Category: Pain & Suffering

The Treasure Of Reverence

Hold God in highest esteem in all your circumstances (Isa 33:1–6). #PutFaithInGod #TreasuredReverence https://www.bible.com/116/isa.33.1-6.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Turning again to the destroyer (presumably Assyria) of Israel, Isaiah pronounces disaster on this enemy of God‘s people. Though this destroyer is used by God to discipline his people they (presumably a holy remnant) offer up prayers acknowledging God as merciful and strong in times of trouble.

As in Job 13:15, this remnant says, “God might kill me but I have no other hope. I will take my case up with him.” The Lord God is our sure foundation. Reverence and respect of God is our greatest treasure in every circumstance. Lord, the ardent sentry has no greater treasure than his/her reverence for you. I shall put my faith in you.

Give Thanks For The Hard Stuff Too

Be discerning of the redemptive work of God even in the midst of evil and suffering (Isa 30:19-21). #Redemption #PainSuffering #SovereignGod https://www.bible.com/116/isa.30.19-21.nlt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

For those who might think that God is not capable allowing mal-treatment, think again. It may be a hard pill to swallow, but God does orchestrate pain and suffering in our lives. The divine difference is, God intends for our pain or suffering to bring about a redemptive purpose.

A friend was talking about the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” He answered his own question from Mat 19:17. There is no one good but God. “Jesus said unto him, ‘Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God’ “. Pretty much tells me all I need to know.

God is sovereign over all, but he did not create evil and bad things. He permits evil and bad things, then he overrules such things for his own wise and holy ends. He makes even the fruits of all evil of all time to work for our benefit.* Interestingly, God waits on our invitation to enter in and rescue us (v19) – ASK!

Father, give this old sentry the discernment to continue trusting your ways in my life, to always work for my good and your glory.

*John MacArthur, Grace To You: https://www.gty.org/library/articles/A189/is-god-responsible-for-evil