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What is the Spirit of Power and Might and How Can I Get it to Overcome Fear and Discouragement?

“Don’t spend those three dollars; keep it for the babysitter tonight,” Jim told me.

“Okay.” A friend was taking me to a women’s meeting the next morning and driving, so I didn’t need gasoline; I thought, no problem.

It was October 12, 1978, and our last payroll check had been spent. The last of our savings was gone, too. I totaled the bills: $252.00! We had expected to have another job by now, but we didn’t. We prayed over the bills and gave them to the Lord.

The longer I looked at the bills, the more frightened I became. Confused and desperate, I decided to take a shower. I didn’t know it would be with my own tears. Fear as I had never known enveloped me.

I thought about the words of Jesus after he said not to worry about what we shall eat or drink or wear, “Seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). But Really? How can this possibly be true for a time like this?

After my shower, I put away the bills, got out my Bible, sat down, and turned to Ephesians 6. It read, “Wherefore 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.”

I said, “Lord, we have presented ourselves to you, no strings attached, and nothing has happened yet as we had expected. We’ve done all we know to do in order to obey you, and we will stand.” Immediately, peace flooded my soul.

I thought, this must be the peace that passes all understanding that the Bible talks about, (see Phil. 4:7). I began to see that Jesus and His Word truly are one and the same and that His Word is powerful. His living Word dispelled all fear and discouragement!

This was just the beginning of when I learned what it meant to overcome in God’s power and might, rather than my own. I will share the rest of the story soon but know that by the time you finish reading this article, you will know that God’s purposes will ONLY be accomplished by the Spirit of Power and Might in our lives and on this earth. In fact, no good thing will stand without it, for without HIM, we can do NOTHING! (John 15:5).

The Spirit of Power and Might: What is His Name?

As a reminder, Isaiah’s seven-spirit prophecy says a BRANCH will grow (Jesus Christ), and “the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and MIGHT the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2 NKJV).

“For Your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth He is called” (Isaiah 54:5 Amplified).

The Lord of hosts’ Hebrew name is Jehovah-Sabaoth. It has a dual meaning – that of our Bridegroom who is coming for His Bride, the Church worldwide, very soon, and as Supreme Commander of the Universe.

Host means, tsâbâ’, “The basic meaning is service done for a superior, usually military service . . . . Although the title of tsâbâ’ has military overtones, it points directly to Jehovah’s rulership over the entire universe. He stands ready to intervene for His people at any moment.”5 The Lord of hosts took David from among the sheep to rule over His people Israel (see 2 Sam. 7: 8).

He did this by working through David who killed the giant Goliath saying, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted” (1 Sam. 17:45 NASB); thus, the Lord of hosts intervened for Israel in defeating the Philistines through one willing vessel—David.

What is The Meaning of ‘Might’?

The Hebrew word for might is chayil, meaning strength, POWER, force, might–especially an army; valor, substance, wealth. It basically means force, especially military strength. This definition defines Jehovah-Sabaoth who is more powerful than any force on earth. He is assembling His military army bride today.

The Hebrew word tsâbâ’ (Sabaoth) for ‘host’ is derived from a verbal root which means to amass (an army or servants), to assemble, to muster (soldiers, 11 Kings 25:19; Jer. 52:25), to collect, to fight, to perform, to go forth to war, to wage war (Num. 31:7: Isa. 29:7, 8; 31:4. Zech. 14:12) to do military service.9

Psalm 110:3 speaks of people who will volunteer freely in the day of His power—as in military service of the Lord. Are we not seeing this today among ordinary people?

The Power of God Is Shown Best Through Vessels of Clay

The greatest displays of God’s power are not necessarily episodes of military force, mighty acts, or creative splendor. Rather, the supremacy of God’s power is seen in the way He accomplishes His purposes through mere vessels of clay made mighty because He has infused them with His power by His Spirit. They are His Bride.

The book of Zechariah gives an overall picture of the might and power of God at work in Earth and in our lives. Except for the book of Ezekiel, Zechariah prophesies the most details of the coming of Messiah/Jesus four hundred years before He is born.

The prophet Zechariah calls the Israelis to repent after 50,000 of them returned to Jerusalem which was destroyed by Babylon. After 70 years of captivity, under an edict of Cyrus with the leadership of Zerubbabel, they quickly rebuilt the altar and began repair on the temple.

We soon learn that the temple would not be finished through muscular power or physical stamina of the workmen; rather, it would be accomplished by the empowering of the Spirit of God.

It’s NOT by Might, nor by POWER, but only by God’s Spirit Anything Is Accomplished

Before long, apathy set in as they were opposed by Samaritans who got an order from the Persian government to halt construction. For twelve long years construction was halted by discouragement and preoccupation with other pursuits.

Zechariah urged the people to return to the Lord and His purpose to restore the ruined temple. The Spirit of the Lord gave him visions that encouraged the people.

One vision was to encourage Zerubbabel who was about to succumb to discouragement. From the Message Bible you will recognize this from Revelation 4:5 and the “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God”––the menorah, as described in my previous article:The 7 Spirits of God Key to Supernatural Life of a Christian.

Menorah 7 Lamps of fire
The 7 Spirits of God – Menorah

A Lampstand and Two Olive Trees: The Spirit of Power and Might

The Messenger-Angel again called me to attention. It was like being wakened out of deep sleep.

The Lampstand

He said, “What do you see?”

I answered, “I see a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top. Seven lamps, each with seven spouts, are set on the bowl. And there are two olive trees, one on either side of the bowl.”

Then I asked the Messenger-Angel, “What does this mean, sir?”

The Messenger-Angel said, “Can’t you tell?”

“No, sir,” I said.

Then he said, “This is God’s Message to Zerubbabel: ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies. ‘So, big mountain, who do you think you are? Next to Zerubbabel you’re nothing but a molehill. He’ll proceed to set the Cornerstone in place, accompanied by cheers: Yes! Yes! Do it!’”

After that, the Word of God came to me: “Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!”

Going back to the vision, the Messenger-Angel said, “The seven lamps are the eyes of God probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights.”

The Two Olive Trees

“And the two olive trees on either side of the lampstand?” I asked. “What’s the meaning of them? And while you’re at it, the two branches of the olive trees that feed oil to the lamps—what do they mean?”

He said, “You haven’t figured that out?”

I said, “No, sir.”

He said, “These are the two who stand beside the Master of the whole earth and supply golden lamp oil worldwide.” – Zechariah, chapter 4

This passage says, ‘You can’t force these things. They only come about through my Spirit,’ says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

The New King James Version says, it’s ‘Not by Might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Discouragement can always be answered with God’s ability to grace and empower the human soul. His might is seen by what He does through the weak, the insignificant, the powerless – a Babe born in Bethlehem, a timid fearful Gideon, a melancholy Jeremiah, a band of twelve ordinary men, and a remnant Church of weary warriors.

As long as the heart is turned toward Him in childlike trust, He will enable anyone to complete the work to which He has called them. And so, they completed repairing the temple.

What is the Spirit of Power and Might and How Can I Get it to Overcome Fear and Discouragement

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Zechariah Had Two Visions That Show God’s Supreme Power on Earth

The following two short visions from Zechariah, chapter 5, I believe, are being fulfilled as well as other end-time prophesies from his book.

The Flying Book shows God’s power and judgment over evil. The size of the book denounces the sins of perjury and of thieves. God is reaping and dividing the tares from the wheat––which is written to only be done at the end-time harvest (Matthew 13:30).

The Flying Book

I looked up again and saw—surprise!—a book on the wing! A book flying!

The Messenger-Angel said to me, “What do you see now?”

I said, “I see a book flying, a huge book—thirty feet long and fifteen wide!”

He told me, “This book is the verdict going out worldwide against thieves and liars. The first half of the book disposes of everyone who steals; the second half takes care of everyone who lies. I launched it”—Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies—“and so it will fly into the house of every thief and every liar. It will land in each house and tear it down, timbers and stones.”

A Woman in a Basket

This vision shows forth God’s ultimate power over sin and wickedness in the earth:

The Messenger-Angel appeared and said, “Look up. Tell me what you see.”

I said, “What in the world is that?”

He said, “This is a bushel basket on a journey. It holds the sin of everyone, everywhere.”

Then the lid made of lead was removed from the basket—and there was a woman sitting in it!

He said, “This is Miss Wickedness.” He pushed her back down into the basket and clamped the lead lid over her.

Then I looked up and to my surprise saw two women flying. On outstretched wings they airlifted the bushel basket into the sky.

I said to the Messenger-Angel, “Where are they taking the bushel basket?”

He said, “East to the land of Shinar. They will build a garage to house it. When it’s finished, the basket will be stored there.”

As it says in “Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

We know Jesus Christ died once for ALL mankind. He paid the price for ALL sin and overturned the state of the sin nature in man which came upon him through the sin of Adam and Eve.

But ONLY those who receive what Jesus did for him/her personally will receive eternal life and be saved from eternal death and punishment in hell. We will be held accountable for sin and the choice we make, and if we choose against the blood Jesus shed for us, we will pay the price in our body that He paid for us in His body on the cross.

What is the POWER God gives us and how can we get it?

I continually see people striving to achieve eternal life in their own power. They are believing doctrines of demons telling them lies that they can reach a higher state of consciousness looking within for their own strength––that they can be God.

Without realizing it, I was there, too, until one day God spoke in my ear the words, no good in me. I wondered if these words were in the Bible. I found them in Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells, for to will is present with me; but how to perform what is good I do not find.”

Immediately, I realized I was trying to be good in my own strength, and that I could never attain God’s‘good’ Spirit of Power and Might in my life. He gave me a vision that when He looked at me, He saw Jesus’ red blood He shed for me. He saw Jesus’ perfection––His goodness only.

It would not be long until Acts 1:8 caught my attention: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

When we receive the Spirit of Almighty God, we are receiving the same dynamos power that raised Jesus from the dead. He comes to live inside us, for “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).

What is the Spirit of Power and Might and How Can I Get it to Overcome Fear and Discouragement?

My journey in how to receive this power from God is documented in detail in my booklet I give away on this site, Eyes Wide Open. Life has been a powerful and exciting journey ever since. I know it will help you.

The Bible records 695 times in the New Testament where Jesus talks about His power and the giving of it to his disciples; there are 655 occurrences in the Old Testament.

My favorite in the O.T. is Psalm 62:11, “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That Power belongs to God!”

My favorite in the N.T. is Jesus speaking in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

What Should I Do with God’s Power and Might and HOW?

The first step in knowing what to do with the power God gives us is to know what He has NOT given us. He has NOT given us the spirit of fear which is from Satan.

I challenge you to memorize from the Amplified version, 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did NOT give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power, and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”

When you are faced with a fear of any kind: a need of healing, health in midst of plagues (remember Psalm 91), marriage problems, parenting problems, whatever, speak aloud God’s Word over it and yourself and you will find peace that passes understanding.

Be obedient to what God reveals to you. You will experience God’s power over the situation. He is the One who makes you an over comer! Click here for Scripture printable pdf: Quick Start Guide to Supernatural Answers to Your Concerns

When You Don’t Know How to Pray for the Spirit of Power and Might for Peace

When you don’t know how to pray, confess the Zechariah 4:6 Rock:

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” – “being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

My problem just so happened to be money in 1978. Money has not been a problem since that whole year without steady employment and every need met:

The ending of my beginning story:

The next morning my friend came to pick me up. The meeting was like nothing I had ever attended. The speaker spoke about victory in all our trials and that we will have many Jordan Rivers to cross in our lifetime.

At the conclusion, the attendees were asked to give an offering. Small envelopes were on the table for that gift. I thought about the three dollars in my purse and what Jim had said. Then, my thoughts wandered to the widow Jesus observed giving into the temple treasury. “Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny” (Mark 12:41-42).

Jesus told his disciples that she had put in more than all the others. “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on” (Mark 12:43).

I wondered, what happened to that poor widow who gave all she had? The Bible doesn’t say. So, without hesitating, I pulled out the three dollars and stuffed it in the envelope. After the meeting, I saw a hand, out of the corner of my eye, put something in my outside purse pocket.

Retreating to the car, heart beating wildly, I opened the envelope. There was $11.00—a ten- dollar bill plus one dollar for the tithe! I was overcome with the feeling I was in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, who says that whoever believes in Him, streams of living water will flow from within him—a never-ending stream of joy (see John 7:38). I asked my friend if she had put that envelope in my purse. She had not.

Jim gave $5.00 to our Bible study leaders (to God) that night, leaving $5.00 for the babysitter and one dollar for us. After the meeting, our leader said, “It’s time we give our tithe to the Lord from the proceeds of these meetings. We do that by giving away one night’s offering.” Then he said it would go to us. We had not told him about our situation, but he said he would call us later with the amount. It was $254.00—two dollars over our immediate needs we had written down and taken to the Lord, and one dollar was the tithe returned to us. I thought, in determining our needs, why hadn’t we added in the tithe?*

My soul, wait ONLY upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He ONLY is my ROCK and my SALVATION; He is my DEFENSE and my FORTRESS. I shall not be moved! Psalm 62:5-6 NKJV

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:21 NKJV

*The above story is an excerpt from the workbook God gave me in 2008. Forty other people’s stories, besides my family’s, help the reader understand who they are by knowing who God is . . . and what faith is and how to implement it to receive all God has for them. Since then, I’ve taught it in small groups and one on one to help new and nominal believers understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and be ready for His return. I’ve seen no better workbook to accomplish this goal. You can check it out here: GOD Who Are You? AND Who Am I? Knowing and Experiencing God by His Hebrew Names.

What is the Spirit of Power and Might and How Can I Get it to Overcome Fear and Discouragement

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Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society, Used by permission of Zondervan

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There is Power in the Blood of Jesus! Why Can’t We Get That In Our Mouth?

There is Power in the Red Blood of Jesus

This week I was invited to join a private Facebook group called RED DOOR FRAMES FOR PASSOVER. We were invited to decorate our front door frames in red ribbon, cloth, paper, anything to SIGNIFY the POWER in the blood of Jesus – the Lamb.

The group had 77,000 members when I joined. One hour later, it had 87,000. Yesterday, the number was 277,069. Today it is 295,308.

People can also ask for prayer in the group, and they have — many from Covid-19 hospitalizations. Many have been healed!! One man posted and said, “I just asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and I asked Him into my heart. I know my life will be so different from here on.” The great awakening is here folks!

I have also joined a free training called 4:14 Challenge – named for Esther 4:14, where Esther was called for such a time as this. We are also here not just by chance. God has a very unique and personalized reason for us being alive right now – especially among this Covid-19 plague. The reason has to do with the BLOOD.

THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD

Red Door at Passover

Here’s the reason I’m writing you today: in the RED DOOR FRAMES FOR PASSOVER group I never saw a prayer in response to very dire circumstances with Covid-19 that mentioned the blood of Jesus or the name of Jesus – a very group about the blood and the Passover which is to be an everlasting memorial to all generations, a sign.

We must understand the power in the blood. We must understand how to appropriate the blood over ourselves, over our families, city and nation. The revivals in times past were marked by the POWER in the blood. People learned to apply, or to plead the blood of Jesus. It made all the difference. Healing ensued and people were drawn to Jesus.

Do you remember the song we used to sing in church, “There is power, power, wonder working power, in the blood, of the Lamb”? I’ve tried to stress this throughout my book and told the story of my friend Janice and how her aunt taught her to do this – by using her mouth to say, “I plead the blood of Jesus in this nook and in this crannie” throughout her whole house.

You may have already read her story. The demonic activity in her house left and she and her husband accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

TODAY IS PASSOVER #3333 of the Blood of Jesus – April 9, 2020

Passover began last night and will run for seven days. This year it will also align with Easter Sunday, on the twelfth.

3333 years ago, was the first Passover. This is when the death angel passed over the children of Israel’s homes where they had struck the door frames of their houses with the blood of a perfect lamb. This act was in obedience to the Lord through Moses.

This was the last of ten plagues the Lord brought upon Egypt in order to bring his children out of bondage and into the promised land. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened during the first nine plagues and would not allow the Israelites to leave with Moses and his brother Aaron.

But, after this last plague, on the night the children of Israel ate the Passover meal with the whole roasted firstborn, perfect lamb, all the firstborn children of Egypt died. BUT the death angel passed over the homes of the Israelites.

WHY did the death angel pass over their homes? Because of the BLOOD – the blood of the Lamb – the Lamb without blemish who was to come years later – Jesus Christ!

PHARAOH – THE ENEMY – FINALLY QUIT FIGHTING

After the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh said, “Rise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go serve the LORD AS YOU HAVE SAID. Also take your flocks and your herds, AS YOU HAVE SAID, and be gone; and bless me also” (Exodus 12: 31-32).

AS YOU HAVE SAID!

 

AS YOU HAVE SAID!

 

As believers, we have been given authority in Jesus Christ. We are in Him, and He is us. Our words carry great weight. As we align our mouths with His words and speak them in faith believing, we will see answers;

we will see miracles;

we will see the supernatural every day of our lives.

I’m leaving you this Passover day with an article that shows . . . how to appropriate the blood of Jesus over ourselves and families; how our church did this and how God showed up; how to pray over our children, family and property to see supernatural miracles.

Another interesting thing to note is that since this *Corona virus outbreak, my article about how to get the crown of righteousness at the Rapture of the church has gotten a lot of traffic.

The other crown articles I wrote all last year are gaining ground, too. As the virus is noted for having a crown, it seems to me that Satan is trying to take our crown. Will you stand against him with the blood of Jesus?

May I offer you a BLOOD OF JESUS challenge?

The next time you see a prayer request that grabs your heart, instead of saying merely “prayers,” and keep scrolling, take the time to write out your short prayer, something like, “Be healed in the name and in the blood of Jesus Christ.” Let your words speak. Let your words be powerful. Let your words bring victory. Be an overcomer in Jesus’ name!

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have; that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11).

“And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their own lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11). These are the captured, raptured saints in heaven.


*Corona means the part of the body, the crown of the head; a white or colored circle or set of concentric circles of light seen around a luminous body, especially around the sun or moon.

Why Can't We Get in Our Heart and Mouths the Blood of Jesus?

 

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Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous and What We Can Learn From Them

When adversity comes, knocks, strikes, and hits down your door

My husband and I recently made a beautiful ascent into Jerusalem onto the Mount of Olives (where Jesus’ feet will one day land) that descended past the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before His afflictions and crucifixion. The steep path led into the Kidron Valley that led up to the Eastern Gate through which He will return to the city.

I’ve documented our trip with images and explanations on my Facebook page: C.R.O.W.N. Calling Real Ordinary [Wo]men NOW. That’s about all I’ve done business/ministry wise in the last four months since we left for Israel in October.

We soon learned that a descending of afflictions into the valley follows an ascending

Jerusalem is a city built on the mountains. So, to go out from Jerusalem, the disciples had to go down. They had to go down the mountain. So, to send them out from Jerusalem was to send them down from Jerusalem. Just as important as it is to ascend the mountain is to descend it. In fact, that’s the direction of ministry . . . down the mountain (Jonathan Cahn, The Book of Mysteries, (Charisma House Book Group 2016, pg. 325).

Our traveling plans were to return home through Germany to see our daughter and family at their Army post. She had warned us that they were on the top fourth floor of their apartment building. They had missed getting into a house four months prior when they moved there. But it didn’t matter that they had no elevator, because Jim and I were both afflicted that whole week.

After arriving home, I discovered I had double pneumonia; Jim had ear and sinus problems. Six weeks after I recovered, I was able to care for my sister who had a hip replacement and get ready for Christmas for our children. A couple days later, I went for a walk and then another sudden affliction hit me…a complication from the pneumonia which put me on a breathing machine three times per day for thirty days. Today is the first day off that contraption!

During this trying time, I tried to pray which was hard since energy was out the door. But, one morning I heard in my spirit, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” How encouraging that was! I looked it up in my Bible:

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart; and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:18-19 NKJV). Click to Tweet

Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous with free arrows and shield laminate

What is the Definition of Affliction?

To afflict is a general term and applies to the causing of pain and suffering. To afflict means to cast down; to strike; humble; overthrow; to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish; trouble; injure; torment.

Afflictions are the state of being afflicted; the cause of persistent pain or distress; great suffering.

What strikes me about this definition is that a “cast sheep” is one that has turned over on its back due to outside sources. Because it’s heavy with lamb and wool, it cannot turn over on its own. Without the shepherd’s help, it will die. To be enlightened how we are like sheep, go to>>  Sheep of the Lord and Jehovah Rohi

Where Do Afflictions Come From and Why?

The Bible shows where adversity comes from and why most clearly in the book and story of Jōb.

Jōb lived in the land of Uz with his wife, seven sons and three daughters. He was a righteous man, who was blameless, honored God and shunned evil. He was blessed by God with material wealth: seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and a large number of servants.

One day when the angels came to report to God, Satan, who was the Designated Accuser, came along with them. God singled out Satan and said, “What have you been up to?”

Satan answered God, “Going here and there, checking things out on earth.”

God said to Satan, “Have you noticed my friend Jōb? There’s no one quite like him—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil.”

Satan retorted, “So do you think Jōb does all that out of the sheer goodness of his heart? Why, no one ever had it so good! You pamper him like a pet, make sure nothing bad ever happens to him and his family or his possessions, bless everything he does— he can’t lose!

“But what do you think would happen if you reached down and took away everything that is his? He’d curse you right to your face, that’s what.”

God replied, “We’ll see. Go ahead—do what you want with all that is his. Just don’t hurt him.” Then Satan left the presence of God.”—Job 1:6-12 The Message

Ruins of Jerusalem with text overlay of How to Find Deliverance from Adversity and Afflictions

 

 

 

 

If you are going through a difficult time right now, you will want to go HERE to read this full story. The story of Jōb will help you like no other. It guided me at our most difficult days years ago. It shows what is going on behind the scenes where Satan brings disaster upon Jōb by taking away everything he owns except his wife. Eventually, his own body is struck with painful boils.

Job’s three ‘friends’ came to see him. They accused him and his adult children of sin and criticized him for days. Never did they pray for him.

Job gets so frustrated that he said, “I’m going directly to God for answers.” Of course, this is exactly what God wanted to hear >> The Story of Job.

We will look at four principles this story teaches us about suffering, adversity and afflictions, and what God is doing by filtering through His great big hands what Satan wants to bring against us––and how we can overcome.

Why Face Adversity?

Although Job was angry with his friends, one thing they did do was to put some fight into him. Would Job have given in to his afflictions and let them get the best of him if they had not troubled him more? We don’t know, but Job did learn to face his adversity. And, in doing so, He overcame.

Do you know of someone who lays down in the face of troubles and gives in to every blow that comes along and are always sick, having surgery or are perpetually distressed? They live by their emotions, and only what they can see, feel, taste, touch and only what the doctor says about them.

The first step to overcome is to face it by going to the Great Physician to see what He says about it, rather than what friends say. Facing adversity takes courage and means FIGHTING to overcome.

The Lord delivers those from afflictions who not only fight the spiritual battle, the good fight of faith, but they know God by knowing His Word; it’s not automatic and takes a lot of effort, but it’s so worth it.

Through Job’s story, we learn these four principles:

Afflictions Help Us See God and Know Who God Is

Flowers with text overlay of Jeremiah 30:17

1.      God is sovereign. We cannot understand his working through rational thinking alone.

When we want to ask, “Why God, why me?” we must remind ourselves that God sees the big picture of what He hopes to accomplish through our lives. Job took his complaints directly to God and God answered him. Bottom line: Job realized how small he was and how big God was and that there was a purpose in his whole ordeal.

The Lord had asked Job to listen to Him and give Him some answers. Listen closely to Job’s reply, for this is the purpose of all suffering: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5-6 NIV). Click to Tweet

2.      God’s will toward us is good – always God is good.

God really is near to those going through adversity. He always makes His presence known – when we are looking to Him and His word.

After many weeks of weakness, I pulled out my ARROWS SWORD & SHIELD (a 5 x 7 laminate) that I made after previous difficulties. I spoke these Scriptures over myself out loud declaring His promises as already fulfilled while thanking God for strength and healing although I didn’t feel like it.

The next morning during my one hour of computer time of scheduling pins for my Pinterest business, SEVEN times this Scripture crossed my vision:

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17). Click to Tweet

God always cares and will communicate His care to his children.

3. Afflictions Bring Growth in Humility and Reveal His Divine Purposes

We can focus on our innocence and question God’s justice as Job did, or we can grow in humility and wait for God to reveal Himself and His purposes for us.

The Lord spoke to Job and answered his questions. Job replied, “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head” (Job 42:1-3 Msg).

Job found that God did not have a list of offenses against him, but his only offense was his complaints against God during the suffering. He knew God had to have had a purpose, and now he knew what it was: “I admit I once lived by rumors of you, now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!” (Job 42:5 Msg).

4.  Afflictions Make Us Stronger and Build Character

The testing of our faith is an individual, personal testing.

At times uncontrollable forces will come against us. Family, friends, health, houses and job, and other sources of strength may be taken away leaving us seemingly ALONE in the battle. It’s in this ALONENESS, however, that we must hear God’s voice rather than the voice of others.

We must trust God alone to fill our voids and return us to victory. After Job did this, God asked him to pray for his friends; in doing so he had to forgive them, and Job was healed. God restored double to him of all he lost, and he was now on the road to be able to comfort others as he had been comforted by God alone (2 Cor. 1:4).

Who Can Overcome Afflictions?

We know the righteous will be delivered as Psalm 34: 19 says, but what about non-Christians? Does God hear their prayers, too? My friend Janice was married at seventeen years of age. Her husband tried unsuccessfully to drown her when she was pregnant. At the birth of her daughter, the doctor announced, “You will never take this baby home. She has only half a liver.”

But, Janice, not yet a Christian, did what James 5:13 says to do, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” She went out into the hallway to call her sister to pray for her. A woman appeared beside her and voiced the prayer over the phone. To read this miraculous story go HERE to learn how Jehovah Rapha healed her baby.

How Can Suffering and Afflictions be Overcome?

Barbara Watts suffered from multiple sclerosis. It hit her while she was witnessing to a friend. Her story shows how perseverance and the Word of God brought her miracle from this incurable disease. And it all happened in a church that did not believe in divine healing. Here is her story of faith>> What Does the Mature Bride Look Like?

God is Jehovah Rapha [The Lord our Healer]. Over and over again I’ve seen miracles of healing from my past, in our marriage and with our children––mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Here is my story of learning about faith and how to pray for family and friends: Because God is Jehovah-Rapha I Am Healed

What Current Afflictions Are Teaching Me

I’ve realized that my old habit of a performance mentality is not dead. Early in my marriage, I unknowingly felt I needed to work to gain God’s approval and was unable to see myself as God saw me. I’ve written about that in My Red Umbrella Story.

With all that needs to be done with a Web site and business/ministry, I’ve lately let that wrong attitude gain mastery in my life at the exclusion of other more important things.

Over these last few months, and without ‘my’ help, God has demonstrated that He doesn’t need my help (but he wants me and loves me). He has brought a 279% increase in traffic to my site with six times more organic browser searches. If I’d not been absolutely prevented from writing more posts and doing other ‘marketing’ things I would not have known that.

I’ve determined not to make any more deadlines of my time with the Lord so I can “get on the computer.” I will not merely throw a kiss to Jesus from a distance, and I commit myself to spend more time with Him in His Word and in prayer.

I’ve repented and  made a quality decision to do only what He says when He says and how He says––having descended the mountain into the valley where other people are.

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Revelation 2:2-5 (NKJV)

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot [b]bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

“Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

May I Pray with You?

I’m closing with more Scriptures about affliction, but if you’d like me to pray with you, please post a comment below.

Scriptures about Afflictions:

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Romans 5:3-4 ESV

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Psalm 119:71 ESV

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.

James 5:11 ESV

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Psalm 22:24 ESV

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.