LONGSUFFERING
“The fruit of the Spirit is … longsuffering….” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
"You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever you ask of the Father in my name he may give to you.” (John 15:16 ASV).
“…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
You would think that longsuffering simple means to suffer long, but it has a slightly different meaning. You could change the word to say: LONGdiscipline, LONGself-control, LONGself-restraint, or LONGtemperance.
Longsuffering gives the redeemed soul the TIME, necessary, to die to self or the old sinful nature. “…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and ...became obedient unto death (death to self), even the death of the cross (death to purpose)…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
Their ability to endure and stay on the path of righteous becomes second to none. “…come and follow me…” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, I am the way …” (John 15:5- 6 KJV).
“I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”(Philippians 3:10 NIV). “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…”(Philippians 3:10 KJV).
“…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Not only is their ability to endure second to none, but their patience, while waiting upon God, is strengthen and empower, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, to withstand the test of time too. God will “…strengthened [redeemed souls]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…God ... never grows weak or weary ...He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagle They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).
“...My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever...” (Psalm 73:23-26 NLT).
“...BY FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God) ...Their weakness ...[will turn[... to strength….” (Hebrews 11:1-35 NLT). “…[God’s “indwelling”]...strength is made perfect (matured, empowered) in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).
In addition, their ability to show mercy or grace and maintain expectant hope, while suffering, gives glory to God that is witnessed by many. “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). Jesus said: “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV).
"…I (Jesus came) as Light into the world...” (John 12:46 NASB). "…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).
Longsuffering is an inner work of God, within the heart of the redeemed, which is empowered by his Holy Spirit that produced it. “...God ...does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience (longsuffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
Obviously, longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit, which means God, is its source. “…But the fruit of the Spirit is…longsuffering…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).
THE BIBLE SAYS: “…The Lord, The Lord God, [IS] merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6 KJV).
“The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV).
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV).
“Which sometime were disobedient…the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah…”(1 Peter 1:20 KJV).
“The Lord is not slack …but is longsuffering to us-ward…”(2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
“… the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…”(2 Peter 3:15 KJV).
Thankfully, God has a divine character trait called longsuffering, which means he’s patient with the ongoing struggle, of redeemed souls, to overcome the sinful nature, and is met with love, grace, and mercy.
In the Old Testament we read what happens when humanity, ignores the longsuffering heart and kindness of God. God destroyed the old world in a flood because they choose participate in ongoing wickedness and ignore his patient kindness. “…the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah…”(1 Peter 1:20 KJV). “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “...His ... longsuffering ...[is an expression of]... the goodness of God...[which CAN]... leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV).
The longsuffering of God is about being, lovingly, patient with lost souls and giving them ample opportunity to get it right with him. “...His ... longsuffering ...[is an expression of]... the goodness of God...[which CAN]... leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV).
God sends events, experiences, and “seasons of suffering” in your life to teach or direct or draw you into his righteous ways. “..Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered (HIS trials and tribulations upon earth)…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
God’s longsuffering in the Old Testament demonstrates that eventually he left people to their sinful ways and choices. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“...Dear friends ... I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus (the Word) first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful...Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT).
“... These things happened as a warning to us... 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).
“...[Some of God’s people,]...after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ... are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).
“... it would...[have been]... better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ......” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).
“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).
“...The Lord said, My [Holy] ...Spirit shall not always strive (struggle) with man (woman)…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They (HIS people) DID NOT like to retain God in their knowledge, GOD (the Holy Spirit) GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind ...[which they chose]…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “...[They willingly chose to “NOT” to]... continue ... in my love...” (John 15:1-10 KJV).
However, for those who choose to REMAIN “in” Christ, there is NO limit to God’s longsuffering in regard to their ongoing struggled to overcome the sinful nature. God is so rich in Grace and Mercy. God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). “…The Lord is ...of great mercy…” (Number 14:18 KJV). “…Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
“…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “.. therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).
However, God hasn’t changed and like in the old days he sees the continual depravity of mankind’s sinful behavioral practices that SEPARATES him from his people. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Your INIQUITIES … [will]... Separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…You have been cut off from Christ (THE WAY; THE PATH)!…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).
If you claim to be God’s people, but are still involved in ongoing PRACTICES of sin, but are still breathing, you are, right now, benefitting from God’s longsuffering, holy character. You have a CHANCE to REPENT. “...His ... longsuffering ...[is an expression of]... the goodness of God...[which CAN]... leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV). “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin (NOT those who are struggled to overcome sin, but those who are WILLFULLY choosing to PRACTICE sin) also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practices sin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides (Jesus, the WORD/WORDS ABIDE) in him; and he (she) cannot sin, because he (she) is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).
. “... Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB).
“...His ... longsuffering ...[is an expression of]... the goodness of God...[which CAN]... leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV).
God also sees the thoughts of HIS people’s hearts and knows those hearts that are NOT right towards him. “...God SEES NOT as man(woman) sees, for man(woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one need(s)… to tell him (God) about human nature, for he ...[knows what is]... in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).
“...the people replied … We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). HE KNOWS “…thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV).
If you belong to him and gave your life to him, but continue to be unfaithful; God KNOWS it. “…thy heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). God is being longsuffering towards you, right now. “The Lord is… longsuffering to us-ward…”(2 Peter 3:9 KJV). However, “...His ... longsuffering ...[is an expression of]... the goodness of God...[which CAN]... leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 KJV).
“...God SEES NOT as man(woman) sees, for man(woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…he ...[knows what is]... in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT). “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT).
Thus, God sees the“…hidden man(woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). God knows the heart is deceitful “… above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “…Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders…” (Matthew 15:19 NASB).
God refuses to lose you to a sinful lifestyle, especially after giving his ONLY begotten Son for your salvation. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “For 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).
God will patiently discipline you for the purpose of holiness. “…that [you] might be partakers (participants) of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). He will be longsuffering towards you, especially if it gives you an opportunity, through a “season of suffering,” to develop a clean heart (Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 51:10).
If God regretted he made mankind in the Old Testament because of their sin and wiped them off the face of the earth - has God changed his mind about SIN? (Genesis 6:5-7).
The longsuffering God, destroyed mankind in the Old Testament, but it was their refusal to repent. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
The flood was the conclusion of their ongoing sin in the Old Testament. “…The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them… I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made…” (Genesis 6:5-6, 7:6 NIV).
But because of his richness in Grace and Mercy, God, in the New Testament, under a new covenant, disciplines (corrects) those he loves. “If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).
A “season of suffering” may be one of God’s loving opportunities “…that we might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). Yet some will still NOT come to Jesus or repent.
The Word says, “.and ye will not come to me that you might have life...” (John 5:40 KJV). This verse says, “YOU will not come to Me…” which means you will not respond to the God’s command to “COME TO ME.”
In other words, it’s not God’s longsuffering towards you that’s a problem. The scripture said “YOU WILL not come.” Who is the “YOU” in this verse?
God obviously waits patiently for you to come to him and give your heart completely to him. “… you shall 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 RSV).
He’s been longsuffering in regard to your ongoing sin and infidelities for years. God doesn’t want you to perish. God “….is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
But days, weeks, months, and years have passed and yet you continue in both your sin and your infidelities. “…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
During your long-term walk with continual sin God has been longsuffering towards YOU. “…not willing that [YOU]… should perish, but that [YOU]…should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
God loves you TOO much to let you perish in your sin and infidelities so he may send a “season of suffering.” “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).
Remember God can send a “season of suffering” “without cause.” “…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause…” (Job 2:3 KJV). So it’s possible, some “seasons of suffering” are permitted or allowed “with a cause.” God is “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
In “seasons of suffering” God’s longsuffering benefits you in three important ways. It assists God in getting your attention, helping you focus, and shaping out of control experiences. "..For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it...” (Matthew 7:14 NASB).
You are “…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
God didn’t call you to remain a common sinner. “…Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB).
“…Christ is in YOU…” God through Christ already suffered for you on the cross. “...Christ … [already]…suffered for us…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). How much MORE does he have to suffer for you to truly give your life and heart to him? Will you continue to practice sin and be unfaithful to God?
YOU gave your life to him when you believed, right? Be warned, “…It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace…” (Hebrews 6:4-6 NIV). The saving GRACE is, “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
Will you continue to live like a common, practicing sinner and take God’s temple anywhere, do anything with it, and, hang out with anybody? “…If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.…” (1 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).
The holy life of Christ is in YOU and God is“…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).The life of Christ, within the believer, was meant to bear holy fruit but without obedience, that fruit is eclipsed or hindered by the weeds of sin. “…If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, [eclipsed or hindered by the weeds of sin], how great is that darkness!...” (Matthew 6:22-23 KJV).
When a “season of suffering” is allowed or permitted by God with or “without cause;” God is trying to get your attention. “…this people draw near me with their MOUTHS and their LIPS do honour me, BUT ….their heart [attention is]…far from me…” (Isaiah 24:19 KJV).
Even during a “season of suffering” God has to wait for you to respond “WITH” faith (trust and dependency upon HIM). Nonetheless, some of God’s people STILL “…will not come (or turn) to [Jesus, the Word]… that you might have life...” (John 5:40 KJV).
God waits for HIS people, during “seasons of suffering,” to help and enable them to get through their anger, their attitudes, their questions, their judgements about his character, their lack of knowledge, their misunderstandings of his sovereignty, their opinion of his wisdom, their pride, their blame, their whining or complainin, and the hosts of other thoughts and feelings. He waited patiently for Job.
“Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
God waited for King Nebuchadnezzar.
“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”
At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble (Daniel 4 NIV).
God is not willing for any of his children to perish in ANY area of their lives, but he wants them to repent (2 Peter 3:9). God is“…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
“Seasons of suffering” happen to those living in ongoing, practices of sin or those who are living uprightly. “..So I … concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. All share a common destiny—… The same destiny overtakes all. … time and chance happen to them all so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them…” (Ecclesiastes 9 NIV).
“...For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them...” (Ecclesiastes 9:12 KJV).
Sinners can get complacent in their sinful lifestyles, but the righteous can get complacent in their righteous lifestyles too. God wants his people to continue to. “… grow in the GRACE and knowledge of ...[their]... Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (God’s LIVING Word)… Amen” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).
Complacent means you are so extremely satisfied with yourself and your lifestyle, you THINK you do NOT need to make an effort to change, grow, or develop any further. Christians need to keep developing and conforming to the IMAGE of Jesus Christ “…until...[they]...all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).
“…God …predestined [his children] to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). So they NEED to grow “…until Christ be formed in ...[them]…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).
At all times, it is best, for God’s people, to, “… [entrust themselves]… to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).
In order to continually “… grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…,” God’s people CHOOSE to entrust themselves to God (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).
Thus, a “season of suffering” will definitely get your attention; it was meant too. When anyone gives something their attention it means they are actively and purposely responding to specific information in their immediate environment.
For instance, I got up early this morning so I could give attention to my writing. It took me a few minutes, because I was distracted by sounds, things I saw, and other sensations. I heard the dogs barking next door, my mother mowing her lawn, an airplane flew over, I watched TBN for a couples of minutes, and felt the cooling sensations of the fan. I finally managed to minimize the distractions and pay attention to one thing; my writing.
As counselors or psychologists we are trained to have some understanding of attention. To put it simple, attention is merely, getting rid of all other possible and tempting distractions, so the mind can narrow its train of thought on one specific task. Narrowing the train of thought to one specific task allows you to engage in the task more efficiently.
Attention affords you the opportunity to block other possible distractions in your environment and attend to the information that has priority.
I have learned that it is hard to give attention to something or someone I am not truly interested in. For instance, when it comes to studying geometry my attention is easily distracted. It’s hard for me to stick to the task for any length of time and my train of thought follows after the many different distractions in my environment.
If I would give my attention to studying geometry it may take 30 minute to finish, but because of my inability to stay on the task and my low interest; it may take hours.
Further, when I am trying to pay attention to one specific task I realize I have to be extremely active about blocking out distractions For instance, before I started writing, I closed the window to block out the sounds of the dogs, the lawnmower, and the planes. I also turned off the television and the fans. I was purposefully choosing to pay attention to my writing.
Paying attention engages the mind or your cognitive abilities, which is what helps you respond to the various stimuli or attractions in your immediate environment. What is also unique about attention when you truly learn to exercise it; is that it helps you experience the here and now or “...be in the moment…”
In addition, excluding attention disorders, paying attention to a specific task over all others tasks in your environment implies that you have some control over your mind, or cognitive abilities, or trains of thought.
Once something has your attention, you need to focus on it. What you focus on becomes your experience. Your experiences become your abilities or your expertise. When you focus on a specific task over and over, the better you’ll become at that task.
Focus is simply the mind’s ability to pay attention to one specific task and concentrate on it at the same time. When you concentrate on a task, you are single minded about what you are attending to.
Along with paying attention and focus comes shaping behavior. Psychology teaches that behavior can gradually be shaped, especially when the desired or target behavior is consistently reinforced.
The reason the behavior is gradually shaped is because reinforcement occurs every time the person demonstrates ANY behavior that leads to the desired or targeted behavior. That’s how behavior is supposedly shaped.
For example, my mother had a desired or targeted behavior for me and that was to say “yes ma’am.” She did not want me to say “yeah” “yay” or “yep.” However, whenever I said “yes” I was rewarded because I was getting closer to the desired behavior “yes ma’am.” Once I reached the desired behavior, no other behavior was reinforced, because the desired behavior was shaped. I am a grown woman and without thinking about it, I still say “yes ma’am.”
Shaping is mainly about engaging people in new, desired behaviors. The person being shaped may know about these new, desired behaviors, but have never truly engaged in them. If the opportunity to be shaped into a new, desired behavior never presents itself, the person will most likely never display them.
However, an ideal situation can allow shaping to occur and thus gradually build the new, desired behavior.
Putting attention and focus, together when shaping new behavior provides one way to possibly understand how thinking affects one’s actions. Remember, whatever has your attention, needs your focus too. And whatever has your focus becomes your experience. Whatever your experience is becomes your training. Whatever your training is becomes your shaping, which becomes your familiar behavior.
In short, this combination identifies how focused attention impacts thinking and thinking can impact behavior. “….as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…..” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). When a person spends a lot of focused attention on any one specific task it can gradually or progressively shape certain behaviors.
Sometimes “seasons of suffering” teach individuals they cannot control everything. They can, however, control how they interpret and deal with the uncontrollable environment around them. During “seasons of suffering” individuals may be forced to focus attention on specific tasks that reinforce and cement new, desired behaviors.
Focusing attention - especially over a long period of time - on specific tasks can result in new, desired behaviors, which can eventually impact an individual’s entire life in various areas: relationships, job, ministry, gifts, talents, etc;.
For instance, a person suffering from pride might normally and regularly experience extreme, puffed-up thoughts about themselves. “...All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4 NIV)
As a result of these prideful thoughts, the individual might think more highly of themselves than they should and begin boasting, especially in their hearts, on their own prowess, like King Nebuchadnezzar. “...Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power…” (Daniel 4NIV). You are “…not to think more highly of …[yourself] than [you]… ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment…” (Romans 12:3 ASV).
. “….Do not forget that [God]… led you through ... He gave you water …He fed you…. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful ...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).
“…For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?...” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).
King Nebuchadnezzar went through a “season of suffering” He had plenty of time to focus his attention on his prideful attitude and behavior. This focused attention resulted in a new, desired behavior.
The bible tells us, “…At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation...” (Daniel 4 NIV).
In order to battle prideful thoughts and behavior, God, in his sovereignty, may send a “season of suffering” to help individuals identify their problem. “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).
God knows what it will take to help individuals learn how their thoughts contribute to sinful behavioral practices. God is paying close attention to the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride... All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
“Seasons of suffering” are usually very difficult, especially when individuals start struggling with the “hidden man/woman,” themselves, through self-examination. God pays close attention to the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man(woman), proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride... All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
Hopefully, self-examination will lead to insights regarding lingering sins of the heart that lead to wrong behaviors. God helps you. “..O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know everything I do…” (Psalms 139:1-6 NLT).
Gaining insight into your OWN desperately wicked heart is essential to God (Jeremiah17: 9). It also helps individuals to see that what’s STILL in their heart contribute to their continual practice of sinful behaviors. So “…examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?...” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). If self-examination leads to insights about one’s OWNself those insights become self-discovery.
Self-discovery is the “…hidden man(woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts… All these evil things come from within, and defile a person...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
If self-discovery leads to repentance, then the individual can focus attention on God’s Word or instructions regarding personal heart issues.
“Seasons of suffering” combined with the word of God can reinforce and develop new, desired, righteous behaviors.
For instant, take the issue of pride, the bible says, “…but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem other better than themselves… [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).
During “seasons of
suffering” the prideful individual begins to practice, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, a new attitude and
behavior. “…but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem other better than
themselves…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV). “Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV).
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt
you in due time…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).
For the God’s people, this new behavior is humble obedience. Remember, obedience is transformation in action. Transformation in action is when individuals replace old behaviors, such as pride, with new behaviors, such as humility. In addition, “…it is God which worketh in [them]… both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
“…That he (God) would grant [HIS people]… according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).
The prideful person turned humble, “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV.
Transformation takes time and God wants ALL his children to “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).
Thankfully, “…The Lord, The Lord God [is], merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6 KJV). AND God “….is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
The longsuffering God waits patiently as we grow in grace and knowledge, which can be slow, gradual, and usually walked out in small incremental, baby steps.
Letting go of pride or any other sinful attitude or behavior can be a really painful and stressful endeavor. “…[But]…he that hath suffered (struggle to conform to Jesus) in the flesh hath ceased from sin; For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV)
God, who is so very patience, understands transformation is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit. God’s longsuffering character, along with his endless grace and mercy, make spiritual development a lot less intimidating and goals, like humility, become easier to achieve when one can trust and depend upon HIM to HELP them. Therefore, “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT).
“…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).
During “seasons of suffering, all things that happen are NOT necessarily GOOD, but they “…. 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. AND “…it is God which worketh in [his people]… both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
Getting rid of sin issues and practices is what God does. He says, “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin (ceased from sinful practices)…” (1 Peter 4:1 KJV).
In other words, the one who journeys and struggles during “seasons of suffering”; gains holiness. Holiness separates or sets God’s people apart, particularly as witnesses that shine, in the dark, and give glory to their heavenly Father.
“… [God’s people]… are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “…it is God which worketh in [HIS people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
"…Let your light shine before men (women, children) in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:16 NASB).
In LONG “seasons of suffering” God’s people are usually JUST waiting for God to change the situation or circumstance around, but NOT waiting for him to, necessarily, change THEM. “..though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him (and depend upon him to direct my steps)…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “….All the days of my appointed TIME will I WAIT, till my CHANGE come…” (Job 14:14 KJV).
Many have waited for days, weeks, months, or years for that “outward” change while God waits for the “inward” change. “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “...Be … imitators of ...[Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “…In this world we are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...God’s ....gift of righteousness, for all who receive .....through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…[So]... seek ye first ....his righteousness; all these…[other]… things shall be added unto you…” (Matthew 6:25-34 NIV).
Even after suffering and dying on the cross so graciously and mercifully for sinners, God is still waiting patiently for his people to turn from their wicked practices. . “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).
“But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
God is LONGSUFFERING and he has been waiting patiently for his OWN people, for years, to give their whole hearts to him. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“ ...We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
BUT God “…is LONGSUFFERING to ...[HIS people], not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance...” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
However, “… [God, the Holy Spirit, has]... set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [“YOU”]...choose life (the life “you” want)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “…Choose you (make a decision, you,) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Final note, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).
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