And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
Most people want nothing to do with suffering, they do everything possible to avoid it. BUT, those of us who have been born again into the Spirit and see how the Lord works, we glory in it. If you are not glorying in the suffering, it is because you have not received the Spirit as of yet.
For some clarification, the suffering still comes no matter where you are in a relationship with the Lord. The difference is you know and have seen many times over that anytime something is wrong, and the more difficult the circumstances are, the more the blessing and growth on the other side is. I see it like working out, I really do not like to work out, but I do it because I know what the results are going to be, so it becomes a good thing in my mind.
Many times the Lord has shown me things, but as we get closer to the end of the latest tribulation, the guy who sued us. It is even more evident it is not going to end well at all for him. What started out in his mind as something that would give him what he wanted and the upper hand, has done the opposite and destroyed him. According to a neighbor who saw him the other day, he is really down and depressed. He stands to lose everything.
But the real story is on my side, instead of getting upset and worrying over it, I prayed. And asked, Lord, what do you want me to do? And as said a few times he gave me 3 verses in my mind. Not the ones I expected like, turn the other check… But the first one is the main one, “vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay.”
It makes it easier to go through things when you know the Lord is in charge and has your back, and all you have to do is go through the motions, or the time it takes to get to the other side. And on the other side I am certainly seeing the vengeance happen all according to God. And actually as said before also, God has tied my hands, I cannot do anything either way. Which is on one hand a little uncomfortable because I like my way. But on the other side it is so calming because I have nothing to do with any of it, including the final outcome. Nothing to worry about.
Now a new one, the Lord put another two verses on my mind. The first one is to not get excited about this man’s suffering, and party like it is 1999. But the other verse is the opposite, do not have pity either. Basically a true believer is to remain the same, calm no matter if they win the lottery or lose everything. No matter if the Lord destroys your enemy or lets your enemy destroy you. My wife always tells me I am like a robot, no emotions. God made me like this.
In regards to this guy who sued us, it is hard to remain neutral, I want both to destroy him for what he did. But also have some empathy for him. God is making it clear to have neither and just let it work itself out as it will. But he also has made it clear this will work out for my good. For the good of those who love and serve him like I do.
Now something on a little different note, and it is how people feel way too confident in their religion, like it is Jesus. They do their church thing, their bible reading and whatever else, and they relate it as being Jesus and salvation no matter what fruit they are bearing. And many think the fruit they are bearing is good, when in the eyes of God it is not good. I have two more examples about this.
First from a friend who also knows the guy who sued us. And he told me how what my partner was doing is not right. That none of it is good. I am not saying what he did is right or wrong. But keep in mind all the things the Lord has done over the years all the way back to Adam and Eve. He said do not kill and steal, yet he killed many people including entire nations, then telling the Israelites to take the spoils. And actually even getting mad at the Hebrews for not taking enough of the land. He destroyed many of the Hebrews who worshipped the golden calf, and many times killed off many of the Israelites when they disobeyed.
The point the Lord made with me is who is this friend of mine to judge how the Lord is working? He has an idea of what he believes is right and wrong, but the idea of the Lord is different. The Lord also hardens the heart of people like he did with the Pharaoh in Egypt. Seems to me things would have turned out better if he did not harden the heart and had the Pharaoh release the Hebrews the first time. But it was not the way of the Lord. And who am I to judge?
So it is the same with us, who are we to decide what is right and wrong with the dealings of God. How he does things. Which brings me to the next example which happened last night.
It is from a guy who says he hears God speak, and we meet a number of times to discuss things. But it is very clear he is not following God, he is as religious as the next christian. And he sent me a message last night which made me know what God showed me about this man is true. That he has a manipulative spirit.
The short is this, I prayed (as always) to the Lord for direction so I am in his will regarding this relationship. The Lord made it clear to stay away, at least for now. His words were “stay out of my way.” I do believe the Lord is working on this guy and the hope is he truly repents and finds out what spirit he is following. I have seen this spirit of manipulation from him in different situations with not only me but others.
So in his text to me he said I would have to explain to “dad” why I did not team up with him on his project. So in his religious view, we are all supposed to drop our calling to do what he thinks is the right thing to do. I cannot argue with him if his calling is of God or not, maybe it is. But I do know if it is, he has other things to do first before he can do what God expects. Many times God gives us a vision and then puts us through things to make it happen. I have had many experiences like that, and have a few he has shown me which still have not happened.
So far this guy has tried to get me to sell all I have and we use the money as needed like the early followers did. And he expected me to help fund his ideology or so called calling. He also expected some other people to give things to him for free because they were “christian” as is he.
I see this with many people, they think because you are a strong man in God that you need to do everything they expect you to do, and give them money. To them that is who God is and what he expects of us.
I can tell you from many experiences, that is NOT who God is. Anyone who truly follows him will be able to fund themselves, they do not need handouts. It’s not about starting missions and being missionaries. Or starting a church building. It is about telling people who God is and what he expects. That he expects you to hear him and obey him, nothing less. You do not need to be a missionary or church building to do this. The gathering part (which this man also tried to manipulate me about) can be anywhere. It can be in the street, in a fancy party, in a wedding, in people’s homes. Why we think we need to build these big buildings and push our man made doctrine, to gather is beyond me? That is not of God, and does not lead to heaven. Knowing God and obeying everything he tells you is the narrow path to the Father. The only way.