FEAR - LESS

 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”

1 John 4:18

Lately, I have been meditating on 1 John 4:18 with all that is going on in our world today, from COVID-19 to our political arena.  Often, we are faced with worry and crushed with anxiety over the unknown, things such as the coronavirus.  There is no break in the news.  Our lives have changed completely, both socially, spiritually, and psychologically.  Everywhere I look, there is fear.  Our whole country and even the church is being driven by fear.  So what must Christians do during these times of uncertainty? How must we handle our anxieties and fears?   The remedy to anxiety and fear is found in the Word of God.  The Lord has urged us not to be afraid, for perfect love casts out fear.  God wants His children to face their fears and overcome them.  Think for a moment what we are telling God when we are afraid. Does Jesus not care about us?   Why not trust our Lord no matter what we are going through in life?  God knows what’s best for us and cares about what we are going through. 

You see, worry will not change anything but only increases our fear and anxiety.  Instead of being afraid, why not pray to God and lay our worries and fears at His feet?  With God on our side, we can have victory over fear.  God has promised to take care of us, and we must trust in His promises. When we pray, we are trusting God.  But when we fail to trust in Him, neglecting prayer,  stress rises, and we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances.  Anxiety is hopeless despair and is an illegitimate fear of the future that contradicts our faith (Matthew 6:25-34).  God commands us to fear Him and nothing or no one else.  He also encourages us in His Word not to be afraid.  

Did you know that the expression “fear not” is found in the Bible more than sixty times?  That means that we must choose not to be fearful but courageous.  To be worried and afraid about matters of life implies that one does not trust God completely.  When our focus is on the treasures of this earth, we fail to trust in God completely.  I Corinthians 16:13 exhorts us saying,

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong..." 

 

God wants us to be courageous.  

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (2 Timothy 1:7)   

Let us not be afraid.  God does not want us to be cowards. He does not want His church made up of scaredy-cats! He commands us to be strong and steadfast in mind. So let us consider God’s viewpoint about overcoming our fears and accepting His remedy. 

I.   "FEAR NOT."

In 1 Peter 2:17, Peter declared, 

“Fear God.” 

Throughout the Bible, from beginning to end, God has demanded reverential, godly fear (Deut. 10:12; Eccl. 12:13).  Fear is a powerful motivating force.  

1. It caused Adam and Eve to run and hide from God’s presence (Gen. 3:8). 
2. Jonah fled his country by sea (Jonah 1:9-10). 

All who sin against God will fear His displeasure (Heb. 10:27).   On the other hand, the fear of God compels many to obey Him.  In the Old Testament, we have many examples of men who obeyed God because they feared Him.   

1. Noah (Heb. 11:7).
2.  Abraham (Gen. 22:12).
3. The midwives of Egypt (Ex. 1:17-19).
4. The early church (Acts 5:11) and 
5. All who are aware of God’s coming judgment (2 Cor. 5:10-11).   

Although we are commanded to fear God, we are also encouraged not to be afraid. We find the expression, “Fear not,” more than sixty times in the Bible.  The Word of God teaches us to "fear God" (Ecclesiastes 12:13) as a positive blessing.  This type of "fear" involves respect, honor, and reverence to God and will lead us to do God’s will. This fear is illustrated by Noah (Hebrews 11:7). The Bible also teaches us not to allow our hearts to be filled with "fear" as a negative attitude.  

In John 14:27,  Jesus said, 

"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

This type of fear includes anxiety, dread, apprehension, etc.  It must not be confused with caution.  Let us notice more carefully such words of encouragement: “Fear not.”

• Reasons Why God’s Children Must Not Have Fear: 

• God has promised to bless us throughout our journey in life.  

God appeared to Abraham and told him not to fear.  He promised to bless him and his future generations (Gen. 26:24).   When the Israelites battled with King Og at the battle of Edrei, God comforted Moses with the words, “Fear not” (Num. 21:33-35).  

• God has promised to protect us when we are in danger.   

He declared in Genesis 15:1, 

“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield.” 

Elisha told his servant, 

“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).

• God has promised to strengthen us when we are weak. 

Moses encouraged the Israelites and Joshua with the words, 

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not” (Deut. 31:6-8). 

God repeated to Isaiah several times, 

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee”  (Isa. 41:10).

• God has promised to be our companion in trials. 

David compelled his son, Solomon, 

“Fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD” (1 Chron. 28:20).

Isaiah prophesies of  God’s promises to the church,

“Fear not: for I am with thee”  (Isa. 43:1-7).

• God cares for His children. 

Jesus declared in Matthew 10:31, 

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” 

He also said in Luke 12:32, 

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

• God has promised us that He will give us life beyond the grave. 

Jesus told John in Revelation 1:17-18, 

“Fear not…I am he that liveth, and was dead.” 

The angel told the women at the tomb,

 “Fear not ye… for he is risen”  (Matt. 28:5-6).

What a great comfort for God to reassure His children with the words “Fear not!”    

“[Fear not], for I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me”  (Heb. 13:5-6).

Thus, let us trust God completely in faith so that we “Fear not!” 

II.   TYPES OF FEARS:  

• Terror or Practical Fear:  

This kind of fear is our emotional reaction to sudden trouble.  Emotional fear is a practical response.  When we understand the consequences of our actions, we avoid them.  People behave recklessly when they lack this kind of practical fear.  Our young often lack this kind of fear because they have not experienced many of the terrible things that can happen when we are careless. They do things without thinking about the danger and consequences of their actions.  The fool is fearless because he lacks knowledge or understanding of the consequences of dangerous behavior.  When one fears God, he understands the consequences of disobeying God.  He is not willing to test God with sinful behavior.  Practical or reasonable fear compels us to avoid sin and walk God’s level path of righteousness.

• Cowardice: 

This type of fear does not allow us to accomplish what must be done because we are afraid of the consequences. 

• Fear of the Future (Anxiety):  

Anxiety is also another type of fear. Anxiety is stress which comes from not trusting God.  It expresses itself as hopeless despair and is often self-incriminating.  Jesus regards worry as an illegitimate fear of the future, which contradicts our faith.  In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus declared,  

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  28 'So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  31 'Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

This kind of fear is difficult to identify since we tend to view it as natural or merely a simple concern for what we believe is essential.  But Jesus condemns this kind of fear, for it shows a lack of faith.  Fear of the unknown or the future can freeze us and make us inactive and fruitless.  One example of this kind of fear is the rich young ruler of Matthew 19.  This young man was afraid to give all away.  His fear kept him from being Jesus’ disciple.  

• Fear of Rejection:

Indeed, we all want others to think well of us and accept us.  But when we hesitate out of fear of rejection, "the fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe"  (Proverbs 29:25).  When we do the right thing, we often do things that others may not like.  Many are led into the path of sin and unrighteousness because of those leading the way around them.  One example is Peter, who denied the Lord because of those around him (Matthew 26:69-75).  And though many followed Jesus while He was on earth, they did it secretly for fear of others (John 19:38). However, Christians must be willing to take a public stand for the Lord to receive salvation (Romans 10:9-10). It is sad that so many esteem men more highly than they do Jesus!  Christ’s disciples must never fear because God is watching over us.  

• Fear of Pain and Discomfort:

Clearly, we all want to be comfortable and not feel pain and discomfort at all.  However, some Christians will do anything to avoid confrontation. Yet, when Paul was thrown out of the city and stoned, he reentered the city (Acts 14:19-20). God wants us to be faithful, even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). With God on our side, there is no need to fear what men can do to us (Psalms 118:6).

"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?

• Fear of Failure: 

In Jesus’ parable of the talents, He stresses the negative impact of fear.  

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.  25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’  26 'But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.  27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.  28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.  29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.  30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’’'  (Matthew 25:24-30)

The fear of failure immobilizes us. It is much easier to remain where we are than to try the unknown and fail.  This is exactly why God told Gideon to send away all who were afraid of battle (Judges 7:2-3). It is no army, the army of the fearful. Why?  Simply because the fear of failing is contagious and spreads rapidly (Deuteronomy 20:8).  Sadly, many do not obey God or become children of God because of fear.  Because of fear, many Christians do not grow and serve the Lord faithfully.  Because of fear, many will lose their souls!  

• Fear of Death: 

Jesus died to release us from the bondage of the fear of death (Heb. 2:15). We cannot deny that we are by nature creatures who are afraid of the unknown.  We don’t know what lies beyond the grave.  But we Christians know that we must not fear death.  The death of our loved ones becomes a real test of faith in God.  The world is absorbed with the pursuit of living a long life.  They want to live forever because they fear the unknown, death.  But Christians know better, for they have Jesus as their answer to the fear of death.  

• Reverent Fear or Respect:  

In the Bible, the word fear is often connected with God as reverential respect. It implies the idea of standing in awe of God, acknowledging His superiority and authority. It is referred to as the “fear of the LORD.”

• The Fear of The LORD:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever”  (Psalm 111:10).

From the beginning, God has always commanded His children to fear or respect Him and His Word.  Fear of God is the same as obedience to Him.  Fear of God’s wrath or judgment is essential to our salvation.  God’s children must be prepared to face God one day to avoid His wrath on us.   

"For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'  31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.'" (Hebrews 10:26-31)

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.”  (1 John 4:17-19)

Since the precious blood of Jesus has forgiven us, there is no need to live in fear or terror.  God’s love has made a way of reconciliation for us with Him and thus enables us to avoid His wrath.  

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  (2 Peter 3:9)

• “No  Fear.” 

Fearlessness is often considered a positive trait.  Some fear is good, reasonable, and necessary.  The humanist is treasuring up for themselves the wrath of God. Men live in fear every day.   

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”  (Revelation 21:8)

We Christians must live without the fear of the world. We must live in the fear of God.   In Genesis 22:12, God told Abraham after his sacrifice of Isaac. 

“Now I know you fear Me.” 

Fear is equivalent to faith.  Why?  Because when we put our trust in God, doing what He commands us to do, we have nothing to fear.  In Psalms 33:18-22, we read, 

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,  19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.  20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.  21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.  22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.”

The fear of God is central to our salvation.  In Acts 10:34-35, Peter said, 

“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

The writer of Ecclesiastes 12:13 declares, 

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”

So, whom do you fear, God or man?

Consider some examples in the Old Testament, where God’s people were commanded to fear the LORD:  

• Abraham:

 Abraham demonstrated the wrong "fear" in Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2.  “Fear" led Abraham to practice deceit.

• Moses:

Moses called God’s people not to be afraid but to fear God. 

In Exodus 20:20, Moses urged the people saying, 

“Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” 

Moses demonstrated his "fear" in Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10.  "Fear" led Moses to attempt to justify himself before God while refusing to obey Him.

• Before Israel entered the Land of Canaan:

In Deuteronomy 6:2, before Israel entered the Land of Canaan, Moses urged God’s people, saying, 

“That you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.” 

• Joshua’s Death:

“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14)

III.   SPIRIT OF FEAR?

Timothy was a younger preacher and traveling companion of Paul, who was like a son to him in the faith. As we read Paul’s last letter to Timothy, we discover a problem many Christians face. 

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord”  (2 Tim. 1:7-8).  

Although Timothy knew the Truth, fear of his circumstances may have caused him to draw back from Paul.

Are you prone to stand for the Truth, or do you cower in fear?  

Consider a few Bible examples of men who stood for the Truth without “fear.”

• Elijah:

Elijah was not afraid to take a stand for the Truth.  It is amazing how the prophet of God confronted Baal’s 450 prophets without fear, trusting God.  Elijah mocked Baal and his prophets for not sending fire to consume their sacrifice.  Paul’s words to Timothy described Paul well, for he was not ashamed of our Lord’s Testimony.  

• Nathan: 

He was not afraid to stand up for the Truth either.  He confronted King David for the wrong he had done.  Remember that David hid his sins from the nation.  David lied and murdered his lover’s husband.  He had become an adulterous murderer. God’s messenger, Nathan, dared to face the king, who could have killed him just like he did others to cover up his sin.  It would not have made any difference to David had he murdered the only man who knew of his evil actions.  Yet, Nathan courageously told him, “Thou art the man.”  Do you know these four words could have cost the prophet his life?   Yet, Nathan was not ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord, just like Paul.  

• John the Baptist:

He is another courageous man who was not afraid to take a stand for the Truth.  The Jewish people were aware of Herod taking the wife of his brother, Philip, to be his own wife. John courageously confronted the king. John did not hesitate to tell Herod that he had violated God's Law by committing such lawless actions.  The Greek translation indicates that John told him not just once but over and over. He reminded Herod of his sin repeatedly. His stand for the Truth cost him his life.  Again John was not ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord.  How about you and me?  Are we afraid to take a stand for the Truth, even if that might cost our lives? 

Take, for instance, 

1. Our nation that has shamefully and openly chosen to redefine marriage and kill the innocent souls of babies in the womb.  
2. Our nation has allowed ungodly men to lead us as our leaders.  
3. Morals and values that were once sacred to us as a nation under God are now cast aside.  
4. God’s laws and principles of righteousness are not only ignored but are passed by to allow men to mock God and His righteousness.  

Christians, how do you react?   

1. Do you react with a spirit of fear?  
2. Are you ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord, refusing to take a stand for righteousness? 
3. I ask, “How long, O Lord, how long?” 
4. Are we ashamed?

The following are a few Bible examples of great men who were overcome by fear at some point in their lives.  But God urges us not to be overcome by “fear.” 

• Elijah:

He demonstrated his "fear" in 1 Kings 19:1-4.  "Fear" caused Elijah to become discouraged.

• Job:

He demonstrated his "fear" in Job 3:25.  Job's "fear" became a reality.

• Peter:

He demonstrated his "fear" in Matthew 14:30; Matthew 26:69-75.  Peter's "fear" caused him to sink when, by faith, he had been walking on water, and then later, his fear led him to deny Jesus.

• The one-talent man:

He demonstrated his "fear" in Matthew 25:24-25.  "Fear" prevented this man from using what he had been given.

IV.   OVERCOMING OUR FEARS:

To overcome our fears, we must remember that God forbids “fear,” for fear is not of God (2 Tim. 1:7).  We also must remember what will happen to “the fearful” or "the cowardly" (Rev. 21:8).  We must trust God and not lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:4-6).  We must get rid of anxiety and live one day at a time, forgetting tomorrow and acknowledging that God will take care of us today, for He has only promised us today (Matt. 6:34).  Love must fill our hearts (1 John 4:18). 

Fear is a serious problem in our society.  When we allow fear to control us, it will destroy us little by little.  It will rule our minds and bodies.  Many are afraid of things that are of the unknown, the future.  Some fear growing older or dying.  That is futile! Rather than worrying and being fearful of growing older and dying, why not start preparing for them the best we can? Death is not the end (Heb. 9:27).  It is a blessing to grow old (II Cor. 4:16). Moreover, people worry or are afraid of things that will never happen. The truth is, most of our fear will never happen, so we must understand this truth and stop worrying.  So, if worry and fear are ruling over your life, it is time to start conquering it today! The cure for fear and anxiety is simply to trust in God’s faithfulness, love, and providential care.  

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples are in a boat trying to cross the sea of Galilee.  But out of nowhere, a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat because they were so big. So their boat began to fill with water.  But Jesus was asleep, even as the boat was rising and falling as the water was splashing into the boat!  Notice what Jesus’ disciples said to Jesus in verse 38.  

“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 

Does that not sound familiar when we are afraid and filled with worry?  Do not we cry out to God saying, “God don’t you care? Do you not know what is going on? Do you not care that we may die?”  

Now let us pause for a moment and think about our questions to God. Stop and think about what the disciples were asking. Are we aware of what we are asking God when we are afraid?  Do we not acknowledge that our Lord Jesus cares about us and everything that is happening around us?  Honestly, stop and think about it.  Do you believe with all your heart that Jesus cares about you?  I hope that your answer is a big YES no matter what you are going through.  Yes, Jesus cares for you and about you. Jesus cares what you are going through. Jesus cares about your life!  

Isn't it remarkable what Jesus did afterward!  He spoke, and the wind stopped, and the sea calmed down.  So what was Jesus trying to teach and show His disciples?  He showed them that He had complete control over the earth.  There is nothing outside of Jesus’ power.  He is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Stop and meditate on this for a moment.  

1. Is there anything impossible for our Lord?  
2. Is there anything too difficult for Him? 
3. Is He not capable of answering all our requests or supplications?  
4. Is there anything that God cannot do outside of His skill set?  

This is precisely what Jesus was trying to show His disciples.  

Jesus asked next, 

“Why are you so afraid?” 

This is God’s question to His disciples and us as well. Why are you so afraid? Now, stop and think about how His disciples should have answered His question.  They could have easily said that they were afraid and in danger because the boat was almost sinking and they were going to drown!  It is foolish to doubt who Jesus is and His care for us.  Jesus cares, and that must calm us when we are afraid.  Jesus has total control over the affairs of this earth!  So why are we so afraid?!  

In verse 40 of our text, Jesus continues saying, 

“Have you still no faith?” 

In Luke’s account  (Luke 8:22-25),  Jesus asks, 

“Where is your faith?”  (Verse 25)

Can you grasp what Jesus is trying to show us?  Fear comes from lack of control. When we lack control, we fear.  That is why we see so much chaos all around us.  When people start realizing that they have no control, they panic.   Of course, we like to believe that we have control, but the truth is we do not.  We forget that we have zero control, especially over a virus like COVID-19.  Our lack of control generates fear.  That is exactly what we are seeing now!  But do we acknowledge that  God is in control and not us?  Where is our faith and our trust in God?  We must believe that our Lord cares and is in control over all.  True faith does not panic but instead turns our fear over to God.  

So how do we overcome our fears and worries?  Why not read Matthew 6:24-34?  It is a very rich and encouraging passage that we can hold on to during our hard and difficult times.  

We must not worry about the physical things of this world. It is about our focus and mindset. When we worry and are afraid, we are focusing on the wrong things, and it will be impossible to defeat fear and anxiety.

The best way to defeat fear is to acknowledge that we are valuable to God (Matthew 6:26, 28-30).  We must be mindful that God does care for us and what is happening to us.  We are so valuable to God that He sent His only Son to die for us.  Jesus’ cross demonstrates the depth of God’s love and care for us!  And though God cares for the smallest sparrows, feeds them, and knows when they fall from their nests, we are worth more than sparrows to God, for we were made in God’s image. He made us to have a relationship with Him.  

Feeling fearful because of worry is worthless (Matt. 6:27).  We waste our God-given time worrying about what we watch on TV, the news, or any other source of media.  We are constantly reminded of our present Coronavirus and how many people are infected and dying.  But do we have control over a virus such as this?  Only God has control and can change it.  So, what can our fears and worries amount to?  Why do we spend so much time in fear and worry over things that we have no control over and cannot change?  Thus our fear and worry are worthless! 

Our heavenly Father knows what we need (Matt. 6:31-32).  God has shown us repeatedly in His Sacred Book how He took care of the nation of Israel throughout their journeys in the wilderness.  God was aware of what they needed, and He took care of them.  He knew they needed food and shelter, and He provided for them.  God knows what we need, for He cares.  So stop worrying and start trusting God more!  Where is your faith?  

Do you want to know the answer or the remedy for fear?  Seek God first and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).  Turn to God instead of turning away from Him, ignoring Him and His precepts.  

You may rest assured that if you seek God diligently, He will take care of the rest.  Worry and fear show our lack of faith and trust in God to provide for us.  We worry and are fearful because we refuse to believe that God will provide for us.  Trusting in self and others to provide what we need will only bring worry and fear.  God has promised us that He will take care of us if we seek Him first. Instead of worrying and being afraid, why not allow God to show you that He cares and loves you?  Why not show God that you truly believe in Him and that He will take care of you today, not tomorrow, for today is all we are promised?  

Let go of tomorrow (Matt. 6:34). Why do you worry about tomorrow?  Jesus commands you to stop worrying about tomorrow.  He wants you to give tomorrow to Him.  He wants you to give your future fears and future worries to Him alone.  Why not thank God that He has given you today?  Learn to live for today and let tomorrow go!  Don’t place your hope in this world but on God.  I must choose always to be fearless and trust my Father in heaven no matter what may come my way!

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:4-7)  

Paul's words compel us to be fearless and anxious about nothing.  When Paul wrote this letter to the brethren in Philippi, life was not easy for them.  They were encountering many problems for proclaiming Jesus as the king rather than the Roman emperor. As we read this letter, we can observe these problems. 

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have." (Philippians 1:27-30)

Paul is urging these brethren to stand firm in the faith. 

“Not frightened in anything by your opponents.” 

They were suffering for the sake of Christ because they were engaged in the same conflict as Paul. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned when they came to Philippi (Acts 16:23-24).  These brethren were undergoing severe persecution and suffering. But notice Paul’s words again:

“Do not be anxious about anything.” 

Do you suppose Paul wrote those words because things were going well?  What do you think?  Not at all! Notice that Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this letter. When Paul wrote this letter, these Christians were being beaten and arrested for proclaiming Jesus and standing firm for their faith.  What do you think these Christians were experiencing?  How do you feel when you’re told not to be anxious about anything considering the suffering and distress you are experiencing? 

Paul simply asked these brethren to rejoice!  But how are we to rejoice and be fearless when things are dark and awful?  When Paul commanded these brethren to rejoice, he did it for various reasons.

1. These brethren were supposed to appreciate what they had in the Lord and what He had given them.
2. They were not supposed to look at their circumstances because it is almost impossible to rejoice when we focus on them.  Rejoicing requires looking past our circumstances, for it is the Lord who rules over our circumstances. 
3. They were supposed to look past their circumstances and focus on their hope, their salvation. 
4. Nothing must separate us from the love of God:  distress, famine, persecution, danger, and difficulties. If God’s love does not leave us, our love must not leave Him.   
5. It is much easier to rejoice and be fearless when considering what God has done for us and how He continues to bless us.  When we consider how valuable we are to God, nothing will shake us or move us from our hope.  

One of the main reasons we Christians must behave graciously amid our panics and fears is because people are watching us.  In Christians, people must see something different from what they see in the world in our times of chaos. Thus, we must avoid becoming irrational when our world becomes irrational.  We must not behave like the world, for they do not know the Lord.  We must rejoice and be reasonable when our world is upside down because the Lord is near us. Knowing God is near us must compel us to handle our fears and anxieties in a manner worthy of God and the Gospel.  

Christians must not allow fear to overwhelm them under any circumstances.  Period!  Why?  Simply because the Lord is always near us when we seek Him, especially through prayer.   God commands us to pray and not worry about anything.  Our worrying does not accomplish anything but makes our fear and anxiety increase.  Instead of worrying and stressing, why not choose to pray with thanksgiving as we have been commanded?

“But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Anxiety shows our lack of trust in God’s care. On the other hand, prayer shows our trust in God’s care (1 Peter 5:6–7).  So throw all your anxieties and fears on God because He cares for you.  Humble yourself before His mighty throne of Grace and give Him your worries and fears.  

CONCLUSION:

The best remedy for worry and fear is to make known our requests to God so that His peace will guard our hearts and mind. There is no peace when we are anxious, worried, and fearful.  And though God might not fix our troubles when we cast them on Him, He will indeed give us His peace.  Another good remedy to help us eliminate our fears is to think on God’s spiritual things.  We must exchange our thoughts of fear for thoughts that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Worry and fear arise when our thoughts are out of control.  Do you want to know what raises fear?  Watching tv, the news, the internet, and social media.  So stop participating in such things that rattle your faith and start focusing your thoughts on the things of God!  Read your Bible more and pray, pray, and pray.  Do not allow the things of this world to dominate you and cause you to obsess on worries and fears!  

We must trust God so that we may rejoice, be fearless, and be reasonable.  We must not fear the future or fear the unknown, but instead fear the LORD.  When we fear God, He protects us, giving us hope, joy, and peace.  Remember, God commands us to have joy, not fear.  Our failure to fear God is what cripples us, but the fear of the LORD makes us truly fearless and immovable.

Likewise, it is wise and reasonable to spend more time in prayer when we are worried, anxious, and afraid to allow God's peace to guard our hearts and minds.  Remember that God is near when we humbly draw near to Him in prayer.  Finally,  look past your circumstances and instead look to God.  Remember, the Lord has commanded multiple times saying,  “Fear Not.”  

• Fear not, God is with us.  
• Fear not, God is our God.  
• Fear not, God will strengthen us.  
• Fear not, God will help us.  
• Fear not, God will uphold us.

Let these thoughts be our constant reminders, God’s pillars, and promises when we face fear in our daily lives that we must overcome. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled, believe in God.” 

Yes, we must believe in God!  We must trust God!  We must allow God to be our Helper and our strength.  He will uphold us with His righteous right hand.  Thus fear not, seek the LORD, and put your trust in the One who created it all.  

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  (Isaiah 41:10)

May we fear not but instead trust God always amid our panics and fears.  May we allow God to be our Helper and strength when we are afraid and worried.  May we draw nearer to the throne of God in prayer when we are worried, anxious, and afraid to allow His peace to guard our hearts and minds.  And finally, may we always look past our circumstances and instead look to God for help.

Luci

GOD AMID THE STORM

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, 'From where have you come?' Satan answered the LORD and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.' 8 And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?' 9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, 'Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.' 12 And the LORD said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.' So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.'"

Job 1:6-12

Suffering is the universal experience of man. How do you deal with the dark days? If we don't understand what is going on in the larger picture, it is easy to fall into depression and despair. The Scriptures are a gift of our Creator who truly understands. God gives us enough information to face adversity in the best possible way, even though He does not explain everything. If we listen to the heavenly Father, we will find faith to strengthen us and hope to help us endure to the end. The following study is my attempt to explain the treasures of God's wisdom on these matters, beginning with the wisdom of Job.

I have been reading the book of Job.  In its pages, I observe how Job remembers the good times (his prior blessings) before his trials struck.  The first chapter ends with success. Job proves His faithfulness to God, expecting nothing in return.  His faithfulness to God was not because of the many blessings God had bestowed on him. Despite Job losing his children, possessions, and wealth, he never sins, charging God with wrong (Job 1:22).  Satan (the accuser) had suggested that God had put a protective hedge around Job to assure his righteous behavior. Satan attempted to cheapen God’s righteousness and blessings.  While it is true that some do act righteously, not out of love, to receive God’s blessings or gain benefits, some will still serve God even when those physical blessings are removed. By the end of the book, we hope that God’s discussion with Satan is over, but unfortunately, it is not the case.


I.  HOLDING ON TO FAITH AMID SUFFERING:

• God and  Satan:

"Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where have you come?' Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.' 3 And the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.'"  (Job 2:1-3)

The first two verses of chapter 2 are almost identical to chapter one, verses six, seven, and eight.

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, 'From where have you come?' Satan answered the LORD and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.' 8 And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?'"  (Job 1:6-8)

The apparent reason for this repetition is to show us that Satan was responsible for Job’s afflictions.  God gave permission to the adversary of men to afflict Job. The only difference between chapter two and chapter one is that this time God affirms Job's integrity before Satan.  Satan was proven wrong, and God was vindicated.  Once again, God remains blameless because He is not responsible for these temptations.

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one"' (James 1:13).

The first three verses of chapter 2 start with the sons of God presenting themselves before Him. But Satan is doing all in his power, going to and fro through the earth. He is a roaring lion seeking to devour anyone. He still does that to God’s righteous children today.

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). 

As we saw in chapter 1, God is showing us the motive and purpose of Satan. God draws Satan’s attention to Job again. Job is blameless, upright, fears God, and turns away from evil. In verse 3, only one new statement is made in this discussion.

“He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.”

God declared that Job was a man of integrity. He had remained blameless and did not curse God as Satan said he would do. Job did not have false motives. He was not hypocritical. He remained faithful to God despite his terrible circumstances, losing his children and possessions. But Satan is not more powerful than God. He needed permission to do what he did to Job.  Not only this, but God also constrained Satan.

"And the LORD said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.' So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.'" (Job 1:12) 

What Job had to endure did not happen without God’s knowledge or agreement. God took responsibility for what happened in Job 2:3.

"And the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.'"

God never said that Satan did it (though he did). Rather, He said that He did it Himself.

 "You incited me against him to destroy him without reason.'"  

But notice that this is not the only time that God did this.

“Then all his brothers and all his sisters and all who had known him before, came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversities that the LORD had brought on him.” (Job 42:11)

• Dark Despair:

Suffering is not God’s fault.  He is not responsible. Satan is the one afflicting Job (1:12; 2:3; 42:11).  Nothing that happened to Job was because he sinned. God did not punish Job for his sins, receiving what he deserved.  His suffering is undeserved.  Suffering is part of our Christian life. No Christian is exempt from suffering (Job 1).  Even the most righteous will suffer.  We are not exempt from experiencing suffering and difficulties just because we are Christians.  Often, it is the godly and the righteous who receive worse treatment than the world. We deceive ourselves thinking that we will be free of pain and suffering because we are righteous and faithful.  The righteous must accept that suffering is part of their path here on earth.  Job’s righteousness did not insulate him from undergoing the most traumatic of trials.

We can learn endurance that builds our faith through suffering, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God. It is not ours.  God gives and takes away.  He does not have to give at all.  We are not in control if we have a miserable life from start to finish.  It is naive to think that God must be compelled to meet our life expectations just because we are faithful and righteous.  Instead, we must continue being faithful to God, even if we have to lose everything in life. So we must be willing to praise God no matter our suffering.

Endurance is submission to God even when we lose everything we have.  Job lost so much! He lost all of his possessions, and his children died. His body was afflicted with sores from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. He sat in the ashes, grieving and mourning while scraping the sores on his body with a broken piece of pottery. His three friends did not even recognize him.  His suffering continued for many months. In his pain, shock, and grief, Job opens his mouth and breaks, saying,

“Shall we receive good from God and shall we not receive adversity” (2:10). 

“The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (1:21).

Job’s circumstances were dark, for there was no light or hope.  All his happiness and joy had vaporized. It disappeared.  He was in so much despair and pain that he cursed the day he was born. He did not curse God. Job did not speak to anyone, not to his friends or even to God.  He just expressed his pain.

"After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2 And Job said:  3 'Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night that said, ‘A man is conceived.’  4 Let that day be darkness! May God above not seek it, nor light shine upon it.  5 Let gloom and deep darkness claim it.  Let clouds dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.  6 That night—let thick darkness seize it!  Let it not rejoice among the days of the year; let it not come into the number of the months.  7 Behold, let that night be barren; let no joyful cry enter it.  8 Let those curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up Leviathan.  9 Let the stars of its dawn be dark; let it hope for light, but have none, nor see the eyelids of the morning, 10 because it did not shut the doors of my mother's womb,  nor hide trouble from my eyes.'"  (Job 3:1-10).

Job’s lamentation (3:11-19) parallels Jeremiah 20:14–18 and Lamentations 3:1–18.

“Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?  12 Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?  13 For then I would have lain down and been quiet; I would have slept; then I would have been at rest, 14 with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuilt ruins for themselves, 15 or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver.  16 Or why was I not as a hidden stillborn child, as infants who never see the light?  17 There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.  18 There the prisoners are at ease together;  they hear not the voice of the taskmaster.  19 The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his master."  (Job 3:11-19)

Job is hopeless amid the darkness of his pain. Death seems to be the only solution to his suffering. He wanted peace from his suffering and pain.  Because of all that he was enduring, Job thought he had lost his relationship or friendship with God.  He felt like God was not with him. So he grappled with tough questions:

1. Is it worth holding on to faith when God would allow such things to happen?
2. Is it possible to continue to believe in a good and righteous God in a world where righteousness is no longer rewarded?  

Job was at a loss and wanted peace from so much turmoil internally and externally. In verses 13-19, Job declared that it does not matter who we are or what status we enjoy in life, for death will bring rest to us.

• So What is The Message For us Today?  

• First, faith is not two-dimensional: 

We are not supposed to look at Job and conclude that he suffered and trusted God. When we are suffering, there is despair and darkness.  One of the most extraordinary things we learn from Job is that faith, suffering, and hopelessness are not incompatible. And though we may have faith in God, we can still feel the crushing weight of our trials and the pain that cause us to feel broken. Walking the narrow way of Christ is not sunshine and rainbows!

Our walk of faith is not  “put a smile on your face” and pretend you have no pain. Stoicism is not a godly response to suffering.  Often, many deceive themselves thinking that the way to handle suffering is to pretend that there is no pain.   It is a fact that trials hurt us. They can hurt us so deeply that we are not able to see the light but only darkness.

Faith and despair are not incompatible. We can suffer and feel despair and still have full faith in God. There is nothing wrong with us when we feel darkness.  David expressed this beautifully in Psalm 23.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” 

Friends, we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death sometimes. Pain and darkness are unavoidable in our lives. But the question is, what will we do when we enter the darkest valley? What will our response be?

• Second, we serve a God who allows such unfiltered questions and laments amid our despair:   

God will let us cry out our pain and feelings when things are painful and difficult.  God can handle it, for He does not limit our feelings or expressions of pain. Consider how many Psalms express this kind of hurt, pain, suffering, and questioning!  The Psalms are wonderful to read and meditate on when we are in pain and suffering.  Listen to what God wants us to do.

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

We have Jesus as our faithful friend who can sympathize with our weaknesses, for He endured temptations and trials just like we do. Jesus was deeply distressed and troubled.

"And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled" (Mark 14:33). 

So let us draw near to the throne of grace, receive mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need. Pain is not incompatible with faith.  Let us not sit in the darkness of our trials, hiding our pain and pretending that we do not hurt. We all must enter the darkest valley. But what will be your response? God wants us to come to Him through His beloved Son Jesus, who is our sympathetic High Priest.  He hears our cries and pain.  He will give us mercy and grace.  Where could we go but to our Lord?!


II.  WHAT TO DO WHEN LIFE TURNS INTO LOSS:

Job’s most significant pain was believing he had lost his relationship with God when he was God’s friend.

"And Job again took up his discourse, and said:  2 'Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me, 3 when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, 4 as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent, 5 when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me, 6 when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!'"  (Job 29:1-6). 

He remembers  God’s presence and His blessings in his life and how God was with him through life’s darkness (29:3-6).  Job contrasts his present circumstances as he recalls his prior blessings and joy.  Chapter 30 ends with Job’s expressing his hopelessness.

"Yet does not one in a heap of ruins stretch out his hand, and in his disaster cry for help? 25 Did not I weep for him whose day was hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy? 26 But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came.  27 My inward parts are in turmoil and never still; days of affliction come to meet me.  28 I go about darkened, but not by the sun; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help.  29 I am a brother of jackals and a companion of ostriches.  30 My skin turns black and falls from me, and my bones burn with heat.  31 My lyre is turned to mourning, and my pipe to the voice of those who weep."  (Job 30:24-31)

Job’s final words are an appeal to his righteousness.

• He is morally pure (31:1-4):

"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?  2 What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high?  3 Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity?  4 Does not he see my ways and number all my steps?"

• He has lived in integrity (31:5-8):

"If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!) 7 if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands, 8 then let me sow, and another eat,  and let what grows for me be rooted out."

• He has been faithful in his marriage (31:9-12):

"If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door, 10 then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her.  11 For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges; 12 for that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn to the root all my increase."

• He has shown no partiality (31:13-15):

"If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant, when they brought a complaint against me, 14 what then shall I do when God rises up? When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him? 15 Did not he who made me in the womb make him? And did not one fashion us in the womb?" 

• He has been charitable (31:16-23)

"If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it 18 (for from my youth the fatherless grew up with me as with a father, and from my mother's womb I guided the widow), 19 if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or the needy without covering, 20 if his body has not blessed me, and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep, 21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate, 22 then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder, and let my arm be broken from its socket.  23 For I was in terror of calamity from God, and I could not have faced his majesty."

• He has been humble (31:24-28):

"If I have made gold my trust or called fine gold my confidence, 25 if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant or because my hand had found much, 26 if I have looked at the sun when it shone, or the moon moving in splendor, 27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my mouth has kissed my hand, 28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have been false to God above."

• He has shown hospitality (31:29-34):

"If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me, or exulted when evil overtook him30 (I have not let my mouth sin by asking for his life with a curse), 31 if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who is there that has not been filled with his meat?’ 32 (the sojourner has not lodged in the street; I have opened my doors to the traveler), 33 if I have concealed my transgressions as others do by hiding my iniquity in my heart, 34 because I stood in great fear of the multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors— "

• Job's final cry to God (31:35-40):

"Oh, that I had one to hear me!  (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary! 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown; 37 I would give him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach him.  38 “If my land has cried out against me and its furrows have wept together, 39 if I have eaten its yield without payment and made its owners breathe their last, 40 let thorns grow instead of wheat, and foul weeds instead of barley."

Job calls on God to tell him the charges He has against him (31:40).

1. So what must we learn from Job’s experiences?  
2. What must we do when life falls apart? 
3. What must we do when life explodes? 

Indeed, we can learn many lessons in Job’s final speech.  Consider at least nine foundational facts that help us in our times of trial.

• We can remain faithful and righteous while suffering immensely. 

We see this portrayed throughout the book of Job. Like Job, we have Jesus as the ultimate example of righteousness who was made to suffer.

• We must continue to glorify God amid our suffering (Job 26). 

The apostle Paul shared these same sentiments.

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

• The righteous hope in God for future justice (Job 27).

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:19–23)

• The wisdom we need while suffering must be based on fearing the Lord (Job 28).

Even when it seems like the righteous and the wicked’s fate is the same, we must know that wisdom still belongs to God. When we are suffering, we need God more, not less. So we must draw closer to God, not move further from Him.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:2-5)

• Suffering does not mean we have lost our relationship with God (Job 29). 

And though Job felt like his suffering meant he was God’s enemy and that God had forsaken him, this is not the case, for God has given us wonderful promises.

"Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

• We must enjoy what we have now because it can be gone tomorrow (Job 30). 

We must not deceive ourselves, thinking that things will always be the same today and tomorrow, for everything can change in the blink of an eye. Job, a righteous man, woke up one day and saw that everything he had was taken from him.  All he had left was God. The writer of Ecclesiastes repeatedly warns us that life is just a vapor and that our circumstances are unpredictable, for they can change at one moment and then change the next.  So we must learn to appreciate and enjoy what we have today!

• Even while suffering, we must remain pure and holy (Job 27:3-5; 31). 

Nothing would make Satan happier than turning to sin and forsaking God. After all of this suffering, imagine if Job had turned to sin and rebelled against God’s laws! It would have proved that Job only served God for the good he received. Will we only serve God when life is good and smiling at us? Or will we serve God and love God faithfully, no matter our experiences in life?  

We will never get any answers to why we are suffering. It is one of the big messages of the book. And though we might think we have the answers to our whys, they are just guesses and nothing else. We will never know the why of our suffering. When Jesus’ disciples found the blind man in John 9, they thought there were only two options: his parents sinned, or he sinned. Jesus said that neither of those options was correct. To say that we know the whys of our suffering is to presume that we know God’s mind and intentions.  We do not know God’s intentions and reasons!

• Faith can grow through our trials (Job 3-31): 

Job’s faith increased from his early cries.  In Job 3, we can see that as his faith grew, he defended God.  So we must consider the growth of our faith and rule our tongue through our trials and sufferings.

Thus we must trust God to help us handle our sufferings to glorify Him. We need God to help us through trials (Job 6:14-30).  We must remember that God is with us amid our trials and suffering.  He loves us and will never push us beyond the strength that He supplies for us (1 Corinthians 10:13). God’s intent is not to destroy us but to save us. God allows trials to refine our faith and make us what He wants us to be.  God wants us to be His children and enjoy eternal life with Him. Let us hold firm to Him through our trials and continue to trust in Him.


III.   SUFFERING IS INSTRUCTIVE:

God uses suffering instructively.  God’s discipline is His Grace to save us. He is merciful and desires to deliver us from going into the pit.  He uses suffering to direct our steps so that we may not be destroyed.

"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12)

"And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.'"  (Hebrews 12:5-11)

God allows discipline and instruction in our lives through suffering for our good, to make us what He wants us to be.  So we must rejoice in our sufferings, for God’s instruction and wisdom are found in them.

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

Suffering is an expression of God’s grace and mercy. Suffering is good for us, for pain is instructive and will help us not fall into the pit and harm our souls eternally.  We must acknowledge that God is not punishing through our suffering, but rather He is teaching us. God allows suffering in our lives to teach us to consider our ways and keep our eyes focused on Him alone.  He allows suffering to refine us, make us wiser, and not lose our souls.  He wants us to draw closer to Him amid our suffering.


IV.   LET US NOT ALLOW OUR SUFFERING AND TRIALS TO GO TO WASTE:

In Philippians 1:12-26, Paul shows us how to take advantage of hardships and suffering so that what he suffered would have purpose and meaning and not be wasted. Suffering is a great challenge to the faith of our walk with God. In the book of Job, we learn that Satan uses suffering to tempt us to forfeit our faith and turn away from the Lord. No one is immune from suffering, for everyone will experience suffering, difficulties, and trials in life. Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in prison.  We read about his imprisonment at the end of the book of Acts. Here we see the great apostle Paul, imprisoned for over two years in Caesarea. After a horrible journey to Rome that included a shipwreck, he is imprisoned in Rome, awaiting his trial before Caesar. Listen to what he has to say about his circumstances.  

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.  15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.  Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."  (Philippians 1:12-26)

Paul’s imprisonment turned out for good, for his suffering helped to advance the Gospel. The Gospel has advanced among unbelievers. The whole imperial guard knew that Paul was imprisoned for the cause of Christ. The Gospel was spread in the city of Rome through Paul’s suffering and imprisonment.  Not only this, the apostle Paul declared in verse 14 that Christians were confident in proclaiming the Gospel due to his imprisonment. Other Christians have become bolder to speak because of Paul’s boldness that led to his imprisonment. Paul’s suffering has encouraged others to suffer, as well.  Isn’t it remarkable!

Paul was not angry, bitter, and wallowing in self-pity about his imprisonment and his circumstances. It was not the end of the world and the worst thing that had ever happened to him.  He did not shake his fist at God for his imprisonment, for he was happy to be proclaiming the Gospel.  Paul was able to see the positive in his circumstances. Not only this, but Paul also declared that some were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry (Philippians 1:15-18).  Even though they were teaching from wrong motives, desiring to harm him, Paul still rejoices since Christ is proclaimed. Paul turned the negative into a positive worthy of rejoicing because Christ is proclaimed. 

Paul’s joy is that the Gospel is being proclaimed, and the message of Jesus is spread.  Thus, we must examine our lives through the lens of the Gospel’s progress, not by our comfort. Joy is rooted in the Gospel’s proclamation, not personal circumstances, as we so often evaluate our lives. We can have joy in suffering because Christ and the Gospel are benefiting through our turmoil. As Christians, our aspirations must not be rooted in wealth, marriage, children, travel, career, retirement, or anything else that is not the Gospel’s advancement. Our trials and suffering must be used for the advancing of the Gospel.

The apostle Paul seems to be quoting Job 13:16.

“Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.” 

When Job declared these words, he was also speaking about his spiritual salvation, not physical.  This makes the thrust of what Paul was saying more powerful. Paul’s faith will be vindicated, no matter how his trials turn out. He knew that all would be for his spiritual salvation through the prayers of Christians and the strength from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Paul’s point is the same point the whole New Testament makes about our trials and suffering, refining our faith, molding us into what God wants us to be to remain faithful to the Lord till we die. Listen to Peter’s words.

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)

No matter our suffering, Christ must be honored. No matter what happens to us, Christ must be honored. If that means living or dying, Christ must continue to be honored.  Our purpose in suffering is to make Christ look excellent, honored, and worthy. How do we make Christ look worthy and honored? By trading everything, even life, to gain Christ. Christ must be greater in life or death!  

So, we must pursue Jesus regardless of the cost, for all that matters in this life is that Christ is glorified, and honored, whatever our circumstances.  The value of gaining Christ is worth the loss of all things, even life itself. This is what it means to live for Christ and to die to be gain. It is how we treasure Christ in our lives. Paul saw death as the fulfillment of all his labors in life and the glorious possession of Christ. Our lives must bear fruit for Christ, even amid our pain and suffering.  We must be willing to serve and honor Christ regardless of our circumstances!  When we suffer, sacrifice, and die to self, we would not waste our suffering and trials.

Therefore, let us not waste our suffering and trials. 

1. Let us use our trials and suffering to honor Christ and to advance the Gospel. 
2. Let us use our difficulties to encourage other Christians to be courageous in the Lord. 
3. Let us use our pain to grow our faith toward the salvation of our souls. 
4. Whatever our circumstances, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 
5. Let us honor Jesus in all things before the world.  
6. Let us allow Christ to be the center of our relationships, aspirations, desires, and self-denial.  

Thus, let us rejoice even amid our pain.  When we approach our pain with strength, it is easier to spread that strength to others and strengthen their faith.   Our experiences and trials can strengthen others! The apostle Paul didn’t suffer in prison alone, for he allowed others to share in his suffering. He did not keep his “thorn in the flesh” quiet. He taught the Corinthians what he learned from it.  We must be open about our suffering to give and receive encouragement through our healing process!


CONCLUSION:

God puts limitations on what Satan can do to us. God is in control through Job’s trials. In Job 1:12, God tells Satan.

“Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.”

God tells Satan what he can and cannot do. Satan can do anything with what Job has, but nothing can be done against his body.

“Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.” (Job 2:6)

Satan is not God and does not operate independently of God’s power. God’s children need to grasp well the problem of suffering. God is in full control of Satan. Whatever Satan does is within God’s constraints and rule.  This knowledge gives us hope. God is in control of the circumstances.  He is ruling over our trials, and nothing will happen outside His knowledge. Since God is ruling over our trials, we can be hopeful amid our difficulties.  God loves us.  He sent His Son to save us, not to destroy us through our trials and sufferings.  So we must look at the cross and acknowledge His amazing and sacrificial love!  Although God puts limitations on what can happen to us, our faith must be tested.

“Now these things occurred as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not become idolaters as some of them did; as it is written, 'The people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.' 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by serpents. 10 And do not complain as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. 13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”  (1 Corinthians 10:6-13)

After speaking about these tests that Israel experienced in the wilderness and failed, the apostle Paul tells us that these tests that Israel experienced in the wilderness and failed serve as an example for us not to fall and fail God like they did (1 Cor. 10:11-12).  In verse 13, we have a promise that gives us hope.

“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

Many translations read this as “no temptation has overtaken you,” but there are others like the NRSV and NET that read “no testing” or “no trial.” The word that is translated “temptation” or “trial” here simply means “to put to the test or prove.” So we must read this text as a promise regarding our trials and temptations. God is sovereign over these events in our life.  God puts limits so that our testing will not press us beyond our strength. God is faithful. He will not let us be tested beyond our strength! Satan is limited. Satan needs permission. Satan cannot act beyond God’s power and knowledge.

If Job overcame his trial, we may rest assured we can overcome ours.  God is faithful, and He is with us amid our darkest storms.  With God’s help, we can endure what has been given!

“As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 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.”  (James 5:10-11)

Often when suffering strikes us, we stop praying, praising, reading our Bibles, and meeting for worship with our brethren. A Christ-honoring attitude must compel us to pray, praise, study, and have fellowship with those of the like precious faith to help us in our suffering.  We must stop thinking from a fleshly perspective, serving self, but a heavenly perspective focused on honoring Christ!  Instead of complaining, saying, “How can I get out of this trial?” Why not think from a heavenly perspective,  “How can the Lord use this trial for His glory?”  Let us not miss the point of our suffering.  Christ allows suffering and persecution for a reason.  When we suffer with hope and praise, we honor Christ, proving that He is the solid Rock.

Paul and the apostles are our best examples of rejoicing during massive trials, persecution, empty stomachs, and imminent death.  Godly joy is rooted in something other than physical circumstances.  In Philippians 1:17-19, Paul rejoices because Christ is proclaimed, Christ will be honored in his body, he and the Philippians may soon die for Christ. 

In Acts 5:41, Peter and the apostles rejoiced after being beaten, for they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. And though each of these circumstances was full of pain, the apostles still rejoiced. They did not rejoice because of their physical circumstances, but instead, they rejoiced because the Lord’s purposes were being accomplished. True life and perspective change joy for us!

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ…”  (Philippians 3:8)

Suffering the loss of material possessions, academic knowledge, and even family has no worth in comparison to the joy found in knowing Christ. I would rather lose everything and gain Christ and still count it as joy.  We must determine to stop placing our hope in this world!  Our happiness must not be based on our economic situation, a successful day at work, healthy bodies, or our family and friends’ happiness.  Trusting in all these earthly things to give us joy or happiness will lead us to a miserable life, for they will fail us at some point in our lives.  There is no lasting joy when our primary focus is on these physical things to fill us.

Our priorities must be in the right places:  honoring Christ and the furthering of His Gospel. When our hope is in the firm foundation of the Lord, our joy will be full.  And though we may experience pain, sickness, and even death, we still can rejoice because of our hope.   In John 4:32-34, Jesus said,

“I have food to eat that you do not know about… My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

May the Lord’s will be accomplished through our suffering.  May we rejoice amid our suffering to complete the work of the Lord.

Luci