HARD TEACHERS AND THE LESSONS WE LEARN

SOME “SEASONS OF SUFFERING” COME AS TEACHERS AND OBEDIENCE IS THE LESSON!

Jesus, “… [God’s] Son … learned … obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

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Most people want to have loving relationships with others such as spouses, children, siblings, friends, brother and sister-in-Christ, co-workers, and other relatives. But genuine, loving relationships, no matter what kind, are costly. Why are they costly? Because emotional, mental, and sometimes physical  suffering will be or can be a part of all human relationships and nobody likes to go through the hard stuff.

Like it or not, true love is always costly and sacrificial. Christ suffered for us. “…Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). He thought YOU were worth suffering for, SO he decided and choose to DIE for you. “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 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 5:6-8 NLT).  “…Christ died for [your] sins according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

In order to die for us, “…Christ [first]…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). He did that when he, “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8 KJV). You see, “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

Therefore, 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).

In addition, “…forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). Most of the time, when we think of or focus on Christ’s sufferings, we mainly look at the outward events: the beatings, carrying the old rugged cross through the city for ALL to see, and being nailed to that cross.  We look at what happened TO him, but not what might have been happening IN him.

The bible says he died TWO deaths: death to SELF AND death on the cross.  First Christ “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death (inward happening), even the death of the cross (outward happening)…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).  Two deaths: “Obedient unto to death” and “death on the cross.” Even though he was, “… [God’s] Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered (things he struggled THROUGH in the flesh)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Pay attention to this, Jesus LEARNED obedience BY the things he SUFFERED!!!! “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

God knew Jesus would suffer and yet, he “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Therefore, “… arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

Jesus’ “seasons of suffering” became a teacher to him and obedience was the lesson.  “Seasons of suffering” are not so much about what’s happening TO you as much as it is about what’s happening IN you. “… He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

One minister said, it is NOT what is happening TO you, but what is happening FOR you. Jesus, “… [God’s] Son … learned … obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). The SUFFERING happened to you him, but OBEDIENCE happened FOR him.

There comes a time to stop living in willful sin. “...For the time past of our life ... 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). “... Since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin (you have learned obedience). You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols...” (1 Peter 4:1-3 NLT).

Jesus had a purpose. “….the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).  Therefore, Jesus, “… [God’s] Son, … [had to learn] … obedience by the things he suffered [in order to fulfill his God-given purpose]…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Jesus learned obedience by actually experiencing personal struggles in his human flesh. “…Christ…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3). In other words, Jesus learned obedience by actually staying in perfect compliance with God’s will regardless of what he was going through or suffering through. “… learned he obedience …” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

This kind of obedience is developed under painful, stressful, and difficult tests. Yet, Jesus submitted to God’s will for his life in spite of the cost of his suffering. “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Choosing to be submission to God’s will was personal to Jesus and reflected his loving, trusting devotion to HIM. Jesus “learned” from “the things” he “suffered.” “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).  Every time Jesus followed God’s will through absolute submission, in his human flesh, he learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8).

Jesus DID NOT have to SUBMIT to God’s will. Jesus was NOT FORCED to lay down his life or to suffer. He had a choice to submit or lay down his life. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  Yet, “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV).  Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

Jesus chose, on his own accord, to give up his divine privileges, was demoted to human flesh, became like a servant, and “…emptied himself…” (Philippians 2:7 NASB). “….Christ pleased not himself…” (Romans 15:3 KJV). “…[He came] ... to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

Jesus’ relationship with God, during his human life on earth, was that of a trusting Son. “…He (Jesus)…[completely]… entrusted himself to him (God, the Holy Spirit) who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

 Jesus came to do God’s will. “…I seek not mine own will…” and submitted to God, the Holy Spirit’s, will. “…but the will of the Father which hath sent me...” While on earth, he CHOOSE to be completely OBEDIENT to God’s will/desires. “…the Son can do nothing of himself [and said,]…I can of mine own self do nothing…...” John 5:19, 30 KJV).

Jesus was absolutely devoted to God and they were an undivided team. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).

We see Jesus in his human experience and “one” with God, the Holy Spirit, at the same time. Jesus was both divine and human. “I and the father are one” (John 10:30 KJV).

This duel identity is further evidenced in this scripture: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

Christ was claiming he had all the rights of his Father in heaven and he could take advantage of those rights if he wanted to, but he didn’t. Instead, “... [He choose to take]… the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV).

Jesus had the freedom to exercise his human will and rebel against the will of God just like YOU DO. Jesus said, “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father…” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Nevertheless, Jesus willfully decided not to use his human will or the privileges of his divine rights.  He professed: “….not my will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV).

He had these privileges (human will, divine rights) as God’s Son while upon earth. Yet and still, “… learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).  Jesus did not have to suffer through obedience. Love for God and love for YOU, compelled him to be obedient. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

At any time he could have exercised his own human will and lived a different life. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). It is hard to grasp this kind of radical love and devotion.

Jesus was radically devoted to God, to YOU, and made it clear that he did, “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  He was TRULY a living sacrifice.

Jesus demonstrated that obedience to God was worth suffering for and that you were worth dying for, so he stayed the course. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

Jesus’ kind of obedience is a sign of an intimately trusting and radically devoted love “….if ye LOVE me… keep my commandments…” (John 14:15 KJV).

Jesus loved God and would suffer through obedience to prove it. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). Therefore, Jesus,"… humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).

“…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). Obedience is often learned by the things we have to suffer through. Nevertheless, staying faithfully trusting to God through “seasons of suffering” PROVES your love and devotion to God.

The PROOF is not in just what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE or DEPEND upon “WHILE” you are doing what YOU DO.  ^"Jesus … said…This is the work of God: that ye believe on him [or depend upon him] whom he hath sent (he sent his WORD).” (John 6:29 KJV).

“…Show me your faith (your dependency upon God) without deeds, and I will show you my faith (my dependency upon God) by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith (his dependency upon God’s Word to make descendants from Isaac) and his actions (sacrificing Isaac on the altar while “still” depending upon God to make descendants from him) were working together, and his faith (his dependency upon God) was made complete by what he did (by still depending upon God even when he suffered through putting, his only son, Isaac upon the altar).  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God (Abraham depended upon God), and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

Abraham’s faith or dependency upon God’s Word to make descendants from Isaac was demonstrated when he was challenged sacrificed Isaac, he’s ONLY son, at the time, upon the altar.

Abraham suffered THROUGH placing his ONLY son, upon the altar WHILE “STILL” having FAITH or dependency upon God’s Word to make descendants FROM ISAAC. “…It was BY FAITH that ABRAHAM OFFERED UP ISAAC as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.”  Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)

Some “seasons of suffering” are SENT to transform YOU. The development of obedience is that transformation process “in action. It becomes “…the work of God…”

Faith or dependency upon God becomes the MOTIVATION for the empowerment of obedience “…that ye believe on him [that you become empowered to depend upon him]…” “[Abraham’s]… faith  (his dependency upon God) and his actions (his willingness to sacrifice Isaac) were working together, and his faith (his dependency upon God’s promise to make descendants from Isaac) was made complete by what he did (his willingness to sacrifice Isaac while still depending upon the POWER of God’s promise).  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God (Abraham depended upon the POWER of God’s promise) …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

God told Abraham to do something, he believed or depended upon God, and was empowered to do what he was told to do. Abraham’s actions were the “work of God.” God empowered Abraham to “believe on (or depend upon) him,” which motivated him to do what he did. “…You see that his faith and his actions were working together, [and thus]… …‘Abraham believed God, …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).

The PROOF is not in just what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE or DEPEND upon “WHILE” you are doing what YOU DO.  “…his faith and his actions were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…‘Abraham believed God …”

Jesus said, “…that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

Jesus was sold out to God’s will and he was unequivocally surrendered to his will; no matter the cost. They were a team.  

Because of Jesus’ radical love and obedience to God, the bible says: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

I use the word radical to paint a picture of Jesus’ love and devotion to God, but it really isn’t radical at all. For believers; it is meant to be a standard for our own love and devotion to God. “…that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandments, even so I do…” (John 14:31 KJV).

Many believers don’t experience that kind of love and devotion to God even on the most basic level. Yet, we are to present ourselves to God, just like Jesus did, as a “…living sacrifice…” which is “…your reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Reasonable service is one that is equitable, just, and fair or the “least” you can do; considering what God has done for YOU. ^“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). Nonetheless, many believers are not willing to give even their “…reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

Every human on earth suffers through something occasionally and no one escapes. Believers go through suffering too. If they are in a relationship with God, however, they will NEVER go through it alone (Hebrews 13:5).

We live in a fallen world, where sin and evil exists and suffering will be part of our experience sooner or later. Even Christ was no exception. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).

But the end-all blessing of suffering, for the believer is, “….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).

Whatever you GIVE UP as you learn obedience through suffering, God promises to reward you for it abundantly! “…[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).

However, please note, God will reward you, NOT merely for your obedience or because you think you’ve earned it. “…‘Abraham believed God …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).  God will keep his loving promises to you because you CHOOSE to BELIEVE HIM or CHOOSE to DEPEND UPON HIM like Abraham did.

God says, I “…am watching over my word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…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).

Remember, is not in just what YOU DO, it is in what you BELIEVE or DEPEND upon “WHILE” you are doing what YOU DO.  The question is NOT “WHAT are you doing,” but “WHY are you doing it?”

You don’t earn anything from God by simply doing. God FREELY gives you all things (Romans 8:32). “…[God, through Christ]… freely give us all things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).

God really doesn’t owe you another thing. He’s already given you all his “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 & Colossians 1:27 KJV). Our obedience is simply our “…reasonable service…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).

God is a KIND God and always gives and blesses you “…exceeding abundantly above all [you]… can ask or think…;” even if you don’t deserve it, are not worthy of it, and not good enough for it (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…[God’s] incomparable riches of his grace, [is]… expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV). SHOUT!!!!

Job’s obedience through his suffering was his “…reasonable service…”  Job was considered “…blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).  Job made his position clear. “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV).

We go through difficult situations, or circumstances, or tests that rock us to the core. It’s okay to be sad, or enraged, or confused, or angry, or any number of adverse emotions; you’re human. When Lazarus died, even Jesus wept (John 11:35 KJV).

Job was sad and heartbroken over this loses: “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head (OT expressions of sadness or sorrow…” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

However, Job learned obedience by the things he suffered. This test was the perfect opportunity to rebel against God. “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’s health was impacted too, “…Satan….smote Job with boils from the sole of his feet unto his crown…” (Job 2:7 KJV).

Job’s wife even said, “…Doest thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God and die…” (Job 2:9 KJV). “But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” (Job 2:10 KJV).

Job’s obedience through his suffering was his “…reasonable service…” 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.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God …” (Job 1:20-22 NASB).

Job was hand-picked by God to go through this difficult time. Jesus was hand-picked too and thus God “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

God will not spare you or I either. God will, however, work your suffering together into a good, loving and divine outcome.

God allows you to go through suffering byway of various tests. “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Job lost EVERYTHING tragically and yet he said, “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job knew his “…reasonable service…” was obedience and knew “…a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth…” (Romans 12:1 & Luke 12:15 KJV).

Job kept his integrity to God. Maybe he felt like Apostle Paul, who said, “…for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV).

How many of us or people we know are mad at God and blame him for the many things they have suffered in this life? “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does” (1 Peter 5:8-11 MSG).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV).

People have walked away from the relationship with God and have chosen to live with anger, hatred, and bitterness over past tragedy and lost. “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 28:26 KJV). “...though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

Unfortunately, some people have willfully sinned against God with their lips and actions for months and years, after a “season of suffering”. Many can’t or won’t get past the question of “Why me?” or “WHY?” “Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” (Romans 9:20-22 NLT).

Many people want days of PROSPERITY, but not days of ADVERSITY.  “..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). Job asked an interesting question, “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV).

The reality about suffering is: “... in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14  NASB). God clearly states in his word, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

To create or make something is not just about the tangible, but the intangible as well. Conditions, circumstances, adversity, miracles, tests, or suffering are created or made (Ecclesiastes 7:14) “…the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

Adversity therefore, in my present understanding and perspective only, is a created condition, which God has made (Ecclesiastes 7:14). Adverse conditions are made, from this perspective, by God. “…In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV).

God’s ways, “…are past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV). “He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: …, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV).

God allows for your days of joy and your days of adversity, both days are his handiwork. If you submit to him and praise him on your good days, do so on your not so good days. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God allows the days of prosperity as a blessing and he allows the days of adversity for a blessing as well. Why? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

In the days of prosperity his love and kindness is easily perceived, but in the day of adversity God’s love and kindness is quickly questioned. “… [Yet we should]…consider: God also hath set the one over against the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV).

God allows, permits, or ordains your days of adversity and he tells you why: “…consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV). Again, God’s ways “…are past [our ability] to [find them] out…” (Romans 11:33 KJV). “He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: …, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV).

In other words, God is in control of our days, prosperous or adverse, and we are to DEPEND on him alone. We are to find our SECURITY in him. We are to find REFUGE in him. We are to find our CONTENTMENT in him. We are to find our STABILITY in him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies (my adversity)…” (Psalms 18:1-3 KJV).

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation” (Psalm 91 KJV).

Satan tried to prove that Job served God just for the days of prosperity. “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).  

But in the days of adversity Job declared, “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV). Job demonstrated, you are to “….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV).

In the “days of adversity” remember, Christ said, “…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).

In the “days of prosperity” or the “seasons of suffering,” “….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).

In the “days of adversity” would Satan be right in saying, “…strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face?…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). Satan is your enemy, not God. ^“Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

Job went through horrendous “days of adversity.”  Yet, he said, “…The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” Job 1:20-22 NASB).

God is in control of your days, prosperous or adverse, so DEPEND on him alone. Find your SECURITY in him. Find REFUGE in him. Find your CONTENTMENT in him. Find your STABILITY in him. “God is [your] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

As I said earlier, one minister said, it is NOT what is happening TO you, but what is happening FOR you. Jesus, “… [God’s] Son … learned … obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). The SUFFERING happened to him, but OBEDIENCE happened FOR him.

Jesus’ “seasons of suffering” became a teacher to him and obedience was the lesson.  “Seasons of suffering” are not so much about what’s happening TO you as much as it is about what’s happening IN you. “… [Therefore, through seasons of suffering,]… [you] … are changed (developed) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). Thus, “... What counts is whether [you are being] ... transformed into a new creation...” (Galatians 6:16 NLT). “…Be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  ^“…[Grow and develop spiritually] …until [you] …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

 “… [Changed]… into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “… [TRANSFORM into the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “… [TRANSFORM into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

Jesus, “… [God’s] Son … learned … obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).