GOD Morning! October 18 / When God is Silent

GOD Morning!

October 18 / When God is Silent

2 Thessalonians 1 (Amplified Bible)

1 Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, to the church (assembly) of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One):

² Grace (unmerited favor) be to you and [heart] peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

³ We ought and indeed are obligated [as those in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly and the love of every one of you each toward the others is increasing and abounds.

⁴ And this is a cause of our mentioning you with pride among the churches (assemblies) of God for your steadfastness (your unflinching endurance and patience) and your firm faith in the midst of all the persecutions and crushing distresses and afflictions under which you are holding up.

⁵ This is positive proof of the just and right judgment of God to the end that you may be deemed deserving of His kingdom [a plain token of His fair verdict which designs that you should be made and counted worthy of the kingdom of God], for the sake of which you are also suffering.

⁶ [It is a fair decision] since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with distress and affliction those who distress and afflict you,

⁷ And to [recompense] you who are so distressed and afflicted [by granting you] relief and rest along with us [your fellow sufferers] when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in a flame of fire,

⁸ To deal out retribution (chastisement and vengeance) upon those who do not know or perceive or become acquainted with God, and [upon those] who ignore and refuse to obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁹ Such people will pay the penalty and suffer the punishment of everlasting ruin (destruction and perdition) and eternal exclusion and banishment from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

¹⁰ When He comes to be glorified in His saints [on that day He will be made more glorious in His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] in all who have believed [who have adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him], because our witnessing among you was confidently accepted and believed [and confirmed in your lives].

¹¹ With this in view we constantly pray for you, that our God may deem and count you worthy of [your] calling and [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, and with power may complete in [your] every particular work of faith (faith which is that leaning of the whole human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness).

¹² Thus may the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified and become more glorious through and in you, and may you [also be glorified] in Him according to the grace (favor and blessing) of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Please go back and re-read today’s scripture passage. It’s very insightful.

When we are in a trial, all we are expected to do is ENDURE. That’s all! What a relief!

So many times, we question everything during a trial. Why am I going through this? Am I doing something wrong? Am I being punished? Have I made some huge, unknown mistake? How can I fix it? How can I get out of this horrible situation?

The answer is very simple.

All we have to do is be real with God. Talk to Him about it all. Cleanse our hearts. And simply ENDURE.

Most of our trials involve people. We try so hard to work things out with others, but many times, people are a big part of our trial. And we simply cannot change people.

Good news. God will take care of the people. If they are indeed being evil, He will punish them. If the problem lies within us, He will change us if we let Him.

If we continue to cleanse our hearts at the feet of Jesus, He will fight our battle for us. Everything revolves around the word IF.

IF we allow God to fight for us, we will stand by in awe and wonderment. Because He does all things perfectly!!!

Actually, the hardest part for us is doing nothing. Because we, as humans, seem to think we have to call everyone, talk a lot, try to explain, try to gain support, convince everyone to believe our side of the situation, and on and on. When all we need to do is wait. Endure. and let God fight our battle.

Strength comes in the waiting. Many times, I have found JOY in waiting. Yes, that’s right. Because I feel God changing me. And that’s always a plus.

There are tons of scriptures on trials, waiting, enduring, etc. Study it out! You will be blessed!

“Dear Jesus, thanks for reminding me about enduring. The answer to most questions is endure! When we wait in Your presence, answers come. When You want us to take a step of action, You speak loud and clear. Your silence speaks as well. Your silence says, “Endure a little longer, and I will deliver you!!!” How I love You, my Jesus! How I love Your word!!! AMEN.”

Wow. I ministered to myself this morning as I read the above blog post from last year.

“Your silence speaks as well. Your silence says, ‘Endure a little longer.”

What? This is exactly what I was going through last week. I felt His sweet presence, but he seemed to be silent! I still don’t understand. But that’s okay. He never once promised that we would understand everything in this life. He simply says, “Endure.”

Matthew 24:13 ESV

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Hebrews 10:36 ESV  

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...

2 Timothy 4:7 ESV

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Philippians 1:6 ESV

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

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.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Revelation 3:5 ESV

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Psalm 91:1-16 ESV

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ...

Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 6:12 ESV

So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Do I suddenly understand everything that happened last week? No. But I am comforted by God’s word.

“Thank you, Jesus for Your precious word. I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I can endure anything, as long as I have Your word hidden in my heart. You are my Rock and my Fortress. I love You, Jesus. AMEN.”