My Afflictions

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Genesis 41:52 …For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction

Something good coming out of something bad. The silver lining in the cloud. Even in our darkest times God is the silver line that controls the happening in our lives. For God is good, and all things, even afflictions, work for good and for a purpose we may never understand in this life. It is often in our affliction that we acknowledge our need for God. It causes us to lean more on Him, for He is our strength and refuge in time of affliction. We don’t seek for bad things to happen, they just happen and often when we don’t expect it. Each day is a gift from God, and we commit our day into His hands. The affliction we face that day may turn our world upside down, and like Joseph put us in hole in the ground, and sold as a slave. But it is times like these that allow the fruit of Spirit to grow in our lives. We find purpose in God’s providence. We don’t necessarily find understanding, but in our afflictions God is working to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

The Cup to Drink

John 17:11b, 18:37b “The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?”…To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.”

What is in the cup? We all have a cup filled with life and purpose. God has given us each a cup to drink and to this end were we born. What is life about and why am I here in this world? This question is asked from people from all parts of the world and from every station in life. We only live once on this earth, and God has allowed us to be apart of this world. The providence of God has filled each one of our cups to fulfill His will and to glorify Him. It is up to us weather we will be willing to drink of the cup He has given us. Life happens and it is no accident for God is in full control. “I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything…” Not everyone’s cup is the same, but knowing it is God who fills it, makes it easier to drink and knowing that our lives can be used for the cause of God to see His Kingdom come to pass. 

Prayer Works

Isaiah 37: 14-21, 33-38

The situation for Hezekiah looked mighty bleak. He was faced with an enemy who was proven to be formidable in battle. He realized that his small army would not be able to stand against such a force of destruction. But, Hezekiah had a connection to the God of all kingdoms and his faith drove him to his knees. Satan will do all he can to cause us to despair and doubt God’s care for us. It is times like these that we can claim the promises of God and take it to God, and trust Him to bring us out.

Difficult Situations- received the letter

· Crisis often drives us to our needs

· The storms will cause us to cry out

· Communicate with God, in the valley and mountain top

Dependence on God- he went to the house of God

· Take it to God in Prayer- He is not our last resort

· Lean not to your own understanding, lean on Him

· Not by our means or the works of men, but…

Deity Rules- even thou alone

· Acknowledge Him as God and God alone

· Not by chance, but by providence

· He rules in the affairs of man

Defender of God- reproach the living God

· Glory and honor given to God

· Not by the power of man, but God is lifted up

Deliver Us- save us from his hands

· The righteous cry- God Hears

· God delights and desires to hear us call out

· In His time- God will deliver

Declared by God- thus saith the Lord

· Hearing an answer from God- Assurance

· Through His Word, His servants- preached word.

Defending His Own-I will defend this city

· God has a leash on Satan

· The Promise of God to Keep us from danger

· Staying true and believing He is able

Defeat of the Enemy- the angel smote the camp of Assyrians

· God sends His angels to do battle

· God also allows circumstances to stop the enemy

· Christ, our shield of defend, and sword of victory

God's Majesty

August 26th, 2007
Job 38:1-6, 40:1-14
What a mighty God we serve! Who among us can stand face to face with God and contend that God doesn’t know what He is doing? Job is now in the presence of the Almighty. It is time to put away the mere words and arguments of man and let God speak. At some point in Job’s suffering, he began to question God’s dealing. In his finite human ability, he endeavored to try to understand the providences of God and the full purpose of his life. He knew that he had not sinned against God but, and began to question the goodness of God. He realized that God was Holy and Just and ruled over the affairs of Man, but God had somehow left job “out to dry”. God is good! And He does all things right. Often in our own life, we find ourselves wondering why God has allowed bad things to come are way. If we are not careful, we will begin to question the goodness of God and His divine providence. We would never blame God foolishly, but we begin wonder if God really loves us. Like Job, we may need to come to a point of “repentance” and cast all of our cares upon Him for He cares for us and is mighty to show His power in our behalf.

Man’s Finite Comprehension
• Our understanding is limited to our knowledge
• The reasons and purposes of life are not ours to always know
Man’s Finite Knowledge
• Man’s knowledge is limited
• We will forever be learning more about God and His knowledge
God is Omniscient
• What a mighty God we serve- All knowing from start to finish
• The eternal God who has all things in his control
Job is Speechless
• In the presence of God we have no argument
• Job realizes his Woe is me!
Job Acknowledges his Faults
• Reflected on the providence of God
• Reflected on the wisdom, kindness, goodness, mercy of God
God Does All Things Right
• How far do we question God before start doubting Him
• He does all things well and is right and holy
Man’s Inability to Rise Above His Own Fate
• New age philosophy
• Man’s futile attempt to be God