have a NEW HEART (implanted), but the residuals of the OLD HEART must be washed away by the WORD of God (the LIVING WATER). If not, those evil thoughts, that come from the residuals of the old heart, will form a mass of dark thoughts, in the mind, that block off the glorious light of the Spirit within you. The bible says: “...Let your light so shine before men,  that they may seeyour good works (speech or behavior directed by a renewed mind informed by God’s implanted Word), and [will] glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV),“…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the mind which FORM a mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “…The invisible [Holy Spirit]… is…clearly seen…”(Romans 1:20 KJV). If God’s Glorious Spirit, that dwells within you, is blocked and is not “clearly seen” it is your MASS of dark thoughts eclipsing the LIGHT. “…How great is that darkness !...” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).“…Out of the (old) heart come [dark and]… evil thoughts (which result in the speech or actions of...)—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:18-19 NIV). “ …the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the  (old) heart [or the NEW HEART] …  “…[it is] … out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth ...[directed by the mind which FORMED the thoughts]... speaks ... ” (Luke 6:45 RSV).If you are, “…to be conformed to the image of his Son...” the dark mass of thoughts need to be cleaned away through the Word of God (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  God wants “…to make [the heart]… holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). So, “... Let the w ord of Christ dwell in you richly ...” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). You are “…[cleansed]…  through [God’s]… truth: thy word is truth...” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).Maybe you feel like this: “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway . I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want (WILL) to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … withinme. Oh, what a miserable person I am!Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [a dark mind and its mass of dark thoughts] sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).It takes you right back to Jesus, the Word of God, which is his cleansing POWER!“… [Jesus, the Word of God will empower] ...you, according to the riches of his glory (of his indwelling presence, goodness, and power), to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…May the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work ... (in the redeemed heart and mind) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “... For it is God which worketh in [the redeemed soul]... both to will and to do of hisgood pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). God pays close attention to the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart...” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed by the mind and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV). “...But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness(your old info and mindset) into his marvellous light (his revelation knowledge)...” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). Therefore, “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” TRUST THE PROCESS!  “KNOW” Christ is “IN” YOU (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ (the Word, the implanted SEED) is in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… Christ in you , …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “… the Spirit of God dwell in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “… if Christ be in you … (Romans 8:10 KJV). “...But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…” (Romans 8:11 KJV).  “...I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…until Christ be formed (grows, develops) in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “...Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “...What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?...” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).God’s main purpose is for us to“…To be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “... The Son is the radiance of God’s glory (his presence, his goodness, and his working power) and the exact representation of his being (divine nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV). In order to do that Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “… whoever suffers in the body is done with sin …” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  Suffering is not simple about what happens TO people, but what happens IN them. Getting rid of the mass of darks thoughts is not easy and it can cause suffering.Coming “..out of darkness into his marvellous light” can be hard on the eyes(mind, thoughts, etc) (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…The light of the body is the eye (the mind that forms thoughts). …If therefore the light (stays a seed and the old, carnal information stays prominent then) ...in thee [there will]... be darkness, [eclipsed by the old mindset and its mass of dark thoughts], how great is that darkness!...” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).“...And this is the condemnation, that light (new revelation knowledge) is come into the world (right into the heart of the redeemed in seed form), and men(women) loved darkness (their old info, mindset, and thoughts) rather than light, because their deeds (speech, actions, lifestyles, etc.) were evil...” (John 3:19 KJV). That’s why, painful as it is, God’s children are meant to come“...out of darkness into his marvellous light.” It may be hard to change, but allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to help you do it, anyway (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “…[Because]… the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).“...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “…To be conformed to the image of his Son...” partnering with his suffering is part of the journey (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “… whoever suffers in the body is done with sin …” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). Likewise, believers can also become “obedient unto death” of SELF.Is your heart’s cry: “…That I may know him … and the fellowship of his sufferings…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).How can you truly know and understand Jesus unless you share thoughtfully with some of his experiences or as the old saying goes: walk a mile in his shoes? “… That I may know him , and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV). “... I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death…” (Philippians 3:10 NLT).How can you know Jesus unless you share in some of his personal sufferings? Sharing in his sufferings will help you authentically empathize with his experiences and possibly the emotions he may have felt while going through. “… That I may know him , and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…” (Philippians 3:10 KJV).  He “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death….” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).Desiring to walk in Jesus’ shoes will create opportunities to literally experience life from his perspective. “... I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death…”(Philippians 3:10 NLT).It is easy to judge, criticize, blame, or gossip about another’s person’s experiences or conditions or even God’s; without ever having understood their plight.God put on the flesh in order to truly understand humanity’s plight with sin. “...For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). “ Herein is love , not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people...” (Hebrew 2:17 NLT).When you walk in obedience, you are walking in Christ’s shoes and getting a glimpse of what it cost Jesus to be holy unto the Lord. “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). If you never walk in obedience or “...be… imitators of [Jesus]…,”your weak, bias, unexperienced view of holiness won’t ever change and you will never SEE God in the circumstances and situations of life (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV).Your mass of dark thoughts will block or eclipse your ability to direct your behavior in order to experience walking in God’s truth.Holiness means you are “set apart” for God, for God’s will, and for God’s purposes only . And you prove you are “set apart” every time you obey and thus, you will aim to “….. do always those things that please him…” (John 8:29 KVJ). The reason you obey is,“…so the world may know that [you, like Jesus] love the Father, …[and you like Jesus] do exactly as the Father commanded…” (John 6:38 KVJ).In the Old Testament, they made everything “… HOLY TO THE LORD …” (Zechariah 14:19-20 ASV). Apostle Paul was “…. set apart for the gospel of God...” (Romans 1:1 NASB).“Becoming” Christ-like will ALWAYS include holy conduct. Holiness is one of God’s traits exclusive to Him and his TRUE followers. Everyday God’s voice cries out:  “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). God is flawlessly holy and “…there is none as holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). Therefore, daily keep holiness as one of the reasons God called you, “…For God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). Whatever trials, tribulations, situations, circumstances, difficulties, or hardships promote holiness remember “…[God disciplines] us for our profit, that we might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  God doesn’t want you to simply talk about holiness; he wants you to actively participant in it.“… Ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).Walking in God’s holy shoes by practicing holiness through obedience is transformation in action. Empathetic intimacy (walking in God’s shoes) will help you understand God better and feel closer to Him through the “one spirit” attachment. (Hebrews 12:10). Whenever you are empathetic with another person it allows you to identify with them in a more intimate way by actually seeing life from their perspective. You must “put on” their experience.  God tells us, “…to put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV).  “Putting on the new man” will help you “… keep [God’s] commandments” (John 14:15).  In addition, it will help you “… be holyin all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15 KJV). As long as we are on earth, we will receive discipline and correction in holiness. God’s love for you is so profound and he cares so much about your heart, he will purposefully pick you out for special situations, circumstances, trials, tribulations, difficulties, or hardships.Obedience is transformation in action. Every time you obey by replacing old thoughts with new thoughts you are in the process of transformation. In the process of transformation you are replacing the dark eclipse of thoughts with the light of God’s truth. The Glorious God is able to shine through and be “clearly seen” in your life.All these bleak seasons are known in the Christian community as tests. James told us to count them all as joy. Tests will strengthen your faith, reveal your lack of faith, expose your true heart, uncover the dark eclipse of thoughts blocking the Son, and any other lingering sinful ways. For certain, during each and every test your character will be pruned, disciplined, corrected, and developed.Tests are not always fair and many times they appear to be blatantly unjust; especially the details. Go through them anyway, just like Jesus did. “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

YOUR POWER OF CHOICE WAS RESTORED WHEN JESUS BOUGHT BACK YOUR LIBERTY!!

GOD HAS GIVEN THE REDEEMED SOUL “BACK” THE POWER OF CHOICE.
The bible says God sent JESUS “...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound...” (Isaiah 61:1).
THE REDEEMED SOUL IS FREE, BUT ALONG WITH THAT FREEDOM COMES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WILLFULLY CHOOSING TO LIVE AND WALK IN THAT FREEDOM. “… Choose you this day (and everyday of your life) whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The freed and redeemed soul CAN FREELY and willfully choose to follow either the body of flesh and its dictates (outward influences) or the indwelling Holy Spirit (inward influences). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
An untransformed mind will continue to FOLLOW the information put into the heart by the body of flesh and it dictates, which is now dead, and will, therefore, remain a willful slave to the EVIL ONE. “…. you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow and cooperate with)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV).
For example, if you have an unhealthy eating habit, the untransformed mind will continue to FOLLOW the information put into the heart - by the body of flesh and its dictates - about what and how you should eat. You will, most likely, constantly struggle with it, or continue to eat unhealthily disregarding your personal desire to be healthy or your personal desire to stick to a new eating lifestyle..  “... I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature through my unrenewed mind) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 
“... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (flesh) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
The bible urges, the redeemed soul, to be transformed by renewing their minds. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind ... [through the revelation knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit]...” (Romans 12:1 KJV). IT’S A CHOICE. “... Those who are dominated by the sinful nature (through the unrenewed mind) think about sinful things , but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit (through the RENEWED mind) think about things that please the Spirit . So letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a willful choice that) leads to death . But letting the Spirit control your mind (is also a willful choice that) leads to life and peace ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).
The REDEEMED soul is FREE and NO LONGER has to follow the body of flesh, which is crucified, or its dictates, but the unrenewed mind will continue to influence them to engage, interact, and experience life with unrighteous thoughts and sinful behaviors. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).  Otherwise, “…. you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow)…”(Romans 6:16 NIV). “… The sinful nature is always hostile (antagonistic and unreceptive) to God, (his indwelling Spirit, and his holy instructions)  …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“..[The sinful nature]... never did obey (follow after) God’s laws , and it never will (follow after god’s holy laws)…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... t hose who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through the unrenewed mind) can never please God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “.. . [god’s redeemed people] ... are not controlled by ...[their]... sinful nature. (unless they choose to be) ... [they]... are controlled by the Spirit if [they choose to be AND] have the Spirit of God living in [them] …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“… (Christ lives within the redeemed soul)... The Spirit of God, who (powerfully) raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.And just as God (powerfully) raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give (spiritual, power-filled) life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… The [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit gives you (the REDEEMED soul, spiritual) life because [you] have been made right with God (reunited with God, the Holy Spirit). …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“… Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, [the redeemed soul has]... no obligation to do what [their]... sinful nature urges [them]... to do . For if you (choose to) live by its dictates , you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit) you [choose to]... put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by (the unrenewed mind which has been influenced by) SIN (through the body of flesh or sinful nature) ? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (THE WORD & the powerful indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “ All POWER is given unto me (the word) IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “… Be transformed (HOW?) by the renewing of your mind (through the POWERFUL WORD of God) ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).
Will the WORD renew your mind and empower you to live and walk in the FREEDOM Jesus died for you to have? Yes. HOW? “…If the Son (the word) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV).
The REDEEMED soul can FREELY choose to trust in and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to STRENGTHEN them to engage, interact, experience with the world anew.
The indwelling Holy Spirit produces fruit and the Word introduces new information into the heart of the redeemed soul. In addition, the WORD of God introduces new information into the heart(mind), which form new thoughts that direct NEW behaviors. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “… I will put a new spirit...[AND HEART]... in you …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “… The Lord (JESUS, the Word) is that [indwelling] ...Spirit (that makes the heart new and restores the soul) …” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
“…Jesus Christ (the Word) is IN YOU …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… I can do all things through Christ (the Word) which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The body of flesh is crucified , but it left its influence through information within the heart, which still form unrighteous thoughts within the unrenewed mind.
The unrenewed mind was so accustomed to the evil one’s information - given by the body of flesh and its dictates - that the redeemed soul willfully allow their thoughts to “STILL” be formed by the crucified sinful nature.
On the other hand, the indwelling Holy Spirit,through a mind allowed to be renewed, will influence and sanctify the redeemed soul. The Word of God will cleanse the heart(mind) so it will not form evil thoughts, but righteous thoughts that empower them to live and walk in freedom from the sinful nature.“… The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants . And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (flesh) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “... Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things , but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit . So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).
One or the other - the body of flesh that desires to do evil or the indwelling Spirit that desires to do righteous - will influence, the redeemed soul, through the information within the heart (mind) which FORM THOUGHTS (evil or righteous) that command behavior. “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions . ..” (Galatians 5 NLT).
If the information within the heart(mind) is NOT renewed, the information put there by the body of flesh (sinful nature), which is crucified, will CONTINUE to COMMAND and CONTROL your behavior.
An unrenewed heart(mind) will make it IMPOSSIBLE to overcome UNRIGHTEOUS THOUGHTS, UNRIGHTEOUS BEHAVIORS, or to LIVE FREE from the crucified SIN NATURE. “... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey  ... and it never will ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “... I want to do what is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [the redeemed soul can] ... do nothing [they cannot renew their hearts(minds)] …” (John 15:5 NIV).
God’s people are told: “… [The body of the REDEEMED soul becomes]... the temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in [them]…” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in [the REDEEMED soul]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… All things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Yet the bible also says: “… Be transformed (live and walk as a New Creation) by the renewing of your mind (heart) (through the powerful WORD of God) ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). 
How is the redeemed soul a NEW CREATION and yet have the SAME MIND? First God RESTORES the SOUL to spiritual LIFE. “… the Holy Spirit gives birth to (or restores) SPIRITUAL LIFE … ” (John 3:6 NLT).  God is a “… restorer of thy life …” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “… He restoreth my SOUL …” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL …” (Psalm 19 NASB). “…. He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… I (God, the holy spirit) will restore …” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul... [again] …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).
Second, God SETS your soul FREE from the bondage of the SINFUL NATURE, which is crucified.  “... our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...” (Romans 6:6 KJV).  “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).“... [ the redeemed soul has been] made free from sin (the sinful nature) ….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “... If the Son (the WORD) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed ” (John 8:36 KJV). “…Where the Spirit (indwelling Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “ …The Spirit of God dwelleth in [the REDEEMED soul]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). The body of flesh is crucified. “...We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin...” (Romans 6:6 NLT).  “... My old self has been crucified with Christ . It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in (and depending upon) the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me...” (Galatians 2:20 NLT). “..they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh (the sinful nature) with the affections and lusts...” (Galatians 5:24 KJV). “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT).
Third, God has RESTORED spiritual LIFE, he has set the SOUL FREE from the bondage and imprisonment of the SINFUL NATURE (the body of flesh). Now the redeemed soul “is” in the position to FREELY and WILLFULLY choose to follow God and NOT their SINFUL NATURE. “... [ the redeemed soul has been] made free from sin ….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “... If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed... ” (John 8:36 KJV). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the WORD) ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).  “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve (the flesh or the Spirit).” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…. you [will become] ... slaves of the one you obey (follow)…”(Romans 6:16 NIV). “... I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t . I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature through my untransformed mind) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “... the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
“… Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV). “... I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t… ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Jesus Christ sets the redeemed soul FREE. The bible says God sent him “...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of prison to them that are bound...” (Isaiah 61:1). Why didn’t God erase ALL the old information left in the heart by the sinful nature? In the beginning, back in the Garden of Eden, God created mankind with a human will. Adam and Eve were given a human will to choose how they wanted to respond in any and every situation they encountered.
GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT SAID TO ADAM AND EVE: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
LOOK HOW THE SERPENT APPEALED TO THE WOMAN’S SENSES, USING THE BODY OF FLESH. “… The woman [became] ... convinced (THROUGH SOUND) [to eat from the tree, anyway]... She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (LUST of the EYES) delicious (TASTE), and she wanted (LUST of the FLESH) the wisdom (PRIDE of LIFE) it would give her. So she took (TOUCH) some of the fruit and ate it (TASTE)...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “….She [choose to take] ( human will) ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).
WHAT EVE HEARD, SAW, LUSTED FOR, TASTED, AND TOUCHED TEMPTED HER TO “CHOSE” AGAINST GOD’S HOLY INSTRUCTION. “….She [choose to take] ( human will) ... some of the fruit and [eat] ... IT…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). HOWEVER, EVE GOT TO PLACE OF TEMPTATION, ULTIMATELY, “SHE” MADE HER OWN DECISION TO “EAT” THE FORBIDDEN APPLE.
There are lots of things to blame Eve’s decision own, but regardless of who or what they are, “HER CHOICE” played the most important part of all. The body of flesh was not CREATED to obey God, but the SOUL was. “… The [flesh]...nature  ... never did obey God’s laws, and it never will …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).The bible refers to the soul as a person, a who, or a self. “...Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore ... for WHO soever doeth any work therein, THAT SOUL shall be cut off from among his people...” (Exodus 31:14 KJV). “...and souls of men...” (Revelation 18:13 KJV). “.. and man(woman) became a living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
Jesus came to earth to SAVE SOULS, the lost SOUL. “…The Son of man came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). “... Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (God’s living Word) , and thou shalt be saved …” (ACTS 16:31 KJV).  “...receive the word ...which is able to save your souls ...” (James 1:21 KJV). “...those (people) who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls ...” (Acts 2:41 KJV).
God encourages, the righteous to WIN SOULS too. “...he (she) that winneth SOULS is wise...” (Proverbs 11:30 KJV). “...he (she) who turns a sinner (leads that person to Jesus) from the error of his (her) way will save his(her) soul from death. ..” (James 5:20 KJV).
The bible is repeatedly referring to these souls as people or persons. When God finished the creation of Adam, he called him “a living soul.” Adam wasn’t GIVEN a soul, he BECAME “a living soul.”  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…”(GENESIS 2:7 KJV).
When a SOUL is saved, that soul RETURNS to the SHEPHERD of the SOUL! “...ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls...” (1 Peter 2:25 KJV). “...Behold, all souls are Mine (God, the Holy Spirit’s)...” (Ezekiel 18:4 KJV).“… the world is mine , and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
When God sets the soul FREE, the soul is FREED to CHOOSE again between evil and righteousness. When the soul is in bondage and imprisoned by the sinful nature it is not FREE to choose anything. The captive soul is under the influence, dictatorship, and power of the Evil One.
When the soul is FREED, the power of CHOICE is FREED also. God has provided EVERYTHING, the redeemed soul needs to live and walk in FREEDOM. “… choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Jesus (the Word) said … I am the life …..” (John 11:25 KJV). “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
CHOOSING, however, between life and death or right and wrong REMAINS the responsibility of the redeemed soul.  God has provided ALL that the redeemed soul NEEDS to live and walk in FREEDOM from the sinful nature, but it is a willful and voluntary choice to follow God’s instructions“… God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need] …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… God will generously PROVIDE all you need . Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want . ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… The Lord is GOOD to “ALL ”…” (Psalm 145:9 KJV). “… His (God, the Holy Spirit’s) DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people].. ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).
Nothing is more precious that the power of choice, but it comes with the responsibility of accepting whatever the consequences are of one’s actions.
The heart(mind) is the information center and it is also home of human will. Human will is the power of choice given to every man and woman by God. Thus, the information that goes into the heart, stays in the heart, or leaves the heart is the CHOICE of the human will. The redeemed soul is responsible for RENEWING their OWN MIND. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). It is “their” mind given to them by God.
Whether they remain influenced by the sinful nature or become influenced by the indwelling Holy Spirit is a CHOICE. If the redeemed soul allows “their” mind to remain UNRENEWED they are choosing to accept, whatever the consequences are, of their actions or choices.
The redeemed soul that doesn’t live and walk in the FREEDOM that the Word of God promises will blame God, his word, the church, church folks, hypocrites, clergy, other church members, the environment, circumstances, trials, tribulations, and anything or anybody else, but themselves.
“… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU] … choose…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
Regardless of who or what a person believes to be the blame for their choices, accepting the responsible for their part in the DECISION can’t be avoided.
The redeemed soul has information within their hearts influenced by the Evil One. If they choose to follow that information they are the ones CHOOSING to do so and are willing participates. They have options and can accept the responsibility to do something DIFFERENT like RENEWING their OWN minds(hearts). IT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE! “ … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind ….”(Romans 12:2 KJV).  
Nonetheless, “... letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a choice and) leads to death . But letting the Spirit control your mind (is also a choice and) leads to life and peace. ..” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions . ..” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“... letting your sinful nature control your mind (is a CHOICE that) leads to death ...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT). “ … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (it’s a choice also) ….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
EVERY REDEEMED SOUL STRUGGLE WITH MAKING THE CHOICE TO FOLLOW GOD WHETHER THAN THEIR SINFUL NATURE.
IF YOU WERE ABLE TO MAKE A CHOICE TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO JESUS AND ASK HIM INTO YOUR HEART. YOU CAN ALSO MAKE A CHOICE TO ASK HIM TO HELP YOU MAKE DECISIONS TO FOLLOW HIM INTO RIGHTEOUS LIVING EVERY SINGLE DAY.
YOU ARE “NOT” IN BONDAGE TO THE SINFUL NATURE. YOU ARE NOT IMPRISONED BY THE SINFUL NATURE. JESUS FREED YOU. YOU ARE FREE TO CHOOSE TO WALK AND LIVE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.
GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AMPLE HELP THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT THAT WILL EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK, TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HELP YOU. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helpsus in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “… You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).
IT IS FOR FREEDOM, FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE, THAT JESUS SET YOU FREE. CHOOSE TO RENEW YOUR OWN MIND AND BE TRANSFORMED. .“... you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
... If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed ” (John 8:36 KJV). “…where the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
Therefore, “... Stand fast (keep living and walking) therefore in the liberty (freedom from the sinful nature) wherewith Christ hath made us free , and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (or imprisonment) ...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). “... It was for freedom that Christ set us free...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).

JUST BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T "DO" IT, DOESN'T MEAN YOU DIDN'T DO IT

“...but Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt...” (Genesis 19:26).                                                         * As I continue my journey through his pandemic. I found myself thinking about Lot’s wife and why she turned to a pillar of salt. I also wanted to know how “looking back” caused her instant judgment and demise. I learned that following God is a willful choice MADE from sincerity of heart. The bible encourages us to DENY ourselves, pick up our crosses daily (whatever the struggle may be) and totally FOLLOW GOD (Matthew 16:24). Bad health choices, for me, it a sign that I have ungoverned desires and appetites for things that are NOT good for my health. I noticed how MY MIND would become absorbed with some temporary pleasure or interest. Without knowing it, like Lot’s wife, I am looking back and choosing to indulge in PAST unhealthy behavior. Lot’s wife received “instant” judgement when she turned into a pillar of salt. She chose not to believe God’s instruction “...not to look back...” (Genesis 19:26). There is no condemnation “in” Christ, but the person who does NOT believe is CONDEMNED already and the CONDEMNATION is this:  that LIGHT (truth) has come into your life and you (men & women)  “...loved darkness rather than light (truth), because their deeds (behaviors, indulges of the flesh) were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light (truth), neither cometh to the light, lest his (her) deeds should be reproved. But he(she) that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his (her) deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God...” (John 3:18-21). Lot’s wife LOOKED BACK and God knew what was “IN” her heart. “…Man looks at the outward appearance , but the LORD looks at the heart …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “… hidden man of the heart …” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness (evil desires, lusts, longings, cravings, ungoverned appetites, etc.)...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).   
At that moment, in her heart, Lot’s wife CHOSE. “… Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “… Choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Jesus (God’s Word) said… I am the LIFE …..” (John 11:25 KJV).   The Word of God came for Lot, his wife, and family, instructing them get out of an UNRIGHTEOUS PLACE, but Lot’s wife LOOKED BACK. It wasn’t the LOOKING that judged her; it was looking upon SODOM and GOMORRAH with lust in her heart. “...You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her(him) in his(her) heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand[c]—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell...” (Matthew 5:27-29). “....At the sight...[of Sodom and Gommarah]... she lusted for them...” (Ezekiel 23:16). “...each one is tempted when by his(her) OWN evil desires he(she) is LURED away and enticed...” (James 1:4).  “...But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman (man) with lust has already committed adultery with her(him) in his(her) heart...” (Matthew 5:28).  “...: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”...” (John 3:18-21).“...There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judgedfor not believing in God’s one and only Son...” (Matthew 5:27). UNBELIEF judged Lot’s wife and she was turned into a pillar of salt, the same fate that fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah. God’s people are FREE to make whatever CHOICES they want, but every CHOICE is not good for them, especially if that CHOICE leads them into slavery to SIN (James 4:12). Lot’s wife continued to walk with Sodom and Gomorrah, in her heart, meaning she was in agreement with them.  “...Can two walk together, except they be agreed?...” (Amos 3:3). In one commentary, salt was said to represent “friendship with” or UNITED in FRIENDSHIP, which could mean she still had the same affections, sentiments, beliefs, and connections with them. You can NOT have friendship with the WORLD and fellowship with God too. Lot’s wife could NOT walk with God and walk contrary to him at the same time. Lot’s wife LEFT physically, but disagreed with God’s instructions in her heart.  Obedience, from the heart, is a requisite with God. “… you hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). The PRACTICE of sin will always hinder ANYONE from walking in agreement with God. This offense of Lot’s wife begin in her thoughts, which were thoughts of lust for Sodom and Gomorrah.“…As [person] THINKETH within his [or her] heart (thoughts, words, etc), so is he [or she] (actions, behaviors, etc.) …” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). “....At the sight...[of Sodom and Gommarah]... she lusted for them...” (Ezekiel 23:16). “...each one is tempted when by his(her) OWN evil desires he(she) is LURED away and enticed...” (James 1:4).  “...But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman (man) with lust has already committed adultery with her(him) in his(her) heart...” (Matthew 5:28).  “…what fellowship [can God, the Holy Spirit of] righteousness [have]... with unrighteousness? And what communion [can God, the Holy Spirit of]... light [have]...with darkness? And what concord [can God, the holy Father of]...Christ [his Living Word have] ...with Belial? Or what part [of a child of God] that believeth [have]...with an infidel (a person who doesn’t believe)?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).“... anyone who does not believe in him has already been judgedfor not believing in God’s one and only Son...” (Matthew 5:27). Lot’s wife became a PILLAR OF SALT and instantly JUDGED by her UNBELIEF. Some research show that many great philosophers, such a Josephus, saw the PILLAR and many others afterwards for years. They said people would come to see the PILLAR, which stood erect near the sea of Sodom, midway to Zoar, and people would chip off or break off a piece of the PILLAR, and somehow it would become whole again. It was even said that someone knocked off a whole hand from the PILLAR, took it away, and when they returned it was whole again. People say it is seen to this day, but there is no real evidence since the sixteenth century. Some residents say it was only a myth, or there is no such thing, or it stands in the mountains somewhere(hard and dangerous to get to). She did exist and Jesus makes reference to Lot’s wife in Luke 17:32. Her story was written as a warning for God’s people not to LOOK BACK or TURN BACK, in their hearts and LUST for a LIFE that LEADS to DEATH, DESTRUCTION, and HELL. “...For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning...” (Romans 15:4 KJV).  “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition..” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV). “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable ...for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).   
The moral in this journey of holiness and health. We will live our BEST LIFE, in ALL areas, by willfully choosing to FOLLOW JESUS. “...Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me...” (Matthew 16:24).We FOLLOW CHRIST by entrusting our WHOLE lives to him, by abiding willfully with him, and keeping his commandments out of wholehearted love, devotion, and respect for HIM, his presence, his goodness, and his holy working power“... He (Jesus) gave (entrusted) Himself (his life) over to Him (God, the father, the Holy Spirit, etc.) ...” (1 Peter 2:23 KJV).“...Abide in me, and I in you...  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). “ If you love me, you will keep my commandments ” (John 14:15). WHAT IS THE LESSON FOR ME, PERSONALLY?  That when God instructs me to LEAVE certain parts of my old life BEHIND ME, that I still practice; I want to CHOOSE to obey him and not look back with LUST or LONGING. I do not want to LOOK BACK with plans, in my heart, to GO BACK either. God has given me instructions to FOLLOW HIM and LISTEN to his instructions. I want to LISTEN to God. I don’t want to GO BACKWARDS into the place of BONDAGE. God died for me to enjoy a holy life and live FREE from the slavery of SIN. I can CHOOSE to live the life God wants me to have by trusting and depending upon his indwelling Holy Spirit to enable. I am also empowered to HOPE that enables me to EXPECT God to do what he says he will do. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted , following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “... We will continue to live as we want to , stubbornly following our own evil desires … ” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). God did not come to repair my sinful nature. He came to TOTALLY deliver my SOUL from every single part of it. PRAISE HIM!!

INSIDE THE PANDEMICS OF LIFE; WEEPING IS TEMPORARY, BUT VICTORY IS FOREVER!

INSIDE THE PANDEMICS OF LIFE; YOU GAIN MUCH MORE THAN YOU LOSTBECAUSE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY” IS YOURS.“... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).“... THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).* INSIDE the TRIBULATIONS or the STORMS OF LIFE, it is the intent of the enemy, the EVIL ONE, through harsh and evil circumstances, to OPPRESS the righteous, God’s people.“...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren. In fact, THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE. If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country.” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king. BUT THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD , and the more alarmed the Egyptians became. So the Egyptians WORKED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) WITHOUT MERCY. They made their lives bitter, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all the work in the fields. They were ruthless in all their demands...” (Exodus 1 NLT).When you try to OPPRESS people, it is your intention to FORCE or use your AUTHORITY to keep them DOWN or to CONTROL them. “...LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (Exodus 1 NLT).OPPRESSION is ALWAYS about one GROUP of PEOPLE trying to CONTROL another GROUP of PEOPLE. Or one person trying to control another person. This CONTROL, often, includes treating them unjustly. “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).The EVIL ONE “tries” to CONTROL God’s RIGHTEOUS people. This CONTROL also includes treating them unjustly through their trials and tribulations or INSIDE their STORMS of LIFE. The injustices, God’s people, experience, during their STORMS of LIFE, makes them feel depressed, discouraged, heartbroken, question their faith, sad, marginalized, etc.  ” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...” (Exodus 1 NLT).In the land of EGYPT, the Egyptians represented the EVIL ONE and became to God’s people, the righteous, their OPPRESSORS. God’s people, his righteous ones, may be happy or content in their lives, until a STORM comes and causes their heart and emotions great affliction. “...These are the names of the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah,  Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  In all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and grandchildren...” (Exodus 1 NLT).The STORMS of LIFE - such as the death of a loved one, unexpected sickness, loss of a job, marital conflict, relational conflict, deferred dreams, unjust punishment, etc - disturb lives and disrupt normalcy. “...THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (EXODUS 1 NLT)Peter, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew boys, King Jehoshaphat, and Daniel were all upright and righteous children of God, but ALL ended up INSIDE a PANDEMIC OF TROUBLE where WICKED, EVIL, and HATEFUL people tried to OPPRESS them or TREAT them unjustly. “...SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).Every experience, INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, seem OPPRESSIVE.  It also SEEMS as if the WICKED are prospering while the righteous are suffering. “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).The WICKED oppress others out of fear and cowardice. The bible says they run when no one is chasing them. “...The wicked flees when no one is pursuing...[them]...” (Proverbs 28:1 NASB). “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight against us (FEAR). Then they will escape from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).The hardest taskmaster over the righteous has been the EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves. INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE the righteous have experienced the burden of the EVIL ONE’s afflictions and the temptation to become bitter over the many injustices. “...SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).However, God makes the miraculous happen, under the cruelest circumstances and situations. Jesus was treated most cruel, but is NOW the SAVIOR of the WORLD. Job experience horrific tragedies, but was doubly blessed spiritually and materially. The Hebrew Boys were unjustly punished, but were promoted above their accusers and changed an entire nation. Peter was set to go to trial and be killed, but was delivered out of the enemy’s clutches and became one of the great apostles, King Jehoshaphat defeated a mighty army, with God’s help, without using a single weapon, and Daniel was throw into a den of lions because of an envious plot against him, but turned a nation’s worship toward God. “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“… ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).The EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves may affect God’s people INSIDE their STORMS, but when they OPPRESS and PLOT against them, they are plotting against God too. “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).The bible says, “...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV). God miraculously protects ALL of his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).Here is an example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you: Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was actually doing it to him. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul,Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest : it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him , Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man ...” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV). “….inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).“…If God is for us, who isagainst us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).   “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).When the EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves come up against God’s people, INSIDE their STORMS, they also are coming up against God, ALMIGHTY! “…. inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV). “... "Vengeance (making things JUST) belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord...” (Romans 12:19 ASV).INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE it often SEEMS like EVIL is prevailing over the righteous, but it is NOT! “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT). “… ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).EVIL didn’t prevail in the stories above, but RIGHTEOUSNESS increased and SPREAD: Jesus became the SAVIOR of the “WORLD.” Joseph ended up RULING over the WHOLE NATION of EGYPT. The HEBREWS BOYS changed a NATION’s attitude toward God, the Holy Spirit. Daniel influenced the WORSHIP of an entire NATION toward God, the Holy Spirit. Peter became a GREAT APOSTLE read about in every bible published. Job’s story is also shared in every bible and he demonstrated the blessing of staying faithfully trusting during the STORMS of LIFE. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB). . “...SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).Brutal slave masters were given power and authority over God’s people, by the Egyptian King and the Israelites (God’s people) were oppressed by them and forced INSIDE the STORM of slavery.It SEEMED as if the Egyptians had the PRIVILEGE and NOT God’s people, since they were the ones SUFFERING INSIDE the STORM of slavery. “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“… ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).God’s people will ALWAYS multiply under OPPRESSION. Remember ONE GROUP tries to OPPRESS another. God’s people are NOT in a CATEGORY based on nationality, culture, race, country, color of the skin, or ethnicity, but upon belonging to the indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ.  “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM.   In every nation HE ACCEPTS thosewho fear him and do what is right.This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).If you try to oppress them (God’s people) in one ethnicity they (God’s people) will begin to INCREASE in another ethnicity! “... In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him ...God through Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  “…We (from EVERY nation) are his ; we are “HIS” PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “… [In EVERY nation, people]... belong to Christ …” (1 Corinthians 3:23 NASB). “… [In every nation, people]... belong to God , my dear children…” (1 John 4:2-7 NIV). “... w e can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil . Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).“…Jesus Christ is in ...[them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all .) ….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“… ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, God’s people are multiplying, one way or another, under God’s WATCHFUL providence. God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS the PLANS he has for HIS PEOPLE .  God is NOT trying to HARM his people at all, but he is PLANNING a bright and hopeful future for them. “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).  “… all things (even those things that make no sense and you don’t agree with) work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).“…The plans [God has]…for you (his people)….[and they are]… plans to prosper ...[them]...and not to harm ...[them], plans to give ..[them]... hope and a future ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for...[his people]...that love him ...” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).“...I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). “... I know the thoughtsthat I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end...” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “… [You]… will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property …” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).  “… I am the Lord, I change NOT… ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). The EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves hate God’s people and treat them unjustly because of their OWN, personal envy and fear. “… ye (the evil one and his wicked slaves) thought evil against me (god’s people); but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS (even the evil things Satan uses to hurt you) work (PROCESS) together for good to them (God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called (CHOSEN) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).Being INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s people experience grief, heartache, disappointment, anger, confusion, weakness, oppression, terror, and a flow of other emotional and mental afflictions, but a GLORIOUS and OVERWHELMING deliverance and victory BELONGS TO THEM!  “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows . But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).“... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).In the Old Testament, God delivered over a million and a half people out of the land of Egypt and he miraculously took care of them for 40 years in the wilderness.  “... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did ...These things happened to them as examples for us . They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age ...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“...Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.  If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.” So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.” About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.  Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said. Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. “Yes, do!” the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. “Take this baby and nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.”Many years later, when Moses had grown up, he went out to visit his own people, the Hebrews, and he saw how hard they were forced to work. During his visit, he saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrews...Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act. When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt...” (EXODUS  1, 2, & 3:1-11 NLT).MOSES CAME OUT OF THE OPPRESSION: “…Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelis (God’s people) were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).“… I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians ...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “… I will rid you out of their bondage ...”(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “… I will redeem you with a stretched out hand ...”(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).“… All things   (including the DELIVERANCE of ISRAEL OR YOU FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE) came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (the GREAT DELIVERANCE)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…” (Exodus 6:7 KJV). “… the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV).“… BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground , and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil ...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). “… HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“… No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “… the battle is not yours, but God’s . …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…Take your positions; then stand still .. ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).I don’t care who you are pastor, minister, clergy leader, Christian warrior, apostle, hero, or whatever; we ALL go through STORMS. What happens to a man or woman of faith INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE is an EXPERIENCE that will heavily affect the mind and emotions of ANY finite HUMAN being. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Jesus, Joseph, Job, King Jehoshaphat, and Daniel were ALL great people of FAITH and they ALL had REAL LIFE, human EXPERIENCES. They also ALL had MAGNIFICENT DELIVERANCES. Yet and still, they went “INSIDE” the STORMS of LIFE, but I guarantee  it was coupled with or inundated with “feelings” of nervousness, anxiousness, terror, or the uneasiness of facing the unknown. . “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors, to “feel” helpless, scared, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). These “FEELINGS” are not about faith, but about the affect REAL-LIFE experiences have on the finite human psyche. God’s people KNOW he is with them, but it doesn’t stop them from “feeling” the TERROR or emotions of their experience. “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  It is NOT a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through the STORMS of LIFE. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).HERE’s WHY: King Jehoshaphat didn’t ACT upon his FEAR, but he ACTED upon his faith. King Jehoshaphat trusted and depended upon God, “ terrified .” Thus, in spite of his “feelings” he called upon God, the Holy Spirit, for advice and help.“... He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. … We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ …O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help .” …” (2 Chronicles 20: 1-30 NLT).King Jehoshaphat went to God, INSIDE HIS STORM, “ terrified .”  God didn’t condemn him, but God helped him. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).  “…As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph…” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God responded to King Jehoshaphat, lovingly, by sending him a divine message through a man named Jahaziel.“…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says : Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.…you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).Jahaziel’s inspired Word from God guided, strengthened, and empowered Jehoshaphat to follow God’s instructions and it bought the King overwhelming victory. “…Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in (trust in, depend upon) the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord ; his faithful love endures forever !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… Jehoshaphat “was” TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).However, King Jehoshaphat STILL turned to God. In spite of his feelings, the king trusted in God.  Because he did NOT trust in his “FEELINGS” of terror he was able to hear God’s word and go out to war, with his army, singing and praising HIM. “…At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped...On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. …the Lord had given them victory over their enemies ...”(2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).God didn’t hold King Jehoshaphat’s feelings of TERROR against him, because he helps his people in their weakness. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God LOVINGLY comforted King Jehoshaphat through his feelings. “…He said … Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).God even gave the King the reason NOT to be terrified. “…He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says : Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s . …you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).INSIDE King Jehoshaphat’s STORM God comforted him, strengthened him, promised to fight the battle for him, and guaranteed his victory! It is NOT a LACK of FAITH to FEEL your human experience. God expects it and is more than able to SUPPLY your needs INSIDE the STORM. “… God is the one who provides [for you] …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need] …” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him and] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!] ” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “…. The Lord is [“your”] shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I the LORD amthy Saviour …[ even in “your” storm ]...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “… t here is none like unto thee (God, the Holy Spirit) …” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).“...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellousthings… ” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD ...” (Exodus 1 NLT).YOU MAY “FEEL” AND EXPERIENCE OPPRESSION, INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, BUT IT WON’T STOP YOU FROM INCREASING, MULTIPLYING, or BECOMING YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE UPON EARTH!“...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” (Numbers 23:20 NLT). “... overwhelming victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

INSIDE THE PANDEMICS OF LIFE, THE FAMILIAR MAY CHANGE, BUT GOD DOES NOT!!

INSIDE THE PANDEMICS: FAMILIAR LIFE CAN BE “FOREVER” CHANGED “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).                              *
         As mentioned before, a climate STORM is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rain, dust devils, whirlwinds, blizzards, thunder, hail, ice, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, etc.          Climate STORMS can last for a few moments, days, or weeks. However long a STORM lasts, when it comes, it disturbs the ENVIRONMENT and DISRUPTS normal conditions.ALL climate STORMS have the potential to harm lives, destroy property, and change the environment. Climate STORMS are a regular part of life and can change the conditions of people’s lives.Some Climate STORMS, can and will damage or destroy something in the environment. The things that are damaged or destroyed can be MAJOR and effect normal life spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally. Some Climate STORMS can actually cause a DIASPORA for some and change their home location forever. Nonetheless, a real climate STORM can and will change the ATMOSPHERE and NORMALCY!Other STORMS OF LIFE, come through the experiences people face unexpectantly. The TRIBULATIONS of the STORMS of LIFE, like climate storms, disrupt peoples atmospheres and disturbs their normal conditions through unexpected death, divorce, long-lasting sicknesses, stock market crashes, lost jobs, injustices, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion dens, prison, etc. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to itand let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “... So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword ... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).INSIDE the above TRIBULATIONS or STORMS, Job faced tragedies, Daniel faced the lion’s den, the Hebrew Boys faced the fiery furnace, Peter faced a dooming trial, and Jesus faced death upon a cross. Their LIVES were seriously disturbed by a variety of situations and nothing was NORMAL anymore. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to itand let ourselves be driven along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). “...they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… [ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ...[WERE CASTED]... into the burning fiery furnace …” (DANIEL 3). “... a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).“...... he proceeded to seize Peter also ... [and]... Peter was kept in prison ...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).“ ...[They]...took Jesus, and scourged him . And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head , and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands …” (John 19:1-16 KJV). Job, Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Daniel, Jesus were POWERLESS against their STORMS and could NOT deliver themselves. Each of them FACED and were INSIDE STORMS with different circumstances, but each one had NO DELIVERER except God, the Holy Spirit.“... Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.  See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you...” (2 Chronicles 20:5-12 NIV).“...God is ...a very present help in trouble... ” (Psalms 46:1 KJV). “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me …” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… You are my helper …” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).“…[God is]… Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock , in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).In other words, “...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper…This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). STORMS happen, but they won’t prosper over God’s people! “…. All things work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Hebrews 13:5 & ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “… ye (THE ENEMY) thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good …” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). God, through Jesus, defeated the ENEMY, so his people could be VICTORIOUS in the STORMS of LIFE. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). The ENEMY may bring FORTH STORMS to disturb your atmosphere and disrupt normal conditions, in this FALLEN world, but GOD'S people, are promised victory over the works of devil.“... But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “... overwhelming victory is ours in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors, to feel helpless, scared, vulnerable, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. “ … he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears ... and was heard in that he feared …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “… take this cup from Me ... " (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).“… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “...We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses,but we have one who has been tempted (inside the storms) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).However, “…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.). Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).  It is NOT necessarily a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through the STORMS of LIFE. “… Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news... ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). When going through the STORMS of LIFE, God will find a WAY to strengthen his people and empower them to submit to HIS sovereign love and care. “… Great is his love toward us ...” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you …” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “… I am with you always , to the very end …"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…Behold, I am with … [you ] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “... He careth for you .” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… God is LOVE …” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… I change NOT … ” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance .” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“Be still, and know that I am God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress ...” (Psalms 46 NLT). God will FIGHT for his people and TAKE CARE of the things that concern them. “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “... No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper... ” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).The events, situations, circumstances, or STORMS OF LIFE that concern God’s people are ALL under God’s sovereign control. “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows .  But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“...THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 NIV).Peter’s VICTORY from THE STORM represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE. Peter’s victory also REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and working power) to them! “… the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “… BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous …” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “… You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield …” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “... overwhelming victory is ours  through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).   “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “… your deliverer …” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and working power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him.“...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists . Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (for  you, this could be a Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (for you, this is experienced by following his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory came when he was miraculously delivered from prison and walked right past his bondage & adversity to freedome)!  “... Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “…I HAVE DONE IT , declares the Lord… ’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “… the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).“… a t God’s [miracle-performingWORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)… ” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God ( the miracle-performing POWER of God ) …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “... the chains fell off Peter’s wrists ... They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself , and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said , “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers , bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).INSIDE THE STORMS, we face in life, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  broken relationships, unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; however, follow Peter’s LEAD.“... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling, stressful “feelings” such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, depression, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY. “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV).  WHY should you SLEEP (at complete REST) during these troubling TIMES? “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God isfor ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[you or peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “.... Will tribulation , or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love] ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).“...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground , and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil ...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). “… HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).“…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“… No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).“… the battle is not yours, but God’s . …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…Take your positions; then stand still .. ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).INSIDE THE STORMS, we face in life, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY. “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV).  Remember,  “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God isfor ...[you, inside the storm,]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[you]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “… Who...[or what would]... separate ...[you]... from the love of Christ ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “.... Will tribulation , or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love] ? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate ...[you]...from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).“...For...[God, the Holy Spirit]... know the thoughts that ...[he thinks]... toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them (God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called (chosen by HIM) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).“…[God is]... GOOD …” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “.…there is none good but one, that is, God ” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “… he remains faithful [and good] , for he cannot deny who he is … ” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“… [God, the invisible Holy Spirit] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer , Your GOD , Your rock ...[ YOUR goodness ]…  in whom [you] … take refuge...” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).  “... overwhelming victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). IN THE STORM, “... Peter was sleeping ....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF TROUBLES: JESUS ENDS WITH OVERWHELMING VICTORY!

INSIDE THE PANDEMIC OF TROUBLES: JESUS  ENDS UP WITH OVERWHELMING VICTORY AS SAVIOR OF THE WORLD  “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished : and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me …” (John 6:38 NIV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).*Jesus went INSIDE the STORM (death on the cross and the grave). Jesus, while on earth, went about doing good, but still went INSIDE the STORM.“… Jesus of Nazareth ... went around ... doing goodand healing all. “…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).“... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“… his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “..they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“…When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried ; it was our sorrows that weighed him down . And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced f or our rebellion , crushed for our sins . He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed . All of us, like sheep, have strayed away... Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all ...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT). “ …Christ…suffered (INSIDE THE STORM) for us in the flesh … ” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).“…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).  “… they came to Jesus , and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs ... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).“… Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury ...  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand…” (John 19:38-42 KJV).THROUGH IT ALL: “… he ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…Father, into thy handsI commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV). Therefore, “..be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV).“... take heart, because I have overcome the world ..." (John 16:44 NLT).“... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV).The bible says “be of good cheer,” “take heart,” and “let your heart not be trouble or afraid,” because, through CHRIST JESUS, we have ALL overcome the STORMS of LIFE.“... We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God..” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “... despite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).He went through the STORM, but OVERWHELMING VICTORY was also Jesus Christ’s. Jesus is now “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).The WORD which is ABOVE every other WORD!In addition,“…at … the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). Going INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE will be a struggle, but if you entrust yourself to God, your spiritual growth and development will EMPOWER you to do the WORKS you were called to do.“…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “... he doeth the works …” (John 14:10 KJV). Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many ...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).  .“… my righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous …” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… God intended...[JESUS’ STORM]... for good to accomplish what is now being done , the saving of many lives...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).Many STORMS are USED to TRAIN and PREPARE God’s people for a life of DIVINE PURPOSE.This training and preparation couldlast for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and most likely will NOT be pleasant. You were meant to become, first and foremost, God’s ordained PURPOSE.  “No chastening (training, preparation, etc.) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable FRUIT of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).  “… [God allows training and preparation]…for our profit, that [you] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). When God allows or permits you to go INSIDE a STORM it is not about what is actually happening TO you as much as it is about what is happening IN you. God cares about your heart. “… The LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “….[It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the …  [sin]... that is … WITHINme …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).God SEES the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “…No one needed… to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “ O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT). God took Israel through the wilderness (trials, tribulations, troubles, etc.) for forty years? He did it to humble them, to test (train) them, to see if they would keep his commandments or not, and to reveal to them “…. what was in [their OWN]…heart …” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).Forty years is a LONG time, but sometimes it takes people a long time to surrender to GOD’S PURPOSE. Some of God’s people have claimed to have walked with God for many, many years and “STILL” will NOT surrender to HIS PURPOSE for their lives. “…BE conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is in you …” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).However, “… My people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).  “...But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).Many of God’s people who CLAIM to belong to him have not truly turned from their wicked ways. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). God wants HIS people to “LIVE” HOLY (free from sin, its practices, its influences, and its bondage) like him; that’s his standard. He does NOT mollycoddle with sin on ANY level JUST because it’s you doing the sin. “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). God loves YOU, but he will NOT pamper or indulge your ongoing, sinful lifestyle practices. “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practicessin, because His seed abides (WORD/WORDS ABIDE) in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD..” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death , or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).. “... Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB).True surrender will humble a person and they will voluntarily choose to give up their lives up for GOD’S PURPOSE. “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30 NLT).SURRENDER is clearly witnessed through obedience to God’s Word and is PROOF a person has truly given their lives over to GOD’S PURPOSE. “… My people would not listen to me . They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “...the people replied … We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…for thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).Many, who claim, to be God’s people PICK and CHOOSE how they want to SURRENDER to God and what part of HIS PURPOSE they want for their lives. If your heart is not surrendered to God, it will show.. “…Ye shall know [God’s people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “...For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts...” (Matthew 15:19 KJV).  “… [It is] from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts … wickedness, deceit, … pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you (make you unclean)…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).“… God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The....[indwelling]... Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [his people’s] ...lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know [his people]… by their fruits …” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). "… “[His people[...bear much fruit , and .. PROVE to be...[HIS]... disciples” (John 15:8 NIV).Some, who claim, to be God’s people TALK as if they have SURRENDERED to GOD’S PURPOSE, but have  “NOT” in their hearts or in their behaviors. “…He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6 KJV).  “... the LORD looks at the heart …” (1 Samuel 16:7). “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV).“… The flesh profiteth nothing …” (John 6:63 KJV). “…And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me NOTHING...” (1 Corinthians 13:3 KJV).HEARING God’s WORD activates the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT to produce fruit, which empowers and strengthens, God’s people, to DO HIS work. “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “… God … does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his . … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth t he works …” (John 14:10 KJV). “… The [invisible] … HOLY SPIRIT …does the work (of obedience) IN and THROUGH [his people] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “...The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power (to enable obedience) THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).INSIDE the STORM, the indwelling Holy Spirit becomes YOUR SOURCE of continual HOPE. “…Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing…!" (Romans 4:18 NLT). “…you will abound in HOPE by the power of the...[indwelling]...Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely.... Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through thepower of the [indwelling] ...Holy Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT Therefore, “…Trust in the Lord (the indwelling holy spirit) with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…You will abound in HOPE by the power of theHoly Spirit…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely.... Then you will overflow with confident HOPE through the power of the HolySpirit…” (Romans 15:13 NLT). The FRUIT of“… FAITH COMETH BY HEARING , and hearing by the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “... the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives...[faith] …” (Galatians 5 NLT). When you choose to SURRENDER, INSIDE the STORM, you entrust yourself and the outcome to God. The sovereign WORK of the indwelling Holy Spirit will turn the impossible victories into possible victories. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).ALL STORMS have some SADNESS and HEARTBREAK, but by humbly surrendering to and acknowledging God, he can somehow turn it ALL to VICTORY. The bible says, “… In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). .“...ALL THINGS (sickness, divorce, death, disappointments, pain, heartbreak, etc.) work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).No matter how bad the STORM was or how long it’s been going on, God is “STILL” able to DO far more abundantly; BEYOND what you have asked for or thought of, and can give you “overwhelming victory.” “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).“…[God, the Holy Spirit, can] do far more abundantly beyond all that [you]… ask or think, according to the power that works within [you]…” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB). “… Only believe… ” (Mark 5:36 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).If you have been through or are going through A STORM and have experienced DEEP sadness, heartbreak, terror, etc., choose to surrender to God’s loving CARE anyway. “…"Father … not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). “…If the Lord will , [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “...Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).   “…. all things [will] work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (Romans 8:28 KJV).To depend upon God INSIDE the STORM, no matter what you GO through, will require the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirt will HELP you continue to follow God’s instructions and EXPECT OVERWHELMING VICTORIOUSLY in spite of it all. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).  “… He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “... d espite all these things , overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “…The things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “… NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).“...Therefore [INSIDE the STORMS]... put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground , and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm...” (Ephesians 6:13-14 NIV).“... Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil ...” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT). “… HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end …” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).“…God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help...” (Hebrews 13:5 MSG).“…He said, … Do not be afraid or discouraged ...the Lord is with you !” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“… No weapon that is formed against [YOU]… shall prosper …” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “… the battle is not yours, but God’s . …...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…you will not even need to fight...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…Take your positions; then stand still .. ” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).INSIDE JESUS’ STORM: “... Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“… his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “..they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“…When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “...He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried ; it was our sorrows that weighed him down . And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced f or our rebellion , crushed for our sins . He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed . All of us, like sheep, have strayed away... Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all ...” (Isaiah 53:3-6 NLT). “ …Christ…suffered (INSIDE THE STORM) for us in the flesh … ” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).“…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “ “… they came to Jesus , and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs ... one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).“… Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury ...  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand…” (John 19:38-42 KJV).THROUGH IT ALL: “… he ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…Father, into thy handsI commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).  “...[Jesus]... was buried, and … he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).  Jesus is now “ highly exalted ” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God …” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).“…at … the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things… ” ( Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many , O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “... In the world ye shall have tribulation... ” (John 16:33 KJV).YET “... overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).