“... 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).
*
SCRIPTURE(S): “...In
the world ye shall
have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV).
YET “...overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO
LEARN GOD’S PEOPLE, JUST LIKE ANYBODY ELSE, GO THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS.
THE BIBLE TELLS THEM THEY WILL GO THROUGH TRIBULATIONS.
APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO ALLOW THE STORIES
OF JOB, JOSEPH, THE HEBREW BOYS, JESUS, AND DANIEL TO TEACH YOU, BY SEEING
THEIR EXAMPLES, HOW TO PRACTICE REMAINING IN FAITH (TRUSTING & DEPENDING
UPON GOD) DURING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS
HOW YOU, PERSONALLY, HAVE EXPERIENCED GOING TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. DISCUSS
HOW YOU MAINTAINED FAITH, HOPE, AND PROMISED VICTORY THROUGH YOUR TROUBLES. 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 un-expectantly. 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 it
and 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 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 it and 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. INSIDE the STORMS OF
LIFE, it is the intent of the enemy, the EVIL ONE, through his evil people or
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 STORM 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). “...In
the world ye shall
have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). YET “...overwhelming victory is ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
INSIDE PANDEMICS, STORMS, TROUBLES,
TRIBULATIONS
1.
What is a climate storm? a climate storm is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere
that is usually accompanied by strong winds, rains, dust devils, whirlwinds,
blizzards, thunder, hail, lightening, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons,
earthquakes, etc. what can a climate storm do to the environment or
normal conditions? It can destroy the environment and
disrupt normal conditions. Can a climate storm harm lives, destroy
property, and change the environment? Yes. Can
climate storms cause a diaspora for some? Yes. How
Are the storms of life or tribulations similar to climate changes? Both can disrupt the environment and change normal life. Name
a few things that disrupt your life and change normalcy.
Unexpected death, pandemics, divorce, sudden tragedies, fiery furnaces, lion
dens, slavery, prison, etc. “…But before very long there
rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven
along … ” (ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). HOW WAS DANIEL’S
LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE OF DANIEL’S
DEVOTION TO GOD, THE KING GAVE THE ORDER TO HAVE HIM THROWN INTO THE LION’S DEN.“... 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). HOW WAS THE HEBREW BOYS’ LIFE
DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE
THEY REFUSED TO WORSHIP THE GRAVEN IMAGE THEY WERE THROWN INTO THE FIREY
FURNACE. “… [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). HOW WAS JOB’S LIFE DISTRUPTED BY
TRIBULATIONS? HE EXPERIENCE HORRIBLE TRAGEDIES. HE LOST
HIS FAMILY AND HIS WEALTH ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
“...
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). HOW WAS PETER’S
LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? BECAUSE HE BELONGED TO
THE CHURCH, HE WAS ARRESTED AND THROWN INTO PRISON TO BE PUT TO DEATH BY THE
SWORD.“...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). HOW
WAS JESUS’ LIFE DISTRUPTED BY TRIBULATIONS? HE WAS
UNJUSTLY MISTREATED AND CRUCIFIED UPON A CROSS LIKE A CRIMINAL.“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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
WHAT CLIMATE STORM DISTRUPTED THE LIVES
OF THE FISHERMENT IN ACTS CHAPTER 27? A STORM CALLED
THE EURAQUILO. “…But before very long there rushed down from the land a
violent wind, called Euraquilo ... we gave way to it
and let ourselves be driven along … ”
(ACTS 27:14-19 NASB). WHAT HAPPENED TO DANIEL? HE WAS THROWN INTO THE LION’S DEN. “...they
brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ......” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). WHAT
HAPPENED TO THE HEBREW BOYS? THEY WERE CAST INTO A FIREY FURNACE. “… [Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego ...[WERE CASTED]... into the burning fiery furnace…”
(DANIEL 3). WHAT HAPPENED TO JOB? HE TRAGICALLY LOST HIS FAMILY AND HIS WEALTH.
“... 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). WHAT HAPPENED TO
PETER? HE WAS ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED. “......he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). WHAT
HAPPENED TO JESUS? HE WAS UNJUSTLY MISTREATED AND
CRUCIFIED.
“ ...[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). IN ALL THE ABOVE SITUATIONS, WHO WAS THE
“ONLY” DELIVERER? GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WAS THE ONLY
DELIVERER. “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your
fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your
shield and
the horn of Your salvation, YOUR
stronghold...[YOUR
husbandman]…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
WhAT DID KING JEHOSHAPHAT DO WHEN HE WAS
FACED WITH TRIBULATION? HE CALLED UPON GOD AND
REQUESTED HIS HELP. “... 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). DOES GOD HELP HIS PEOPLE WHEN
THEY ARE IN TROUBLE? YES, HE IS A VERY
PRESENT HELP. “...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). WHY CAN GOD HELP HIS PEOPLE? BECAUSE HE IS THEIR ROCK,
FORTURESS, DELIVERER, AND REFUGE.“…[God is]…Your rock and Your
fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…"
(Psalms 18:3 NASB).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
THE TRICKS AND STRATEGIES OF THE ENEMY MAY FORM AND BE
VISUALLY THREATENING, BUT WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD PROMISED “HIS” PEOPLE? THE ENEMIES’ WEAPSON WON’T PROSPER. “...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). THE EXPERIENCES, GOD’S PEOPLE, MAY HAVE IN THE STORMS OF
LIFE OR TRIBULATIONS ARE “NOT” ALL GOOD, BUT WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE? THAT “ALL” THINGS WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD. “….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). WHEN JESUS CAME, WHAT DID HE DO TO THE
WORKS OF THE ENEMY? HE DESTROYED THEM.
“... 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). DURING
THE STORMS OF LIFE OR TRIBULATIONS, IT IS OKAY TO FEEL AND EXPRESS YOUR
FINITENESS? YES. “
… he ...offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and
tears …” (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). DOES
GOD UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU FEEL AND EXPRESS YOUR FINITENESS, DURING STORMS AND
TRIBULATIONS? YES, HE UNDERSTANDS.
“...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 of
life or tribulation) in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin...”
(Hebrews 4:15 NIV). WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE “HIS” PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OF
LIFE? HE WILL NEVER LET THEM DOWN, NEVER WALK OFF OR
LEAVE THEM, AND HE’LL BE THERE READY TO HELP THEM. “…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). HOW
DOES THE MESSAGE BIBLE SAY KING JEHOSHAPHAT FELT DURING HIS STORM OR
TRIBULATION? IT SAYS HE WAS TERRIFIED. “…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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. KINH
JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED AT HIS PENDING STORM OR TRIBULATION, BUT DID HE ACT
IN FEAR OR IN FAITH? HE ACTED IN FAITH. HOW? BY TURNING TO GOD IN TRUSTING AND DEPENDENT PRAYER. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “… Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and BEGGED the Lord for guidance.” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). WHEN
GOD’S PEOPLE ARE FRIGHTENED, ANXIOUS, OR TERRIFIED BY THE STORMS OR
TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE, HOW WILL GOD RESPOND? GOD IS
THEIR REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. HE IS FOR THEM, WITH THEM, AND WILL HELP THEM.
“...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). “…He helps me…”
(Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is
for 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). WHAT MOTIVATES
GOD TO HELP AND STRENGTHEN HIS PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OR TRIBULATIONS OF
LIFE? HE LOVES AND CARES FOR THEM. HIS FAITHFUL COMMITMENT
TO “NEVER” LEAVE THEM WON’T EVER CHANGE. “…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). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.
ARE THE STORMS OR TRIBULATIONS OF GOD’S PEOPLE, UNDER
HIS CONTROL? YES. “…
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). DOES THE BIBLE
INFORM GOD’S PEOPLE ABOUT STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS YES.
WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THEIR STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS? THEY WILL HAVE OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “... 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). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved
us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). THE NIGHT BEFORE PETER’S
EXECUTION, WHAT WAS HE DOING? HE WAS SLEEPING. “...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 HAD
OVERWHELMING VICTORY OVER HIS STORM OR TRIBULATION. WHAT DOES HIS VICTORY TELL
US ABOUT GOD’S FAVOR? THAT GOD LOVES HIS PEOPLE. HE
IS THEIR FORTRESS AND POWERFUL GOD. THEY HAVE HIS BLESSINGS AND ARE PROTECTED
BY HIS FAVOR. “…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). HOW
DID GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO PETER? HE REVEALED HIMSELF AS “HIS”
ALMIGHTY GOD AND DELIVERER. “…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). WAS WHAT PETER’S
REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE OF GOD AS HIS DELIVERER? PETER WAS
UNCHAINED FROM THE TWO SOLDIERS. HE WALKED RIGHT PAST HIS BONDAGE (THE QUADS OF
GUARDS) AND ADVERSITY (IMPRISONMENT BY HEROD) TO FREEDOM. “...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 clutches
and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.
GOD’S GLORY
CAN BE WITNESSED THROUGH HIS PRESENCE, HIS GOODNESS, AND HIS WORKING POWER. HOW
IS GOD’S GLORY WITNESSED IN PETER’S DELIVERANCE? GOD’S
PRESENCE IS WITNESSED THROUGH THE ANGEL. GOD’S GOODNESS IS WITNESSED IN HIS
RESCUE. GOD’S POWER IS WITNESSED IN HIS MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE FROM HEROD’S
CLUTCHES. “...Then
Peter came to himself and said, “Now
I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (God’s presence) and rescued me
(God’s goodness) from Herod’s clutches (God’s powerful deliverance) 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). “… at 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). WHAT MIRACULOUS THINGS
HAPPENED DURING PETER’S DELIVERANCE? PETER’S CHAINS
FELL OFF. HE WALKED FREELY PAST ALL THE GUARDS. THE GATES OPENED FOR HIM. HE
WAS LED TO FREEDOM.“...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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.
THE NIGHT BEFORE PETER WAS TO BE
EXECUTED HE WAS SLEEPING. WHAT WORD OF GOD ALLOWED PETER TO REST SO PEACEFULLY
CONSIDERING WAS HE WAS FACED? THE WORD OF GO TOLD HIM
HE HAD THE VICTORY AND TO NOT LET HIS HEART BE TROUBLED.“...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...despite all these
things, overwhelming victory is ours (and was 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 CAN GOD’S PEOPLE FOLLOW PETER’S EXAMPLE? BECAUSE
VICTORY IS THEIRS TOO. GOD LOVES EACH ONE OF HIS CHILDREN. HE IS FOR THEM AND
NOTHING WILL EVER SEPARATE THEM FROM HIS LOVE. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against
...[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). HEROD
HAD PLANS FOR PETER’S DEMISES, BUT WHO ELSE HAD PLANS FOR PETER? GOD HAD PLANS FOR PETER. “...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). PETER COULD HAVE NEVER RESCUED
HIMSELF, WHAT DOES SHOW HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE WEAK AND INSUFFICIENT? THAT HE IS THEIR STRENGTH AND SUFFICIENCY.
“…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). WHAT CAN GOD’S
PEOPLE TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO DO? TO WORK ALL
THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD. “...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). EVEN THOUGH PETER WAS SLEEPING, HE WAS
STANDING IN FAITH. HE DEMONSTRATED HE TRUSTED AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HANDLE HIS
STORM. WHAT SPIRITUAL ARMOR SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE WEAR DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE?
THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. WHY OR WHY NOT? SO THEY CAN STAND IN FAITH. “...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).
9.
“…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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. GOD
IS GOOD AND HIS GOODNESS IS PART OF HIS GLORIOUSLY DIVINE NATURE. WHEN GOD’S
PEOPLE ARE FACING STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS DOES GOD REMAIN FAITHFULLY GOOD? YES, HE DOES. HE NEVER CHANGES. “…[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). WHAT FAITHFUL
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S DIVINE NATURE CAN HIS PEOPLE “ALWAYS” TRUST AND DEPEND
UPON DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE? THEY CAN TRUST AND
DEPEND UPON GOD TO BE THEIR ROCK, FORTRESS, DELIVERER, ROCK, REFUGE, AND GOOD
TO THEM. “…[God is]... GOOD
…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “… [God, the 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). IF PETER WAS SLEEPING DURING HIS STORM, SO SHOULD YOU. WHY SHOULD YOU
REST IN GOD’S PROMISES? BECAUSE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY”
OVER THE STORMS OF LIFE IS ONE OF GOD’S UNFAILING PROMISES. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...overwhelming
victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PROMISED “OVERWHELMING VICTORY”
11. THE ENEMY THROUGH
EVIL PEOPLE OR CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO STOP, LIMIT, OR OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE: TRUE
OR FALSE? TRUE. “...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....” (Exodus 1 NLT). THE
PURPOSE OF OPPRESSION IS TO FORCE PEOPLE TO COME UNDER ANOTHER’S AUTHORITY OR
CONTROL. HOW ELSE DID THE EGYPTIANS TRY TO KEEP GOD’S PEOPLE DOWN? BY TRYING TO STOP THEM FROM GROWING OR MULTIPLYING. “...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). IN ORDER FOR THE EGYPTIANS TO FORCE THEIR
CONTROL, HOW DID THEY END UP TREATING GOD’S PEOPLE? THEY TREATED 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 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 ...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).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. DURING THIS STORM
OF SLAVERY, WERE GOD’S PEOPLE TREATED UNJUSTLY? YES. ” 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). WHOSE PEOPLE DID THE EGYPTIANS MAKE INTO SLAVES?
IT WAS GOD’S PEOPLE, THE
ISRALITES. “...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). THIS SLAVERY AND
UNJUST TREATMENT CHANGE AND DISRUPT THE LIVES OF GOD’S PEOPLE? YES. WHAT STRANGE
THING HAPPENED WHILE GOD’S PEOPLE WERE ENSLAVED? THEY
KEPT GROWING AND MULTIPLYING. “...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)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. DID GOD SPARE HIS PEOPLE FROM SLAVERY OR BEING TREATED
UNJUSTLY? NO HE DID NOT. “...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). GOD’S
PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING THE STORM OF SLAVERY. IT WAS OPPRESSIVE. WHY DID IT
SEEM AS IF THE WICKED WERE PROSPERING INSTEAD OF GOD’S PEOPLE? BECAUSE THE WICKED TREATED GOD’S PEOPLE BRUTAL,
RUTHLESS, AND WORKED THEM TO THE BONES. “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). “... THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build...” (EXODUS 1 NLT). WHAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THE WICKED TREATED
GOD’S PEOPLE THE WAY THEY DID? THEY
WERE AFRAID OF WHAT “MIGHT” HAPPEN. “...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 wicked flees when no one is
pursuing...[them]...” (Proverbs 28:1 NASB). THE EGYPTIANS TRIED TO STOP,
LIMIT, AND OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE, BUT WHAT HAPPENED INSTEAD? THE MORE THEY OPPRESSED THEM THE MORE GOD MADE THEM INCREASE
AND MULTIPLY. “...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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. WhEN
THE ENEMY PLOTS AND TRIES TO OPPRESS GOD’S PEOPLE DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE,
WHO WILL GET VENGEANCE FOR THEM? GOD WILL. “….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). WHEN SAUL WAS
PERSECUTING GOD’S PEOPLE, HOW DID JESUS PROVE HE WAS PERSECUTING HIM AS WELL? HE TOLD HIM SO WHEN HE MET HIM ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD. “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). IN THE STORY ABOUT THE EGYPTIAN OPPRESSIVE OF GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE
PERSECUTION OF SAUL AGAINST JESUS’ DISCIPLES, WHAT DOES IT TELL GOD’S PEOPLE
ABOUT HIS PROTECTION? THAT IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE
AGAINST US. NO WEAPON WILL PROSPER. HE IS OUR GREAT AND MIGHTY DELIVERER.
“…If God is
for us, who is against 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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15. IF
YOU MESS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE, DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE, YOU MESS WITH HIM. THE
ENEMY MEANS FOR YOUR TROUBLES, DURING THE STORMS, TO DO EVIL AND HARM TO YOU,
BUT WHAT IS GOD’S INTENTION FOR THE TRICKS, WEAPONS, AND SCHEMES AGAINST HIS
PEOPLE? GOD’S INTENTION IS FOR THEIR GOOD. “….
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). “...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). BRUTAL SLAVE MASTERS WERE ALLOWED
AUTHORITY AND CONTROL OVER GOD’S PEOPLE, DURING THE STORM OF SLAVERY, FOR A
SHORT TIME, IT SEEMED AS IF THE EGYPTIANS WERE THE PRIVILEGED ONES, BUT WHO HAD
OVERWHELMING VICTORY THEM OR GOD’S PEOPLE? GOD’S PEOPLE DID.
“...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). “…If
God is for us, who is against 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).“...overwhelming victory is [y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- GOD’S PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS MULTIPLY UNDER OPPRESSION. THE SECRET OF THEIR GROWTH IS THAT GOD’S PEOPLE ARE NOT KNOWN BY THEIR NATIONALITY, RACE, COLOR OF SKIN, OR ETHNCITY. WHERE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE FROM? FROM EVERY NATION. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM. In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who 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). “...In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him ...God through Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). WHAT “ONE” FACT CONNECTS GOD’S PEOPLE TOGETHER AS A CHOSEN RACE AND HOLY NATION? THE FACT THAT THEY “ALL” BELONG TO GOD.“… [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). HOW CAN YOU TELL THE CHILDREN OF GOD FROM THE CHILDREN OF HE DEVIL? THE CHILDREN OF GOD LIVE RIGHTEOUS AND LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS.“...we 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). WHAT DOES EACH CHILD OF GOD HAVE THAT MAKES THEM “BELONG” TO GOD? THEY HAVE THE INDWELLING SPIRIT WITHIN THEM THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…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).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. DURING THE STORMS
OF LIFE SHOULD GOD’S PEOPLE TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO HAVE A PLAN? YES, GOD DEFINITELY HAS A PLAN.
“…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 ...[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 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 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). WILL GOD’S PEOPLE SEE THOSE PLANS AND PROMISES IN “THIS”
LIFE? YES. DOES GOD’S DIVINE NATURE EVERY CHANGE? NO, GOD
NEVER CHANGES. “… [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). ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
18. EVEN THOUGH,
DURING THE STORMS OF LIFE ON EARTH, GOD’S PEOPLE EXPERIENCE GRIEF, HEARTACHE,
DISAPPOINTMENT, ANXIETY, ANGER, CONFUSION, WEAKNESS, OPPRESSION, TERROR, AND A
FLOW OF OTHER EMOTION AND MENTAL AFFLICTION, BUT IS THE GUARANTEED OUTCOME? OVERWHELMING VICTORY. “... 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).
“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours (GOD’S PEOPLE’S) through Christ, who loved us
(THEM)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). WHY
DOES THE BIBLE RECORD CERTAIN STORIES ABOUT GOD’S PEOPLE? AS WARNINGS
TO HIS PEOPLE AND ENCOURAGING EXAMPLES. “... 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).
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19. THE MORE EVIL
PEOPLE OPPRESSED GOD’S PEOPLE THE MORE THEY MULTIPLIED. WHO WAS BORN DURING THE
STORM OF SLAVERY THAT WOULD LEAD GOD’S PEOPLE TO FREEDOM? MOSES.
20. “...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). WHAT HAS HAPPENED BY THE “WORD OF GOD?” THE HEAVENS WERE MADE. GOD’S PEOPLE WERE BOUGHT OUT OF EGYPT.
ALL THINGS CAME INTO BEING BY HIS WORD ALONE. “…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). WHAT DOES THE
BIBLE SAY THAT IS “CLEARLY SEEN” BY THE THINGS THE “WORD OF GOD” HAS MADE? GOD’S DIVINE NATURE AND ETERNAL WORKING POWER CAN BE CLEARLY
SEEN. “…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).
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21. WHAT DID GOD
PROMISE HIS PEOPLE WHEN THEY WERE IN THE STORMS OF SLAVERY? THEY WOULD KNOW,
WITHOUT A DOUBT, HE WAS THE ONE WHO BOUGHT THEM OUT FROM UNDER THE UNJUST
TREATMENT OF THE EGYPTIANS. “…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 HIS WORD, WHAT DID GOD DO? HE BOUGHT ISRAEL OUT OF BONDAGE.“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” WHEN YOU ARE
GOING THROUGH STORMS AND TRIBULATIONS, ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING VERSES, NAME
TWO OR THREE THINGS GOD’S PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE TO DO? THEY
CAN CHOOSE TO PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD. THEY CAN CHOOSE TO STAND IN FAITH.
THEY CAN CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO KEEP THEM STRONG. ETC.“...Therefore
[INSIDE the STORMS, God’s people can choose to]... 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 (standing firm in
faith); then stand still..” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2
Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
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22. The storms of
life are emotionally and mentally challenging for even god’s best warriors. These
are real life experiences and one’s humanity is taken to the limits. Thus, god’s people experience the same thing any other human being
experiences, but what sustains them? God is with them. He
won’t let them down. He is ready to help them.
“…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…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). “…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). KING
JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED, BUT HE DIDN’T CHOOSE TO ACT UPON HIS FEAR. WHAT DID
THE KING CHOOSE TO DO, IN SPITE OF HIS TERROR? HE CHOSE TO TRUST AND
DEPEND UPON GOD AND HE PRAYED INSTEAD. “...
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). EVEN THOUGH KING
JEHOSHAPHAT WAS TERRIFIED OF HIS STORM, DID GOD CONDEMN HIM OR HELP HIM? GOD HELPED HIM. HOW
DID GOD HELP HIM? HE SENT AN ENCOURAGING MESSAGE
THROUGH A MAN NAMED JAHAZIEL. “…He helps me…”
(Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 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). “…He (Jahaziel) 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). WHAT DID GOD’S ENCOURAGING WORD DO
FOR THE KING’S EMOTIONS AND ACTIONS? GOD’S WORD EMPOWERED
THE KING WITH STRENGTH, GUIDANCE, HOPE, AND ACTION. DID GOD’S WORD ALSO
LEAD THE KING TO VICTORY? YES. “…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).
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23. THE KING WENT TO
GOD TERRIFIED AND GOD TURNED HIS TERROR INTO WHAT? INTO
PRAISE AND ULTIMATE VICTORY OVER HIS STORM. “…Jehoshaphat “was” TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). “…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
CONDEMIN KING JOHOSPAPHAT FOR HIS FEELIINGS OF TERROR, WHICH DEMONSTRATES GOD
DOES WHAT FOR HIS PEOPLE IN THEIR WEAKENESSES? HE HELPS
THEM. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…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). “…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). WHAT PROVIDED FOR KING JEHOSPAPHAT’S
COMFORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT, DURING HIS STORM? GOD DID. “…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 am
thy Saviour …[even
in “your” storm]...” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE READ ABOUT STORIES LIKE KING JEHOSHAPHAT’S WHAT
CAN THEY DISCOVER ABOUT GOD AND THE THINGS HE DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE? THEY DISCOVER THERE IS LIKE GOD AND HE DOES MARVELOUS THINGS
FOR HIS PEOPLE. “…there is none like unto thee
(God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 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 MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE
THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT). GOD’S PEOPLE MAY FEEL TERRIFIED IN THE STORMS OF
LIFE AND EXPERIENCE A MULTITUDE OF OPPRESSIVE, INJUST TREATMENT, BUT WHAT IS
TRUE OF THEM AT “ALL” TIMES? THEY
ARE BLESSED AND OVERWHELMING VICTORY IS GUARANTEED TO BE THEIRS. “...God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!”
(Numbers 23:20 NLT). “...overwhelming
victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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