GOD IS A GOD OF HOLY JUSTICE: ALLOWING SUFFERING
God “…[is]…GOOD and doest GOOD (even when he allows, his people to suffer)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…all things (even suffering) work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans 8:28 KJV). It is Satan who “…[intends] …to harm [his people]…, but God [intends]… it (SUFFERING) for [his people’s] good…” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
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The bible says “…in all thy getting, get understanding…” however, understanding spiritual things comes by faith.“...By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear...” (Hebrew 11:3 ASV).
“…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?” (Romans 11:33-34 ASV).
I have come to accept I don’t understand all of God’s WAYS or his THOUGHTS. But I trust HIM. I do KNOW God, the Holy Spirit is loving, sovereign, present, full of many goodnesses, is all powerful, all knowing, faithful, holy, all wise, and judges everything JUSTLY. He NEVER changes! “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he (God, the Holy Spirit) remains faithful [to WHO he is, always]…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV).
God, the Holy Spirit, is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher … my thoughts higher…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).
“...[God’s people have mistakenly]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them. Some STILL do]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God says, “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). God is the Holy Spirit of LOVE. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
God lives a SPIRITUAL LIFE (thoughts and conduct) is “without” and “free” from any and all sin. Thus, God has said, “… my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).
God’s HOLY character, words, and actions have untold depths. “….the [depths] of the riches…of [God’s]….wisdom and … knowledge….” (Roman 11:33-34). Often God’s “…ways [are] past tracing out…”
With respect, trust, and dependency upon his sovereignty I accept God is a God of JUSTICE who allows “seasons of suffering” as he pleases and he can do it “...without cause.” “…although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause…” (Job 2:3 KJV). In other words, there may be no earthly reason for your “suffering.”
Nonetheless, God, the Holy Spirit, “…[is]…GOOD and doest GOOD (even when he allows, his people, to go through suffering)…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). “…all things (even suffering) work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans 8:28 KJV). It is Satan who “…[intends] …to harm [God’s people]… but God [intends (allows)]… it (SUFFERING) for [their] good…” Genesis 50:20 NIV).
God DID NOT say the “suffering” was GOOD, but that it would work together for, his peoples, GOOD.
By reading and studying the book of Job, it teaches a lesson on “seasons of suffering” and how, no matter how HORRIBLE, all things worked together for GOOD. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).
“...Now all these things happened unto them (Job and others) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).
Job was an upright man and full of integrity, even God complimented him. Others may have revered Job as an upright man also. He may have had renown, as a righteous man, all over the land. In addition, Job, most likely, had his OWN image of himself as an “upright” man too.
Compared to other humans, upon earth, at the time, there was no person as upright as Job, even God said so. “…Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?...” (Job 2:3 KJV).
Job was so upright and full of integrity, it would never even cross the mind that he STILL needed to grow and develop spiritually. It would never cross the mind that being upright and full of integrity could become a prideful thing; whether intentional or unintentional. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble...” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “...if anyone thinks he(SHE) is something when he (she) is nothing, he(she) deceives himself (herself)...” (Galatians 6:3 NASB).
During his “season of suffering” Job was well aware of his righteous image, but, it seems, he forgot where his righteousness came from. His friends, however, also saw he had forgotten too. “…So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes…” (Job 32:1 KJV).
Elihu, one of his friends, inspired by the Spirit, questioned Job about his attitude. “…The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life...” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “...Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me (Elihu heard Job’s image of himself). Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths (Elihus heard Job’s attitude about his “season of suffering”). Behold, in this thou art not just (Elihu said this about Job): I will answer thee, that God is greater than man (Even in “seasons of suffering” God’s righteous ways are STILL JUST over man’s, including Job’s). Why dost thou strive against him? (Elihu asked Job) for he giveth not account of any of his matters (God is ALWAYS righteous and JUST even when he allows his people to go through “seasons of suffering”)...” (Job 33:8-13 KJV).
Elihu didn’t accuse Job of any secret sin like his other friends, but he saw Job striving (fighting) against God, through his attitude about his allowance of his “season of suffering” and “without cause”.
“…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).“...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT).
“...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). Therefore, “…[entrust yourself] to him who judges JUSTLY…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
Elihu also thought Job was justifying HIS “OWN” righteousness over the righteousness of God, who is immutably JUST and chose to allow him to go through a “season of suffering.” “...[This attitude is what]... kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job..., because he justified himself rather than God…” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).
Elihu saw Job’s attitude, which held his uprightness and integrity in a higher place than the uprightness and integrity of the DIVINE God of JUSTICE, who picked him out and allowed him to go through a “season of suffering”. “...Elihu spake moreover, and said (to Job), Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?...” (Job 35:1-2 KJV).
Throughout chapters 36 and 37 Elihu witnesses and ministers to Job about the presence of God, the goodness of God, the sovereignty of God, the wonderful working power of God, and the divine greatness of God’s character, who is full of integrity and uprightness, and JUSTICE ALL the time. God NEVER changes. “...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “....As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him...” (Psalms 18:30 NASB). “...The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion...” (Psalms 116:5 NIV). “...You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right...” (Psalm 119:137 NIV).
“…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
Elihu talked to Job about the SOVEREIGNTY of God. The ALMIGHTY and GLORIOUS GOD, who chooses to bestow his LOVE upon mere, finite, mankind. “...God has chosen you (finite mankind) from the beginning for SALVATION …” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB). “... You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you ...” (John 15:16 ASV). “…God chose [his people] in Christ before the foundation of the world…” (Ephesians 1:4).
SO, the question is this: “...what are mere mortals (LIKE JOB or mankind, period) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], [mere, finite human beings that [HE]... should care for [THEM?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT). "...What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention...” (Job 7:17 NASB). "...What are people, that you should make so much of [them[, that you should think of [them] so often?...” (Job 7:17 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, has CREATED the vast universe and galaxies and yet he takes the time to CARE for unworthy human beings with sinful natures that separate themselves from HIM through their OWN choices. Nonetheless, “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “...We love [him], because HE “FIRST” LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “….God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). He has “….loved [mankind]...with an everlasting… love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is … love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).
“....The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “...All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…”(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).
“...what are mere mortals (LIKE Job or mankind, period) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], [mere, finite human beings that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should care for [THEM?]...” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).
“…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for [mere , finite mortals, human beings, mankind, the world, his people, etc.]....” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
Whatever comes into your life or whatever God ALLOWS to happen, “…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). “…‘[I’ve]… given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
“…the [righteous God of JUSTICE, full of integrity]... blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: ….After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old, and FULL of days...” (Job 42:12-17 KJV).
God took Israel through a “season of suffering” for forty years to humble them, to test them, and to see “…whether [they]… wouldest keep his commandments, or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV).
Forty years seems like a long time, but they refused, over and over again, to TRUST God. When you are going through a LONG or SHORT, “season of suffering,” trust in and depend upon God continually. Satan “…intended to harm [Job, just like he tries to harm his people today], but God [intends or allows suffering] for ...[their]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…the plans [God has]…for...[his people are]… plans to prosper [them] and not to harm [them]...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Do not LET the circumstances or the details make you lose sight of who God is or what his Word says. “…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)? How long will they refuse to believe in me (trust and depend upon me), in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?...” (Daniel 14:11 NIV).
Job had LIVED shielded by God’s FAVOR for years and years. In Job’s story, Satan even mentioned Job’s FAVOR. He tried to ACCUSE Job of ONLY serving God, the Holy Spirit, for his EASY, FAVORABLE life. “...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...” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).
However, Job PROVED the enemy WRONG. Job OPENLY declared his attitude about his terrible losses or tragedies. “…Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?...” (Job 2:10 NIV). “…the faithful followers of the Lord (like job) … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
Job demonstrated that God’s people continue to TRUST in and DEPEND upon God, whole heartedly, no matter what they lose or gain.“… [They are to] ...love the Lord [their] ...God with all [their] ...heart and with all [their]... soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…” (Luke 10:27 KJV). God’s people are encouraged to remember first and foremost: “…Anyone who wants to be [God, the Holy Spirit]... follower must love [HIM]... far more than he (she) does his (her) own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his (her) own life—otherwise he(she) 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).
During the wilderness experience, God’s people KNEW about his FAVOR, LOVE and CARE too. God forgave them, for their unbelieving attitudes, numerous times, but by their OWN doing: “… not one of those who saw my glory (presence, goodness, and working power)” (Daniel 14:22-23 NIV). “…not one of those who saw ... the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness ...[therefore, those]...who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt (with disrespect) will ever see it…” (Daniel 14:22-23 NIV).
“…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:..” (Romans 3:10 KJV).
“...For there is not a just man (woman) upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “....there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV).
“…They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE...” (Romans 3:10-12 KJV). “…There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV).
“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE (uprightness, justice, etc.,) …” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from [God, the HOLY SPIRIT], you can do nothing (God’s people or Job cannot do righteous)…” (John 15:5 NIV).
“...God’s ....gift of righteousness, for all who receive [it, is] .....through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…jesus Christ, [is] the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).
“....there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
Whether God’s people go through “seasons of suffering” he allows or they bought them on themselves, God remains faithfully LOVING to them. “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
“...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
The says: “…. Again and again he rescued [his people], but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
“....there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…he remains faithful …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
During “seasons of suffering” that God has allowed, even “without cause,” God’s people ultimately, choose, on their own volition, to continue to serve him? “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (GOD’s righteous allowance or SELF’s righteous attitude)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…choose LIFE (choose GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT & his righteous and just ways)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).
During some LONG “seasons of suffering” (not all), the WRONG mindset or attitude, can keep you there or keep you stuck for years or permanently. “...For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’ I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die…” (Number 14:34-25 NIV).
“…whatsoever a man (woman) soweth, that shall he (she) also reap (this an example of God’s JUSTICE)….” (Galatians 6:7 KJV). “….For he (she) that soweth to his (her) flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (this is an example of God’s JUSTICE)…” (Galatians 6:8 KJV).
“…But my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). Mankind’s choices will ALWAYS face God’s JUSTICE.
God FAIRLY gave them what they choose and asked for instead of what he wanted or had chosen to ultimately bless them with. “... my people would not listen to me...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “...They kept doing whatever they wanted...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“...They kept ...following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“...The people replied [to God], “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“...The people replied [to God], “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue...to, stubbornly [follow] our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“...They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me…”(Numbers 14:26-29 NIV)
“...The Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive (fight) with man(kind)…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in their knowledge, GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “...We will continue to live as we want to...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).
“... We will continue...to, stubbornly [follow] our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
Many of God’s people will go through “seasons of suffering” and will NEVER make it through because of Judgement of God’s WAYS, or a lack of FAITH. “... Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths (Elihus heard Job’s attitude about his “season of suffering”)...” (Job 33:8-13 KJV).
“...Why dost thou strive against him? (Elihu asked Job) for he giveth not account of any of his matters (God is ALWAYS righteous and JUST even when he allows his people to go through “seasons of suffering”)...” (Job 33:8-13 KJV). "... Without faith (without trusting and depending upon what God during EVERY experience) it is IMPOSSIBLE to please [him]..." (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).
“…The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children…” (Exodus 12:37 NIV). Out of 600,000+ people, only Joshua and Caleb remained TRUSTING and DEPENDING upon God’s SOVEREIGNTY. “…Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun…” (Number 14:30 NIV).
God guarantees his
people victory through EVERY “season of suffering” and promises them “…all things [will, not MIGHT, but
“WILL”]…work together for GOOD
to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose...” (Romans
8:28 KJV).
According to the bible, the victory is already won!!! “…In this [fallen] world ye (God’s people) shall have tribulation: but [they can]... be of good cheer, [because, God has already]… OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 KJV).
It is unfortunate that so many of God’s people, during a “season of suffering,” will begin to walk by sight and not by faith. “….without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).
Therefore, it is essential that God’s people continue, through it all, to “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
It is a CHOICE to TRUST and DEPEND upon God during a “season of suffering.” NOT continuing in faith would be detrimental and situations WOULD not turn out for the good or as victoriously as God intended. Therefore, God’s people CHOOSE willfully to “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). They KNOW “….without faith (continual trust & dependency upon God,) it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “…It shall be done to you according to your faith (according to WHAT you choose to trust and depend upon)…" (Matthew 9:29 NASB).
God was displeased with Israel’s mistrust or lack of faith. God hasn’t changed about that. “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). “…ANYONE WHO COMES TO HIM (God, the Holy Spirit) MUST [choose to]...BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS…” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV).
Trusting and depending upon God brings a restful peace to his people. “…The plans [God has]…for you….[are]… not to harm you (but to give you REST)...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
“... Let us (God’s people) labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man (woman) fall after the same example of unbelief (as Israel)…” (Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV).
The “seasons of suffering” God’s people go through can last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years. These trials and tribulations or events God uses to encourage, built, develop, or grow TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon HIM serve a GREATER purpose than the troubles themselves.
The greatest enemy of TRUST and DEPENDENCY upon God is a LACK OF FAITH in God, his WORD, and his sovereignty.
“Seasons of suffering” will expose whether you will trust and depend upon God, his word, and his sovereignty or not. Job lost everything after years of being an upright man. The Hebrew boys went through the fire after standing for truth. Yet they continued to trust and depend upon God, his word, and his sovereignty.
A LACK of FAITH in God, his word and his sovereignty led “…the Lord [to say]…to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)? How long will they refuse to believe (TRUST and DEPEND upon) ...me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV).
“…Abraham believed (trusted and depended upon) God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend…” (James 2:18-24 NIV). Righteous people (God’s people) trust and depend upon God, his WORD, and his sovereignty.
Therefore, righteous people (God’s people) “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). Because, “….without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “...for he(she( that cometh to God must believe (trust and depend) that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him...” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV). “…This is the (indwelling) work of God, that ye (HIS people) believe on (trust and depend upon) Him (God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, his LIVING Word & his sovereignty) whom he (God) hath sent....” (John 6:28-29 KJV).
“…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [THE] HEARTS [OF HIS PEOPLE]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…It is God who works in [HIS people] to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose...” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…FAITH COMETH (is empowered, grows) BY HEARING ....the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the [indwelling]... Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [HIS people’s] lives...[the fruit of faith]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“... The God of peace, … equip(s HIS people) with everything good for doing his will, and ...he work(s in them) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory (to whom BE God’s presence, goodness, and working power) for ever and ever. Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
When God’s people’s TRUST and DEPEND upon HIM it pleases HIM. God will MOVE MOUNTAINS, out of their way, when his people put their faith (their trust and dependency) in his POWER, his WORD, and his SOVEREIGNTY. “...Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith (so little trust and dependency upon the power of God, his Word, and his Sovereignty). Truly I tell you, if you have faith (trust and dependency upon God that is) as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you…” (Matthew 17:19-20 NIV).
The LACK of faith is NOT because God’s people HAVE NO faith, but because the FAITH they’ve been given is LACKING or not being USED. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY (through) Christ Jesus (the indwelling spirit) …” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…[One of]...the fruit of the Spirit is …faith…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). Thus, God “…[GAVE] to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
“….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want [for nothing, not even FAITH]... ” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). God “…[GAVE] to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…Faith cometh by HEARING …THE WORD of God” (Roman 10:17 KJV).
The one who LACKS FAITH or doesn’t exercise their God-given FAITH shouldn’t even EXPECT to receive anything from God. “...But when you ask, you must believe (trust and depend upon God) and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do...” (James 1:6-8 NIV).
God is a God of JUSTICE. The bible SAYS: “…FAITH COMETH (is empowered, grows) BY HEARING ....the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “...the [indwelling]... Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in [HIS people’s] lives...[the fruit of faith]…” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“... The God of peace, … equip(s HIS people) with everything good for doing his will, and ...he work(s in them) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...Amen...” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV)
“God … worketh in [his people], both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [his people]... with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…God will supply all [the FAITH you need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…my cup runneth over (with God’s EMPOWERING fruit of faith)…” (Psalms 23:5 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE (the fruit of faith) ...all [his people] need. Then [they] will always have everything [they] need and plenty left over to “SHARE” WITH OTHERS…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
“…his divine power hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).
God’s people’s LACK of FAITH is their LACK of exercising FAITH as God has commandment them to. It is NOT complicated. “…FAITH COMETH (is empowered, grows) BY HEARING ....the word of God…” (Roman 10:17 KJV). “…This is the (indwelling, empowering) work of God, that ye (HIS people) believe (trust and depend) on Him (Jesus, the WORD) whom he (God) hath sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [them], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God (that dwells within his people) ...does the work “IN” and “THROUGH” ...[them]. …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The (indwelling) HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH (the production of spiritual fruit “through” each of HIS people) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling] Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in ...[HIS people’s]... lives…FAITH...” (Galatians 5:22 NLT). “… [God’s people will]… bear much fruit, and …PROVE to be [God’s]… disciples (people)…” (John 15:8 NIV).
Therefore, “...In the day of prosperity [EXERCISE FAITH and]… be happy, But in the day of adversity [EXERCISE FAITH too and] consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NASB). God “…[GAVE] to every man (woman) the measure of faith...” (Romans 12:3 KJV). “…IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD …” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Without faith it [would be]... impossible to please him: for he (she) that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him...” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).
A “season of suffering” is not an excuse to stop having FAITH in God, but too many of God’s people do, just like the Israelites in the wilderness. A LACK of FAITH is about your OWN choice or decision “NOT” to trust and depend upon God.
A LACK of FAITH is sometimes about 1). Reliance upon self-sufficiency: “..Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God....” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV).
2). Trusting and depending upon the finite self: “...Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe...” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV).
3). Refusal to surrender: “…You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me (Jesus, the LIVING Word); and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life...” (Mark 5:39-40 NASB).
4).Lack of hearing, seeing, or studying the Word of God: “...Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful...” (Joshua 1:8 NIV). “…My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6 NIV).
5).Ongoing practices (not mistakes or struggles to overcome sin, but) the ongoing practices of sin: “...Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear...” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV).
6). Willful disobedience: “... Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“...anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... who he is...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“...Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“...when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil ...Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... life is in them....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“..So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“...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). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).
7). Lack of prayer life: “…Pray without ceasing…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV). “…Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” (Ephesians 6:18 KJV). “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV). “…If My people which are called by My name shall ... pray ...I WILL HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “...I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you....” (Hosea 14:5-9 NASB). “..instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). “…The LORD (“WILL” accomplish (or take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
8). Worrying nonstop: “…therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life …” (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV). “.. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers...” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). “…The LORD (“WILL” accomplish (or take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “...He careth for [his people].” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
“…He [was] wounded for [his people’s] transgressions, [he was] bruised for [their] iniquities: the chastisement of [their] peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes [his people] are healed (freed from WORRY, FEAR, SHAME, etc.)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “...Peace I leave with [my people]...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peace I give unto [my people]..” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace ...not as the world giveth, give I unto [my people. ...[Therefore, God’s people should]... not... [let their]... heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).
9). Constant fear: “...Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?...” (Mark 4:38-40 NIV).
“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea...” (Psalms 46 NLT).
“... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, trials, tribulations, concerns, divorces, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV). “...Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?...” (Mark 4:38-40 NIV).
10). Doubt: “…But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” (James 1:6-8 NIV).
“... whosoever ...SHALL NOT doubt in his(her) HEART, but SHALL BELIEVE...” (Mark 11:23 KJV).
11). Complaining against God: “...And the people spake against God…” (Number 21:1 NIV).“...Yea, they spake against God...” (Psalms 78:19 KJV). “...Adam said, “The woman whom You (God) gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate...” (Genesis 3:12 NASB). “...the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp...” (Number 11:1 NASB). “...The Lord is the one you and your followers are really revolting against!?...” (Number 16:11 NASB). “...How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me...” (Numbers 14:27 NASB). “...The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food...” (Numbers 21:5 NASB). “...The sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger...” (Exodus 16:3 NASB). “... Moses said, “This will happen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord....” (Number 16:8 NASB). “...My complaint is with God, not with people...” (Job 21:4 NLT). “...Do all things without grumbling or disputing;...” (Philippians 2:14-15 NASB).
Even while going through a “season of suffering,” God is STILL a God of JUSTICE. Jesus made a decision (choice) to, willfully and voluntarily, entrust himself to God, the Holy Spirit, who is JUST.
“…[Jesus]... learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [Jesus, in the days of his flesh, knew]… what it ,,,[was]... to be in need, and …what it ...[was]...to have plenty... [Jesus]… 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).
Jesus KNEW “...God (his Father had) ...said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, trials, tribulations, concerns, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).
Thus, instead of defending himself or threatening revenge, or fighting a fleshly battle, Jesus did something greater; he entrusted himself to God, the Holy Spirit. “…When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he ENTRUSTED himself (gave over his total care) to him (God, the Holy Spirit) who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
“…the battle is not yours, but God’s. …you will not even need to fight. Take your positions (of trust and dependency upon God); then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory!” (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NLT).
“…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [HIS people]…” (John 14:31 NASB).
“... The Son of God (Jesus, the Word) came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “...No weapon that is formed against thee (God’s people) shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “...overwhelming victory is...[theirs]... in christ (in God’s word) ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
Even upon the cross Jesus said of God, who is JUST, “…Father, into thy hands I commend (I ENTRUST) my spirit…” (Luke 23:46 KJV).
Jesus demonstrated when experiencing “seasons of suffering”, entrust yourself, FULLY, to God’s loving, righteous, care for you. He STILL is a JUST God no matter what you are going through. “…I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit (ENTRUST) my cause…” (Job 5:9 KJV). “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
“…[God is]... with … [his people] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).
.“…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “… [God has]... loved ...[them]... with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB).
“…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor…” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
Christ’s “season of suffering” ultimately LED him to completely ENTRUST himself to God. “...Instead, he ENTRUSTED himself (gave over his total care) to him (God, the Holy Spirit) who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
No matter what horrible, horrible things he faced upon earth or the negative things he heard or experienced, Jesus left his TOTAL care, to God. “…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).
. “...God [who is a god of justice]... is [the] refuge and strength [for his people], always ready to help [them] in times of trouble. So [they] will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam ...“[his people will] Be still, and know that [he his their] God ... The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among [them]; the God of Israel is [their] fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).
“...No weapon that is formed against ...[God’s people]... shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…He helps ...[his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If [the]...God... [of justice]... is for [each of his people], who [or what can be] against [them]? ... ” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).
“…the faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT).
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