BECAUSE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY” IS YOURS.
“... So the
king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ... A stone was brought and placed over the
mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the
rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV).
“… [King] …Nebuchadnezzar full of fury ...commanded the most
mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast
them into the burning fiery furnace…”
(DANIEL 3).
“... a messenger came to Job and said, “The
oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off
with them...“The fire of God fell
from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three
raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters
were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a
mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house.
It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one
who has escaped to tell you!” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
“...It
was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of
John, put to death with the sword
...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...Herod
intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter
was kept in prison...” (Acts
12:1-5 NIV).
“...THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS “OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S
PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD...” (Exodus 1 NLT).
*
INSIDE
the TRIBULATIONS or the STORMS OF LIFE, it is the intent of the enemy, the EVIL ONE, through harsh and evil circumstances, to OPPRESS the righteous, God’s people.
“...These are the names of
the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with
their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar,
Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. In
all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who
was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that
entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and
grandchildren. In fact, THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY
BECAME EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to
power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to
his people, “LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are
stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE.
If we don’t, and if war breaks out, they will join our enemies and fight
against us. Then they will escape from the country.” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE
ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER
THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build
the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king. BUT THE MORE THE EGYPTIANS
“OPPRESSED” THEM (GOD’S PEOPLE) THE MORE THE ISRAELITES “MULTIPLIED AND SPREAD, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became. So the Egyptians
WORKED THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) WITHOUT MERCY. They made their lives
bitter, forcing them to mix mortar and make bricks and do all the work in the
fields. They were ruthless in all their demands...” (Exodus 1 NLT).
When you try to OPPRESS people, it is your
intention to FORCE or use your AUTHORITY to keep them DOWN or to CONTROL them. “...LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are
stronger than we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...”
(Exodus 1 NLT).
OPPRESSION is ALWAYS about one GROUP of
PEOPLE trying to CONTROL another GROUP of PEOPLE. Or one person trying to
control another person. This CONTROL, often, includes treating them unjustly. “...If we don’t... [KEEP THEM OPPRESSED].., and if war breaks
out, they will join our enemies and fight against us. Then they will escape
from the country...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).
The EVIL ONE “tries” to CONTROL God’s
RIGHTEOUS people. This CONTROL also includes treating them unjustly through
their trials and tribulations or INSIDE their STORMS of LIFE. The injustices,
God’s people, experience, during their STORMS of LIFE, makes them feel
depressed, discouraged, heartbroken, question their faith, sad, marginalized,
etc. ” SO THE EGYPTIANS MADE THE
ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE DRIVERS OVER
THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED THEM to build
the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king...” (Exodus 1
NLT).
In the land of EGYPT, the Egyptians
represented the EVIL ONE and became to God’s people, the righteous, their
OPPRESSORS. God’s people, his righteous ones, may be happy or content in their
lives, until a STORM comes and causes their heart and emotions great
affliction. “...These are the names of
the SONS OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) (that is, Jacob) who moved to Egypt with
their father, each with his family: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar,
Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. In
all, Jacob had seventy descendants in Egypt, including Joseph, who
was already there. In time, Joseph and all of his brothers died, ending that
entire generation. BUT THEIR DESCENDENTS, the Israelites, had many children and
grandchildren...” (Exodus 1 NLT).
The STORMS of LIFE - such as the death of
a loved one, unexpected sickness, loss of a job, marital conflict, relational
conflict, deferred dreams, unjust punishment, etc - disturb lives and disrupt normalcy.
“...THEY (GOD’S PEOPLE) MULTIPLIED SO GREATLY THAT THEY BECAME
EXTREMELY POWERFUL AND FILLED THE LAND. Eventually, a new king came to power in
Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done. He said to his people,
“LOOK, THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL (GOD’S PEOPLE) OUTNUMBER US and are stronger than
we are. WE MUST MAKE A PLAN TO KEEP THEM FROM GROWING EVEN MORE...” (EXODUS 1
NLT)
Peter, Job, Joseph, Jesus, the Hebrew
boys, King Jehoshaphat, and Daniel were all upright and righteous children of
God, but ALL ended up INSIDE a PANDEMIC OF TROUBLE where WICKED, EVIL, and HATEFUL people
tried to OPPRESS them or TREAT them unjustly. “...SO THE EGYPTIANS
MADE THE ISAELITES (GOD’S PEOPLE) THEIR SLAVES. THEY APPOINTED BRUTAL SLAVE
DRIVERS OVER THEM, HOPING to wear them down with crushing labor. They FORCED
THEM to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the
king...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).
Every experience, INSIDE the STORMS of
LIFE, seem OPPRESSIVE. It also SEEMS as
if the WICKED are prospering while the righteous are suffering. “...They were ruthless in all their demands...” (EXODUS 1 NLT).
The WICKED oppress others out of fear and
cowardice. The bible says they run when no one is chasing them. “...The wicked flees when no one is
pursuing...[them]...” (Proverbs 28:1 NASB). “...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 wicked slaves. 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 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 spiritually 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 and became one of the great apostles, King Jehoshaphat
defeated a mighty army, with God’s help, without using a single weapon, 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 wicked slaves 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 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
actually 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 wicked slaves
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 in
the stories above, but RIGHTEOUSNESS increased and SPREAD: Jesus became the
SAVIOR of the “WORLD.” Joseph ended up RULING over the WHOLE NATION of EGYPT.
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 begin to INCREASE
in another ethnicity! “...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 wicked slaves hate
God’s people and treat them unjustly because of their OWN, personal envy and
fear. “…ye (the evil one and his
wicked slaves) thought evil against me (god’s people); 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 (CHOSEN) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…”
(ROMANS 8:28 KJV).
Being INSIDE the STORMS of LIFE God’s
people experience grief, heartache, disappointment, anger, 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).
“...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 [Israelis (God’s people) were delivered
out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…I am the Lord, I
will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will
rid you out of their bondage...”
(Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you
with a stretched out hand...”
(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought [Israel] out with a mighty hand and redeemed
[them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).
“…All things (including the DELIVERANCE
of ISRAEL OR YOU FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE) came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into
being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…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).
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 finite HUMAN being. “…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 finite human psyche. God’s
people KNOW he is with them, but it doesn’t stop them from “feeling” 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 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).
HERE’s WHY: 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 STORMS of LIFE, BUT IT WON’T STOP YOU FROM INCREASING,
MULTIPLYING, or BECOMING YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE UPON EARTH!
“...God
has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!”
(Numbers 23:20 NLT). “...overwhelming
victory is [Y]ours ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
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