TRANSFORMING SUFFERING:ENTRUST YOURSELF TO HIM

The ability to trust is established in childhood during the caregiver and infant bond. A loving caregiver shapes the young infant for future trusting relationships by behaving in a trusting manner themselves. There is a different between trust and entrust.

When you trust someone you believe they are reliable, upright, authentic, honorable, and safe. However, when you entrust yourself to someone you personally give over to them the responsibility of your care, BECAUSE you trust them.

Your ability to trust people starts to take shape before you talk, walk, or do anything else. It’s amazing how God sends the infant into the world with only two abilities: to elicit love and to receive it.

Unbeknown to the infant, their first attachment will determine their ability to form trusting relationships for the rest of their lives.

The infant will learn to trust in a mutual relationship they ideally share with their caregiver. Mutuality is a trusting attachment in action, where infant and caregiver equally participate in intimate behaviors that contribute to the relationship.

Miraculously, a baby is born with God-given attachment abilities to both elicit a respond from their caregivers and to respond back to their caregiver’s stimuli.  

These “elicit and response” attachment abilities will build trust between the infant and caregiver. In an ideal situation, the caregiver lovingly provides for the infant’s needs in a way that forms a trusting bond.

Both the infant and the caregiver, ideally, contribute to the interactions, which will strengthen and reinforce this trusting bond.

Although, the infant and caregiver have different roles, both are equally important.

The caregiver, however, initially has the greater responsibility for forming the trusting bond by paying attention to the infant’s needs, especially when he or she “elicits a response” from them.

Trust is established whenever the infant elicits a response and the caregiver lovingly responds. Normally, the infant will elicit a response by making vocal sounds, showing emotions, or through body language. The caregiver responds through feeding, calming, soothing, comforting, or touching behaviors.

The caregiver lovingly communicates to the infant that they can be trusted to meet their needs. Most caregivers joyfully and lovingly meet the needs of their infant. It usually feels good to be needed.

When people around you have a need and you can meet that need, you have a purpose. Thus, the infant’s needs give the caregiver purpose and makes them feel useful. Need is a building block for intimacy in a trusting attachment.

The infant learns, at this very tender age, to trust another person to meet their needs. Infants have nothing much else to pay attention to, but the relationship with their caregiver. They are focused on one specific task, bonding with their caregiver. What they focus on becomes their experience.

When the caregiver meets the needs of the infant it teaches them their needs are important and SOMEBODY CARES. This is how the infant learns “LOVE” will meet my needs and I can trust “LOVE”

Meeting another person’s needs is the deepest expression of love. Need builds intimacy and ultimately TRUST. Remember, when you trust someone you have come to believe they are reliable, upright, authentic, honorable, and safe.

On the other hand, when you entrust yourself to someone you choose to personally give over to them the responsibility of your care, BECAUSE you trust them.

“…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 2:20-23 NIV). While suffering, Jesus’ stance was to entrust himself to God.

Therefore, Christ suffered patiently through mistreatments, insults, injustices, unfairness, and he quietly endured it. Instead of defending himself or threatening revenge, he did something greater; he entrusted himself to the “…righteous judge…” Even on the cross he said, “…Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).

Jesus demonstrated when you suffer wrongfully entrust or commit yourself to God, fully assured of his righteous responsible care for you. “…I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause…” (Job 5:9 KJV).

Christ didn’t let his “season of suffering” defeat him or make him give up. No matter what horrible, horrible things he faced or the negative things that were said, Jesus left the consequences, of his care, to God. “… “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).

Jesus had total faith that God’s righteous justice was all that was needed to suffice for any and all wrong done to him. “…he [absolutely]… ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).

God’s sovereign and righteous judgment would ultimately determine Jesus’ outcome and nothing or no one else. Therefore, “…when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). On the cross Jesus said, “…Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).

“…When he suffered…” Jesus personally entrusted himself to God by giving him the responsibility of his total care and the outcome of all his suffering. Jesus absolutely and unequivocally trusted the just and loving God.  

Who was this “…righteous judge?” Obviously, Jesus thought the righteous judge was God. Jesus went through a horrendous “season of suffering” or some call it the “passion” of Christ.

When you think of passion you think of something that drives or controls you and you feel extreme, intense emotion about it. Passion is a powerful motivator and can energize you to do something that may appear radical to others.

Jesus’ passion drove him to die a hideous death on the cross. Jesus’ passion and death was the price he was “willing” to pay. He humbly said, “…yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). During his “season of suffering,” no matter what it entailed, he absolutely loved and trusted God.

Jesus went through his “season of suffering” fully aware God could be trusted. Jesus came to ^“… give his life as a ransom for many…” just like his father in heaven wanted (Matthew 20:28 ASV).

No matter what he suffered, he endured it by placing his life in the hands of his trustworthy father. “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God” (Psalm 31:14 NIV). What are some of the things Jesus suffered through while trusting his care to God?

“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),

“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 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).

“…The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

“…And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture o

of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 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).

Therefore, “…when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he ENTRUSTED himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).

“…Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you…” (JOHN 20:19-21 KJV).

Again, Jesus had total TRUST that God’s righteous justice was all that he needed to suffice for any and all wrong done to him.

To this day, Jesus is “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 “season of suffering” is unique to you, but may be experienced, to a much lesser degree, and under different circumstances, like that of Jesus’. Therefore, “…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 2:20-23 NIV).

For instance, Job lost family, renown, wealth, and his health. Joseph was thrown into a pit and forced to grow up with strangers. The Hebrew boys were thrown into the fiery furnace. Jesus was beaten, insulted, and hung on a cross.

Some of you have lost significant love ones through suicide, sickness, murder, divorce, and abandonment. Others have faced abuse, failure, rejection, broken dreams, long-term disabilities, loneliness, and a host of almost unspeakable and unbearable experiences.

It’s the details of those experiences that often rock you to the core. Job had to see his dead children and bury each one of them. Joseph was thrown in the pit and was there for a while before he was rescued. The Hebrew boys were actually IN the furnace.

Jesus was beaten and whipped by the Roman soldiers so bad he was unrecognizable. “…Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV).

“…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).

“…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit…”(1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

Therefore, God “…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).

There is just no way around it; “seasons of suffering” will be a part of this earthly journey whether we like it or not. “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).

I am always encouraged by the victories in the stories of Job, Joseph, the Hebrew boys, Lazarus, and the little girl; but we STILL have to go through “seasons of suffering”. “…after YOU have suffered a little while…” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

Unfortunately, “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation…” (John 16:33 KJV). God doesn’t discriminate. God “…spared not his own Son, [from suffering,] but delivered him up for us all…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

^“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).

 We will have “seasons of suffering.” “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).

“…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).

However, for the believer, during “seasons of suffering,” there is GOD, HOPE, HELP and HUMILITY.

GOD:

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things [or these “seasons of suffering”]…? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV). God is a God of love. He doesn’t stop being loving because you are going through a “season of suffering.

During any “season of suffering,” God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

God’s love for you is just as deep in your happy days as it is in your “seasons of suffering.” “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?...Who will separate us from the love of ^[Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...[NO] …But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. …[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

The bible says God’s love is patient and enduring. No matter what you are going through or how long, God’s “…..lovingkindness endureth for ever…” (Psalm 106:1, Psalm 100:5, 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV).

God’s love is and has been persistent through the days, weeks, months, or years of your “season of suffering.”  God guarantees that “….neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). It may not seem like it, but “….the…faithful love of the Lord, [for you], never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).

Even if you’ve blamed God, gotten angry with him and haven’t been faithful to him during your “season of suffering, his love for YOU is patient and longsuffering. Thankfully, God’s love “…endureth all things… [and] endureth forever” (1 Corinthians 13:7 & Psalm 106:1). “…his faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods….His faithful love endures forever……His faithful love endures forever…” (Psalm 136:1-3 NLT).

God’s love is kind and “….God careth for you… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…How great is [God’s benevolent kindness], which [He lays] up for them that fear [Him]… [or] for them that take refuge in [Him]…” (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). During your “season of suffering” “….he is good [deeply caring]... “ALL” the time (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). Be assured that God’s kindness is immutably “...tenderhearted… [and]… forgiving…” (Ephesian 4:32 KJV).

Like it or not God’s “goodness and lovingkindness [will]… follow [you]… all the days of [your]… life…” (Psalm 23:6 KJV).  In other words, God’s very presence is kind. His care “runneth over” for you Psalm 23:5). “For [the Lord] blesses the righteous, [and surrounds] him with favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12 ASV).

"Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest, and will bring …[you] again into this land. For I will not leave [you]… until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). What an awesome love!!

God’s love is never rude, but polite and courteous. God treats those he loves

with the utmost respect and dignity, during their “seasons of suffering.” God will always demonstrates good manners towards you, even if you make mistakes or are rude towards Him.

Because of grace, God’s love will not treat you according to your wrongs towards Him. Instead of rudeness, God reacts with amazing grace. Even if you do something that deserves a rude response, God’s grace will always direct him to treat you with politeness.

Grace is a core characteristic of God.

God’s love is not self-seeking, but self-sacrificing. You already know that God gave his only begotten Son to save your life from the destruction of sin (John 3:16).

When you give up your life through the “…death…” of self, like Christ’s“…death of the cross…” it’s the truest example of self-sacrificing love (Philippians 2:7 KJV). Jesus “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 KJV).

God’s love is not easily provoked or easily angered, but peaceful. God remains calm and peaceful at all times. God’s handles our mistakes and short-comings without exhibiting an instant angry response; which is usually common in humanity. God chooses to peacefully “... [cover]…a multitude of sins…” verses reacting with anger (1 Peter 4:8 ASV). God is extremely “…slow to anger [because He is] abundant in lovingkindness and truth….” (Psalm 86:15 ASV). “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 ASV). God’s love does not anger easily.

God’s love does not keep a record of wrongs. Jesus asked God to erase your record of wrongs. He said, “…Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34 KJV). God’s love will “…blotteth out …[your] transgression and remember not… [your] sins… (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12, 10:17 ASV).

God’s love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in truth. God finds happiness in what is right and holy and not the opposite. God only delights in truth and rejoices when the truth is “…in …[your] inward parts…” (Psalm 51:6 KJV).God “…..hath no pleasure in wickedness [or unrighteousness]…. (Psalm 5:4 KJV).

God’s love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. God’s only agenda is love and nothing else. God’s love holds up under a mountain of offenses, betrayals, unfaithfulness, dishonor, disrespect, untrustworthiness, and evils of all kinds, and his love compels him to “…cover the multitude [of our]…sins…” (1 Peter 4:8 KJV).

God’s love will NEVER fail or end, but goes on eternally. Because“…iniquity shall abound..., [people will find their]… love [for others] shall wax cold…” (Matthew 24:12 KJV). God’s love will never wax cold. He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). There is “…[No]….greater love…than this…”(John 15:13 KJV).

God is a GOOD God. “…for the lord is GOOD…” (Psalm 100:5 KJV). “Thou are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 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).

God’s gives his Word to Bless you during a “season of suffering.” “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).

“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

HOPE

“…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).

“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).

“…all things work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 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).

“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

HELP

“…be content with what you have, because God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest… For I will not leave [you]… until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail (leave) thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).

“…for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you…” (Deuteronomy 20:4 NASB).

“…obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God” (Acts 18:9-11 NIV).

“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

HUMILITY

“…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 opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble…”(James 4:6 NIV).

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith…”(Romans 12:3 NIV).

 “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple” (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).

“…but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem other better than themselves… [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

“…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

 “…but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem other better than themselves…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV).

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

 “…it is God which worketh in [them]… both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…That [God]… would grant [them]… according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…”(Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

The prideful person, “…can do all things [only] through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV.

Therefore, “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).

“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV).

Humility is a very important characteristic to God. And like Jesus came to “…to give His life a ransom for many…” and single-mindedly kept that focus (Matthew 20:28 NIV). We too, came and were called to single-mindedly be “…conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:28).

Jesus “…humbled himself, and “became” obedient unto death...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 KJV).

“…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). The first thing God says, before prayer, before you seek him and before repentance, is to “humble” yourself.

What we think of ourselves, in our hearts, impacts who we are and the image we project to others. “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV). It’s okay to desire to

project a certain image, however, as a believer, there is NOW only ONE image we need to project and that’s Jesus’ image. Be “…conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:28).

Usually, the problem with projecting Jesus’ image is the issue of pride lingering somewhere is the heart. Some people try, very hard, to project a certain image, some may not be aware of the image they project at all, and others are high-minded about the image they feel they are projecting. Whatever, your thoughts of your image, there is always the one you “think” you project and the one that is “actually” projected.

If you have a desired image you want to project, you usually work on it constantly, but it is your desired image and not God’s. Be “…conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:28). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). Remember, “…God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble…”(James 4:6 NIV).

Building your own image means you are concerned with YOUR reputation among people, family, and community. “… [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

Building YOUR own image is driven by pride, like it or not. People try to build their own image in ministry, in their various roles in life, among their family, friends, and community, and by doing certain deeds. “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

Sometimes the desire to project a certain image is so miniscule one may not even notice. Sometimes the desire to project a certain image has a positive purpose. Sometimes the desire to project a certain image is for good reasons.

For instance, wanting to project an image of being nice, holy, a giver, forgiving, good, kind, and sweet are all good images to desire, right? . “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

Some of Hebrew definitions, for pride, mean to be arrogant, conceited, audacity, stubborn speech, evil actions, high-mindedness, or puffed-up. In addition, the Hebrew definition implies that this kind of person projects an image that is a smoke-screen for another image. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV).

Usually people work hard on their image and can get haughty about it. However, whether aware of it or not, pride is driving the desire for projecting “that” particularly image. “For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

People can even project an image of humility while inwardly doing whatever “they” want to do and not what God wants them to do. “…‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT). “For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

Desiring to project a certain image seems harmless, especially if the image desired is good, right? How can wanting to project an image of humility or holiness be prideful? Why would God have a problem with that?

Because when YOU project that image you take pride in YOUR ability to project it. To project the image of true humility or holiness, which are God’s qualities, “…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

Without knowing it people get proud of their independent and autonomous ability to create their OWN image. It never even crosses their mind that it is a prideful thing. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

Job was an upright man and full of integrity, but he had a certain image of himself. Job thought he was projecting a righteous image, but his friends saw something else. “…So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes…” (Job 32:1 KJV).

Elihu, inspired by the Spirit, questioned Job about his righteous image. “…The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “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 33:8-13 KJV).

Elihu didn’t accuse him of any secret sin like his other friends, but he saw Job striving against God and thought he was giving himself credit for his righteousness. Elihu saw Job holding the image of himself in a higher position than God’s. “Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?” (Job 35:1-2 KJV).

Throughout chapters 36 and 37 Elihu witnesses and ministers to Job the goodness of God, the sovereignty of God, the wonderful works of God, and the glory of God. Elihu didn’t talk about any secret sin of Job’s, but only of the love, grace, mercy, and salvation of God bestowed on mere, finite, repentant man.

Eventually, God breaks into the conversation and talks to Job himself. Job is a upright man full of integrity, but God is sovereign and righteous over the universe. “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).

Because of Job’s righteous image of himself it made him compare his righteousness with other men instead of with the righteous of God. Without God, every single person on earth “… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV

 “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

Job’s problem was not what he had done; he was upright and full of integrity. However, Job had an improper self-image, which seemed to have clouded his image of the sovereign God. Job admitted he did not know and his own improper image of himself had actually deceived him.

“I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, 'I will question you, and you shall answer Me.' I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes: (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Not only did Job have an improper image of himself, but he had an improper image of the sovereign God. But Job repented and humbly saw himself in light of God’s greatness. “…I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes: (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Job demonstrates to us why we cannot afford to get complacent in our righteousness. It is possible to feel so comfortable with our current righteousness we think we have arrived at some righteous pinnacle.

Job’s friends, during his “season of suffering,” challenged his righteousness. Job tried to defend his righteousness instead of God’s righteousness, the owner of righteousness. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee…”(Daniel 9:7 KJV). Many believers have this problem today.

One of the wonderful benefits of Job’s “season of suffering” is that he grew in the grace and knowledge of God” and he received a new revelation of the sovere

sovereign God. “…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).

Job humbled himself FIRST, then he sought God, and turned from his ways. Next, he prayed for his friend. “…[And]…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).

Obviously, Satan “…intended to harm…[Job, but]…God intended it for good to accomplish what [was]…done, the saving of many lives…” Genesis 50:20 NIV). By studying the book of Job, our lives our saved from making the same mistake Job did. “…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).

God said, “…There is no one on earth like [Job]…; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Yet God intervenes in Job’s life through a “season of suffering,” which offers Job an opportunity to see his improper image of his righteousness in light of God’s righteous sovereignty. “…I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes: (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Job said, “…I abhor myself… (Job 42:1-6 KJV). He disliked the high-minded attitude he had about his righteousness and he hated himself for having misunderstood the sovereign God. Job admits, “…Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know…” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Job’s “season of suffering” truly humbled him and a POWERFUL transformation took place. “…Those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes…” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV).

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

Believers, God says, “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my 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).

Christ informs believers, “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…”(John 15:5 NIV). However, “…[You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…for [HIS]… power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Job came to realize God’s sufficiency. “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).Those “in” Christ can, “…delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when [you are]…weak, then [are you]…strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV).

Humility is a foundational and core characteristic to possess, especially in our relationship with God through Christ, who is both our Lord and Savior. “…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).  

Humility proceeds prayer, seeking God, and repentance or self could become a major hindrance to God’s sovereignty. Job’s “season of suffering” gave him a chance to evaluate himself in light of God’s sovereignty. Once he was enlightened with God’s revelatory truth, Job submitted.

Evaluating your righteousness by boasting and comparing yourselves to mere man; is not commendable. “My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice” (Psalms 34:2 NASB). “…so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD" (1 Corinthians 1:31 NASB).

“…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, …”(Romans 12:3 KJV). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

, “…Examine yourself, 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).  Eventually, Job’s “season of suffering” made him examine himself, humble himself, submit to God’s sovereignty, and repent.

Defending your righteousness to others may lead to improper justification of yourself. Therefore, “Humble yourselves … under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

In your “season of suffering” entrust yourself to God and personally give the responsibility of your care over to him, BECAUSE you CAN trust him. “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).