IF YOU ARE ALLOWED TO SUFFER AND IT HURTS; GOD AIN'T TRYING TO HARM YOU, BUT HE WILL TURN IT AROUND FOR YOUR GOOD
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When you choose to TRUST and DEPEND upon God, in spite of a “season of suffering” he will “… instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: [He]… will thee with [his[… eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).
In a “season of suffering” it is easy to get off track in our TRUST and DEPENDING upon God. We can stop TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon God and starting trusting and depending upon SELF. “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
During my LONG “season of suffering” I prayed, went to church, was faithful, loyal, acted like a martyr, showed grace, mercy, and was forgiving.
Nonetheless, when my “season of suffering” didn’t end when I thought it would or should, I gave up. I was tired. I was tired because all my righteous behaviors didn’t end my “season of suffering” when “I” expected it to or in “MY” timing.
However, I have since learned I had more trust in my righteous acts to give me, earn me, make me worthy, or give me the victory or reward I deserved. I trusted, more, in my OWN righteous efforts whether than God’s effort that comes from my choosing to have faith in HIS miraculous power. “….Apart from [Jesus]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV).
“…It is God who works IN YOU to will and TO ACT…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…[You]… can do all things THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…May … God…EQUIP YOU with everything good for doing his will, and may he WORK IN US what is pleasing to him, THROUGH Jesus Christ,,,” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
To serve God, by CHOOSING to trust and depend upon God is the way to DO “his” will. It is a personal CHOICE to “…believe in Him [Jesus, the Word and not your OWN righteous acts]…” whom God has sent...” (John 6:29 KJV). “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
“…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (follow)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
The victory comes not simply from what YOU DO on your OWN, but from what you BELIEVE or trust and depend that God CAN DO “in” and “through” you. “…Abraham believed God …his faith and his actions were working together …” (James 2:18-24 NIV). “…the Father [the Holy Spirit] ...that dwelleth … [with Abraham], he doeth the works (displaying HIS working POWER “in” and “through” Abraham)…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…God [the Holy Spirit DID] ...the work ... THROUGH [Abraham]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). "....The [Holy]... Spirit produces fruit ....[in the]...lives...[of his people] …” (Galatians 5 NLT) “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (in and/or through ALL PEOPLE)…” (John 3:6 NLT).
The PROOF OF TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God is not SIMPLY about what YOU DO, but about what you TRUST and DEPEND that God “CAN” do. "Jesus … said…This is the (spiritual) work of God: that ...[his people]... believe (trust and depend) on him (Jesus, his Word) [and not self]... whom he (God, the Holy Spirit) hath sent...” (John 6:29 KJV).
“…Show me your faith (trust and dependency upon God) without deeds (acts of proof), and I will show you my faith (trust and dependency upon God) by my deeds (acts of proof). You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar (this action was proof that Abraham trusted and depended upon God)? You see that his faith (his trust and dependency upon God) and his actions (offering up Isaac) were working together, and his faith (trust and dependency upon God) was made complete (Witnessed and gave Glory to God) by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed (trusted and depended upon) God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (as the right thing to do before God),’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do (in obedience to God’s instructions) and not by faith alone (mere lip service)....” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
“…you hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).
Obedience is the transformation process “in action” or a witness of the indwelling “…work of God…” (John 6:29). Faith or trust and dependency upon God ENABLES the action “…God [the Holy Spirit DOES] ...the work ... THROUGH [his people]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Obedience, an action, is about an individual’s PERSONAL trust and dependency upon God. “…[Abraham’s]… faith (trust and dependency upon God) and his actions (offering up Isaac) were working together…” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
“…[Abraham’s]… faith was made complete (witnessed and gave GLORY to God) by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed (trusted and depended upon) God …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
God instructed Abraham to do something (offer up, his son, Isaac) and he obeyed. Abraham, completely, trusted and depended upon God, and did what he was instructed to do. Abraham’s actions were empowered by the “work of God,” which enabled him to “...[believe, have faith, trust, depend, etc) on him (Jesus, God’s LIVING Word...” which motivated him to do it (John 6:29). “….Apart from [Jesus, the LIVING Word of God]…YOU CAN DO NOTHING…” (John 15:5 NIV).
“…You see that his (Abraham’s) faith and his actions were working together, [and thus]…‘Abraham believed God, …” (James 2:18-24 NIV).
TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God is the key to SUCCESSFULLY going and getting through ANY “season of suffering.” “..though he (God) slay me (or it feels like he’s killing me), yet will I trust in him (and depend upon him)…” (Job 13:15 KJV). “….All the days of my appointed TIME will I WAIT, till my CHANGE come…” (Job 14:14 KJV). “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
SUFFERING that TRANSFORMS you OR TRANSFORMING SUFFERING is ALL about TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God. “…Dear brothers and sisters …when your faith (trust in and dependency upon God) is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow...” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
“…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).“... “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). “... by faith (by trusting and depending upon God, the Holy Spirit) ye stand (endure)...” (2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).
“…Dear brothers and sisters …when your faith (trust in and dependency upon God) is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow...” (James 1:2-4 NLT).
Jesus suffers with us. “…Christ... hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “…Christ [first]…suffered for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “…He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (freed from SIN)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “… because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). Jesus took on “the likeness of sinful flesh…,” (Romans 8:3 KJV).Therefore, Jesus literally experienced the human journey and can “…be touched with the feeling of ...[his peopele’s]... infirmities (especially when it comes to suffering through something)...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).
The BIBLE SAYS: “...Who (Jesus) in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).
The “season of suffering” was challenging to Jesus too. “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Jesus went through his “season of suffering” in human flesh, but, like of God’s people, he was empowered by the indwelling the Holy Spirit. The flesh is simply human flesh, but the Spirit is the indwelling POWER of God. Jesus said, "...That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...” (John 3:6 KJV).
Jesus demonstrated to his people, while suffering upon earth, the indwelling power of God will KEEP you. “…HE (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).
“…God assured...[his people], “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” [God’s people]... 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). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
The indwelling power didn’t keep Jesus from experiencing suffering, but it empowered him to endure until God’s will was DONE. God “…spared not his own Son [from suffering], but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).
Jesus, himself, SAID: “…For I have come down from heaven ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). When Jesus was done doing his Father’s will, “...he (Jesus) said, It is finished...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
Jesus, therefore, CAN enable his people to go through suffering. “…God ...does the work IN and THROUGH [his people]. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [enabling] power THROUGH [his people] …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in...[his people], he doeth the works [of keeping his people strong]…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“... The [father or god, the]...Holy Spirit produces ....fruit in [the] lives...[of his people]...: …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Jesus absorbs the suffering of his people. The EVIL ONE and his wicked slaves may affect God’s people during “seasons of suffering”, but God takes it personal. “….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, during “seasons of suffering.” He warns, their enemies: “….touch not mine anointed (his righteous children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them, his people] 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/people. 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 [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is [their] rock and [their] fortress, [their] deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
Jesus already suffered for his people when he took their suffering upon himself on the cross! “…Christ [first]…suffered for [his people] in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “…He [was] wounded for [their] transgressions, [he was] bruised for [their] iniquities: the chastisement of [their] peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes [they ere healed (freed from SIN and all its affects)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). “...(Jesus) said, It is finished...” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
“…These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world…” (John 16:33 KJV). “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).
However, in order to enjoy the benefits of God’s promises during “seasons of suffering” his people make a CHOICE to willfully and voluntarily let their faith and deeds WORK TOGETHER.
God’s people trust and depend upon God and obey his instructions. They are EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit when they CHOOSE LIFE and CHOOSE to serve HIM. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…If you love me, you will keep (follow, obey) my commandments (Jesus, my Word)…” (John 14:15). “… Jesus saith unto him, I am the way …” (John 15:5- 6 KJV).
One of God’s most simply, but PROFOUND commandments is: “…come and follow me (Jesus, the living word)…” (Matthew 19:21 KJV). Ask NO questions, just FOLLOW his WORD!
Can God’s people TRUST and DEPEND upon HIM? Yes, “…[God’s people] can do “all things” through Christ which strengtheneth [them]....” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
In addition, God has “… [made] known… [to his people, through his indwelling Holy Spirit]...the riches of the glory (the riches are the presence, goodness, and working power of God) … which is Christ (the LIVING Word) in you (in his people)…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “ …[God’s people]... have this treasure “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
“…His DIVINE (indwelling) POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God is the one who provides ....”(2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
Therefore, when going through “seasons of suffering” TRUST and DEPEND upon God that “...Christ … suffered for [you already]…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). You simply need to CHOOSE to “...Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ...he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
“…Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ...” (2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV). “....For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, ....our faith (our trust and dependency upon God overcomes the world)...” (1 John 5:4 KJV).
“…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause” (Job 2:3 KJV). When it “SEEMS”, during your “season of suffering,” that God has allowed Satan to SIMPLY destroy your life “without cause;” TRUST and DEPEND upon GOD ANYWAY.
“…The plans [God has]…for you… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Satan “…intend[s] to harm [God’s people], but God intend[s] it for ...[his people’s]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV).
“…In this [fallen] world [God’s people] shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, [God has]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV “….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).
“...Therefore [during seasons of suffering]... 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 [people of God] 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 [HIS people], “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 [says, to HIS people], … 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 (of trust and dependency upon god); then stand still...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
“…watch the Lord’s victory...” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
So, when God’s people go through a “season of suffering”, choosing to trust and depend upon God will empower them to totally and completely, “…[entrust themselves]…to him (God, the Holy Spirit) who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).
Godspeed
Dr. Pensacola H. Jefferson
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