“...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).
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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. 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. This CONTROL 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 is ALWAYS trying to CONTROL God’s RIGHTEOUS people. This CONTROL includes treating them unjustly through their trials and tribulations or INSIDE their STORMS. 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 in their lives, until a STORM comes and cause the 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 normal. “...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)
Peter, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew boys, 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 STORM is OPPRESSIVE. It SEEMS as if the WICKED are prospering while the righteous are suffering. “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).
The WICKED oppress others out of fear and cowardice. The bible says they run when no one is chasing them. “...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 hardest taskmaster over the righteous has been the EVIL ONE and his pinions. INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE the righteous have experienced the burden of the EVIL ONE’s afflictions and the temptation to become bitter over the many injustices. “...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).
However, God’s makes the miraculous happen, under the cruelest circumstances and situations. Jesus was treated most cruel, but is NOW the SAVIOR of the WORLD. Job experience horrific tragedies, but was doubly blessed spiritual and materially. The Hebrew Boys were unjustly punished, but were promoted above their accusers and changed an entire nation. Peter was set to go to trial and be killed, but was delivered out of the enemy’s clutches to become one of the great apostles, and Daniel was throw into a den of lions because of an envious plot against him, but turned a nation’s worship toward God. “...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).
The EVIL ONE and his pinions may affect God’s people INSIDE their STORMS, but when they OPPRESS and PLOT against them, they are plotting against God too. “….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 [my]… anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).
Here is an example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you: Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him. “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).
“…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).
When the EVIL ONE and his pinions come up against God’s people INSIDE their STORMS, they also are coming up against God, ALMIGHTY! “…. 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).
INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE it often SEEMS like EVIL is prevailing over the righteous, but it is NOT! “...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).
EVIL didn’t prevail, RIGHTEOUSNESS increased and SPREAD: Jesus became the SAVIOR of the “WORLD.” Joseph RULED over the WHOLE NATION. The HEBREWS BOYS changed a NATION’s attitude toward God, the Holy Spirit. Daniel influenced the WORSHIP of an entire NATION toward God, the Holy Spirit. Peter became a GREAT APOSTLE read about in every bible published. Job’s story is also shared in every bible and he demonstrated the blessing of staying faithfully trusting during the STORMS of LIFE. He said “… though he (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV). Job also said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).
. “...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).
Brutal slave masters were given power and authority over God’s people, by the Egyptian King and the Israelites (God’s people) were oppressed by them and forced INSIDE the STORM of slavery.
It SEEMED as if the Egyptians had the PRIVILEGE and NOT God’s people, since they were the ones SUFFERING INSIDE the STORM of slavery. “...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).
God’s people will ALWAYS multiply under OPPRESSION. Remember ONE GROUP tries to OPPRESS another. God’s people are NOT in a CATEGORY based on nationality, culture, race, country, color of the skin, or ethnicity, but upon belonging to the indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ. “…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).
If you try to oppress them (God’s people) in one ethnicity they (God’s people) will continue to INCREASE in another ethnicity! God's people are HIDDEN in every nation!! Together THEY are the CHRISTIAN NATION! “...In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him ...God through Jesus Christ ... is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “… [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).
“...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).
“…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).
“...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).
INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE, God’s people are multiplying, one way or another, under God’s WATCHFUL providence. God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS the PLANS he has for HIS PEOPLE. God is NOT trying to HARM his people at all, but he is PLANNING a bright and hopeful future for them. “…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 ...[them]...and not to harm ...[them], plans to give ..[them]... 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).
“… [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).
The EVIL ONE and his pinions hate God’s people and treat them unjustly because of their OWN, personal envy and fear. “…ye (the evil one and his pinions) thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good…” (Genesis 50:20 KJV). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS (even the evil things Satan uses to hurt you) work (PROCESS) together for good to them (God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).
Being INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s people experience grief, heartache, disappointment, angry, confusion, weakness, oppression, terror, and a flow of other emotional and mental afflictions, but a GLORIOUS and OVERWHELMING deliverance and victory BELONGS TO THEM! “... 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 (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
In the Old Testament, God delivered over a million and a half people out of the land of Egypt and he miraculously took care of them for 40 years in the wilderness. “... 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).
In the Old Testament, God delivered over a million and a half people out of the land of Egypt and he miraculously took care of them for 40 years in the wilderness. “... 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).
“...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).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israel (God’s people) was 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 ISRAELA OR YOUR 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).
“…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).
“…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 THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT).
“...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).
“…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).
However, I don’t care who you are; pastor, minister, clergy leader, Christian warrior, apostle, hero, or whatever; we ALL go through STORMS. What happens to a man or woman of faith INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE is an EXPERIENCE that will heavily affect the mind and emotions of ANY HUMAN. . “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
Peter, the Hebrew Boys, Jesus, Joseph, Job, King Jehoshaphat and Daniel were ALL great people of FAITH and they ALL had REAL LIFE, human EXPERIENCES. They also ALL had MAGNIFICENT DELIVERANCES. Yet and still, they went “INSIDE” the STORMS of LIFE, but I guarantee it was coupled with or inundated with “feelings” of nervousness, anxiousness, terror, or the uneasiness of facing the unknown. . “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
INSIDE THE STORMS of LIFE, it is not unusual for people, even the strongest warriors, to “feel” helpless, scared, terrified, nervous, overly concerned with the outcome, naked, exposed, or weak. . “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
These “FEELINGS” are not about faith, but about the affect REAL-LIFE experiences have on the human psyche. God’s people KNOW he is with them, but it doesn’t stop them from experiencing the TERROR or emotions of their experience. “…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).
“…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).
It is NOT necessarily a lack of faith to experience “feelings” of FEAR when going through the STORMS of LIFE. “…Jehoshaphat was TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
King Jehoshaphat didn’t ACT upon his FEAR, but he ACTED upon his faith. King Jehoshaphat trusted and depended upon God “terrified.” Thus, in spite of his “feelings” he called upon God, the Holy Spirit, for advice and help. “... 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).
King Jehoshaphat went to God, INSIDE HIS STORM, “terrified.” God didn’t condemn him, but God helped him. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 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).
“… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). God responded to King Jehoshaphat, lovingly, by sending him a divine message through a man named Jahaziel.“…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. 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).
Jahaziel’s inspired Word from God guided, strengthened, and empowered Jehoshaphat to follow God’s instructions and it bought the King overwhelming victory. “…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).
“…Jehoshaphat “was” TERRIFIED by this news...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT). However, King Jehoshaphat STILL turned to God. In spite of his feelings, the king trusted in God. Because he did NOT trust in his “FEELINGS” of terror he was able to hear God’s word and go out to war, with his army, singing and praising HIM. “…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 hold King Jehoshaphat’s feelings of TERROR against him, because he helps his people in their weakness. “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).
God LOVINGLY comforted King Jehoshaphat through his feelings. “…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).
God even gave the King the reason NOT to be terrified. “…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).
INSIDE King Jehoshaphat’s STORM God comforted him, strengthened him, promised to fight the battle for him, and guaranteed his victory! It is NOT a LACK of FAITH to FEEL your human experience. God expects it and is more than able to SUPPLY your needs INSIDE the STORM. “…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).
“…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).
YOU MAY “FEEL” AND EXPERIENCE OPPRESSION, INSIDE THE STORM, BUT IT WON’T STOP YOU. INSTEAD IT WILL MAKE, THE CHILD OF GOD GREATER AND MORE ABLE TO INCREASE, MULTIPLY, AND SPREAD PURPOSE UPON EARTH!
“...overwhelming victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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