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“The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV).
*
“… The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). To order, in this context, means to direct the activities
of someone or chart out their course or path in life.
However, this direction
is NOT forced, but voluntarily and willfully chosen by the righteous or “good”
man or woman. “… I have
set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…”
(Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
God will graciously and
lovingly direct the steps of the righteous (good) and delights in doing so. “…he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
“… the
Lord your God … directs you in the way you should go,,,.”
(Isaiah 48:17). “…I am your God, I have shown you
how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah
48:17). “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go…” (Psalm 32:8).
When God directs the steps of his children they
will safely reach their destinations in life. “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew
28:20 NIV).
However, you may wonder, when YOU are facing
troubles, difficulties, and “seasons of
suffering” if God is STILL directing you? The answer is YES.
He will “…never
leave nor forsake you…”
(Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
No matter what difficulties you encounter or
troubles that comes your way or the weapons the enemy tries to use against you;
you will victoriously WIN every battle. “…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).
Many
believers THINK that they should be EXEMPT from difficulties, troubles, or
suffering, but they are NOT. “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have tribulation: but be of GOOD CHEER,
[God has]… OVERCOME the world…”
(John 16:33 KJV).
The
difference is that GOD is with them and their outcome will ALWAYS be favorable
even if it doesn’t seem so. “….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).
Many
believers stumble over the purpose of suffering, the process of suffering, the
details of suffering, the various circumstances of suffering, and God’s
allowance of suffering. “ … after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will
place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10
NLT).“…the suffering of
this present time ARE NOT
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us…”
(Romans 8:18 KJV).
Suffering
comes in the form of tests or trials and should be considered joyful
opportunities. “…My brethren, count it
all joy when ye fall into divers temptations…” (James 1:2 KJV). I can’t say
I’ve considered any of my tests or trials joy.
Personally,
I have gained joy from the tests. Thus, my tests have brought me great joy and
incredible blessings; I have yet to “…count
it all joy…”
I
am the person who will say the glass is half full, not half empty. However,
calling a test “joy” has eluded me. There is no doubt, “joy” after the test,
but the process, the details, or the actual experience of the tests have
rattled me to the core.
During
the process, the tests have strengthened my faith, revealed my lack of faith,
and exposed my lingering sinful ways. “…
For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory” (2
Corinthians 4:17 KJV).
For
certain, during the process of tests, my character is disciplined, corrected,
humbled, and developed. I always discover the “real” me. “…to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his
commandments, or no…” (Deuteronomy
8:2 KJV).
In
addition, during the process of tests, I have had the nerve to deem my
suffering as unfair and downright unjust; especially the tests that seem to go
on and on for days, weeks, months, or years. “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just
for the unjust …”(1
Peter 3:18 KJV).
I’ve had my nerve, especially since, “…Christ suffered for [me]…, leaving [me]… an
example, that [I] should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found
in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not
retaliate; when
he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who
judges justly…” (1
Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
Initially, I found no comfort in the previous
scripture. I thought I simply didn’t deserve my suffering, but neither did “HOLY,
SINLESS” Jesus. I was thinking WAY to
high of myself, but I’m finally off my high horse!! “… to
every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…”(Romans
12:3 NIV).
What often challenges me when I’m going through
challenging situations is this scripture, “If you love me, you
will keep my commandments”
(John 14:15).
It makes me meditate on how God drew me to himself
with his love and how I pledged to love him back. When I accepted Christ as my
Savior, I GAVE my life to him and I meant it. Thus, God can do what he wants
with my life if I have truly surrendered it to him. “…present your bodies a
living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Nonetheless, the process of suffering hurts. Jesus
suffered PAIN too. “…he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was
beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be
healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 NLT).
Another scripture I read further encourages me
to stay the course when facing difficulties or troubles. A faithful servant of God keeps their “….oath [to God] and [will not]….change [their]….mind…”
(Psalm 15:4 NIV). “ … The steps of a good man are ordered by
the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV).
It was during one of my “seasons of suffering” that I discovered God truly directs my steps.
Right smack in the middle of the process I am HIGHLY tempted to go left, but
chose to go right, by faith, the empowering fruit of the indwelling Holy
Spirit. “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…”
(Psalm 15:4 NLT).
You can talk about how you follow God all you
want, but is it only when he is directing you where YOU want to go? “…If anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me…”
(Luke 9:23 KJV).
Do you abandon God when you don’t like where he
seems to be taking you? “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they
turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…But my people have stubborn and rebellious
hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….”
(JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT).
Satan brings the suffering and it seems God allows
it. Satan is trying to prove you only serve God when it benefits you or is
convenient. “…Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a
hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and
herds are spread throughout the land…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).
God already knows whether you will FOLLOW him
or NOT and facing difficulties and troubles will help you “know” it too “…remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty
years in the wilderness, to humble thee,
and to prove
thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his
commandments, or no…” (Deuteronomy
8:2 KJV).
“…The Lord said to Satan,
“Where
have you come from?” Satan
answered the Lord, “From
roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered
my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and
upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for
nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and
everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks
and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything
he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on
the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the
presence of the Lord” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).
“…Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God “ Job
1:20-22 NASB).
How do you, personally,
know you will FOLLOW God? Suffering, of any kind, will reveal what is truly in
your heart. Suffering will prove what
or who you will “really” follow. “… these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to
prove thee,
to know what was in thine heart…” (Deuteronomy
8:2 KJV).
Satan is ready and
willing to bring on the troubles he thinks will STOP you from following
God. Satan said to God about Job, “…strike
everything he has, and he will surely curse you to
your face.”
(Job
1:7-12 NIV).
“…Christ suffered for [you and I]…, leaving
[us]… an example, that [we] should follow in his steps. …”
(1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). In the relationship with God through Christ, suffering is a
blessing, NOT a curse. “But if you suffer for doing
good and you endure it, this is
commendable (praiseworthy, admirable, etc) before God…”
(1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).
When God allows
difficulties or troubles it is not simply about what is happening TO you,
but more about what is happening IN you. “...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). “…In this world we are
like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
God loves you and
proved it by sending His son. He wants you to love him too and wants you to
prove your love to Him by “trusting him,” even during your “seasons of suffering.”
“….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). He will “…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew
28:20 NIV). “… The steps of a good man are ordered by
the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms
37:23 KJV).
So like Jesus,
continually “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…”
(1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
Even when facing
challenges, difficulties, and troubles God is directing your step. You may be
hurting now, but God has AWESOME plans for your future and you WON’T be
disappointed. “…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). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart
of man, the
things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1
Corinthians 2:9 KJV).
“… The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). “…HUMBLE YOURSELVES
therefore under the mighty hand of God…” (1
Peter 5:6 KJV). Trust God’s direction.
No matter how it LOOKS
the outcome will be rewarding. God says “… that
all things
work together for GOOD to
them that LOVE
GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose”
(Romans 8:28 KJV). AND “… [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).
So “...In
the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day[s] … of… [suffering]… consider--
God has made the
one as well as the other …”(Ecclesiastes 7:14 NASB). “… [Will you]…accept good from God, and not trouble?”
(Job 2:10 NIV).
What was Apostle Paul’s
SECRET for continually FOLLOWING God when he was challenged with difficulties,
troubles, or “seasons of suffering?”
“…I have learned to be content
whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I
have learned the secret of being content in any
and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living
in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12
NIV).
The next verse is his secret, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
(Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry
nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7 KJV).
Job said, “... though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”
(Job 13:15 KJV). What Job went through had to be EXTREMELY painful, but he remained
a faithful servant, even though it
hurt. (Psalm 15:4 NIV). “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…”
(Psalm 15:4 NLT).
“… The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). Job continued to follow God. “…the Lord gave Job twice as much as he
had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his
beginning…” (Job
42:10, 12 KJV).
For your GREATEST
benefit and in order to have a truly ABUNDANT life, God’s MAIN goal is to
transform you into the IMAGE of his Son. “…God …predestined [you] to be
conformed
to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). Therefore,
“…be
transformed BY the renewing of your
mind….” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
Your spiritual development is God’s priority and the other “things” are EXTRA. “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you…” (Matthew 6:33 KJV).
Most people believe that the greatest part of Job’s story was his double,
temporary, outward, material blessings (things), but it WASN’T. The GREATEST
part of Job’s story was his double, eternal, inward intangible blessings
(spiritual development) which were priceless to God!!
God said Job was “… blameless and upright … [and] …there … [was] … no one on
earth like him; he …[ was] … blameless and upright, a man who fear[ed] …. God and
shun[ed] … evil.” “” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). “…Through all [his
difficulties and troubles]… Job did not sin nor did he blame God “ Job 1:20-22 NASB).
However, “…[He grew] … in grace, and in the
knowledge … [of God] …. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen … ” (Matthew 23:27-28
KJV).
God, himself, said Job was a “blameless and upright man”
(Job 1:7-12 NASB). However, Job STILL needed spiritual development. “...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).
The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). God directed Job’s STEPS, troublesome as they were, right
INTO a DOUBLE blessing!!
He gained a deeper humility towards God, a greater revelatory
knowledge of God, and a more profound respect for God’s sovereignty. “… [He grew] … in grace, and in the knowledge … [of God] … ” (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).
Apostle Paul said, “….everything else … [was] …
worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus
[our]… Lord (the WORD). For
his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that
I could gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
Therefore, as God said “… all things work[ed] … together for GOOD …” (Romans 8:28 KJV). “…the Lord gave Job twice as much as he
had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his
beginning…” (Job
42:10, 12 KJV).
“… all things work[ed] … together for GOOD …” (Romans 8:28 KJV). What “things” worked
together for Job’s good?
First Job repented. “… Then
Job replied to the Lord: “…I take back everything I
said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance...” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
Second, Job demonstrated a
deeper humility before God. God questioned Job. “… ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such
ignorance?’ …” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). “Then Job replied to the Lord: “… It is I—and I was talking
about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful
for me…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
Third, Job was a “blameless
and upright” man, but was - for the first time – seeing God through
revelatory knowledge Job said, “…I had only heard about you before, but I have seen you with my own eyes…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
Fourth, Job was experiencing refreshing
and direct communication with God. “…“Then Job replied to the Lord…
“You said, ‘Listen and I will speak...” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
Fifth, Job’s respect for
God’s sovereignty grew. “Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT). Job felt godly sorrow. “…The sorrow that is
according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret,
leading to salvation…” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV). “… I take back everything I
said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance…” (Job 42:1-6 NLT).
Sixth, Job stopped
questioning God’s direction for his life. “… Have you understood the expanse
of the earth? Tell me [Job], if you know ALL this” (Job 38:18 NIV). Job
replied “… I have declared that which I did not understand” (Job 42:3). “… there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is
great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
Finally, he prayed mercifully
for his friends. “…When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes…” (Job 42:10 NLT).
Job’s friends had given him “dark counsel” (Job 38:2) and
implied that his suffering was a sign of God’s punishment for some personal sin.
Their “dark counsel” made Job defensive about his own
righteousness. Job also questioned God’s wisdom in allowing him to suffer.
Job’s friends were wrong in their assessment of God and so was Job
in his judgement of God’s direction for his life. And during his test or trial,
Job’s conversation with God transformed him. “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).
Praying for his friends was the zenith of his spiritual growth and
development. Once Job passed through his tests and trials, he interceded for
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar “…and the Lord accepted
Job’s prayer…” (Job 42:9 NLT). “….pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much…” (James 5:16 NASB).
“…When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes…” (Job 42:10 NLT). “…So
the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: … So Job
died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).
“… The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). Job’s troubles,
hardships, and suffering culminated with a promise: “….that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV. “…the plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
In order to fully benefit from FOLLOWING the directions of God, it
is important to “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians
5:7 KJV).
FOLLOWING God means “knowing” no matter what happens you will
overcome every test and every trial. “…In this [fallen] world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).
FOLLOWING God means to “…live by faith, not by sight...”
and you will overcome (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
FOLLOWING God means believing, “….that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV) and
that “…the plans [God has]…for [them]…. plans to prosper [them].. and not to
harm [them]…, plans to give [them]… hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
“…The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). God alone can direct
your steps and “….[call]… you out of darkness into his marvellous light…” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
FOLLOWING God will eventually
lead you right out of all your difficulties and troubles. “This poor man
cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his
troubles” (Psalms 34:6 KJV). God alone “…. delivered [you] ... out
of all [your] ... trouble…” (Psalms 54:7 KJV).
“….all things work together
for good to them that love God…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV) Thus, God “…in his kindness [has]…called
you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a
little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will
place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).
“…for
he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin
(grown in HOLINESS)…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). God WORKS on the “…hidden man of the
heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). Because, “…the LORD does not look at the
things people look at. People look at the outward
appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7
NIV). “…So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore,
support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).
God cares about your spiritual growth and development first and
foremost. Therefore, follow God’s direction so you can “…grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ… ”(Matthew 23:27-28 KJV).
“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward
appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). Job grew more Godly. “…God
… predestined
… [you] … to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV).
“…The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). Therefore, which would be a priority
to God your outward attachments or your inward holy character? “…he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin
(or gained holiness)…” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “..In the day
of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as
well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NASB).
“Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more
than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or
sisters—yes, more than his own life [or any other outward attachments]—otherwise he cannot be my
disciple” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. For
everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its
desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
(1 John 2:16-17 NLT).
“…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his
steps…” (1
Peter 2:21 KJV). Much of a believer’s difficulties, troubles, or “seasons of suffering” is not so much
about what is or what has happened TO them as much as what is happening
or what has happened IN them. God’s priority is the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV).
Believers are blessed, NOT simply for the mere outward things, but
more so for the inward blessings. The REAL blessing is that God has “… [made]
… known… [to you]...the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27
KJV).
“Christ in YOU” is THE blessing which includes unlimited outward
and inward blessings!!!!! “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2
Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…”
(Romans 8:9 KJV). “…if Christ be in you… (Romans 8:10 KJV). “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).
“Know
ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “What? know ye
not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians
6:16 KJV).
In addition, “…As many as are the promises of God,
in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “And this is the confidence
that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will
(outward or inward requests), he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV).
“…You can
ask for anything (a house or for ANSWERS) in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can
bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything
in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT). “…Not one of the good
promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).
“…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).
“…The steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV). Therefore, “…Christ …
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his
steps…” (1
Peter 2:21 KJV). “… [You] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [you]...” (Philippians 4:13
KJV).
GOD BLESS YOU, DR PENSACOLA
GET MY BOOKS HERE
GOD BLESS YOU, DR PENSACOLA
GET MY BOOKS HERE
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