The Troubling Truth of the God Who Brings Trouble | Jim Little

We're going to be in Isaiah chapter 46. We're going to be in Isaiah chapter 46. If you would like to turn in your Bibles If you would like to turn in your Bibles If you would like to turn in your Bibles there, if you're using the Bible in the there, if you're using the Bible in the there, if you're using the Bible in the back of the pew, it's page 643. If you're using the Bible that I'm using If you're using the Bible that I'm using up here, it's page 643. That must be a common theme for the CSB That must be a common theme for the CSB Bible. Isaiah chapter 46. As you're Bible. Isaiah chapter 46. As you're Bible. Isaiah chapter 46. As you're turning there, turning there, turning there, let me tell you a disturbing story. let me tell you a disturbing story. let me tell you a disturbing story. It's disturbing to me because personally It's disturbing to me because personally It's disturbing to me because personally [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] I hate oatmeal. Susanna Wells was a missionary in a very Susanna Wells was a missionary in a very remote village in Africa remote village in Africa remote village in Africa and um she over time and um she over time and um she over time ended up alone there. the people that ended up alone there. the people that ended up alone there. the people that she had gone gone out with had uh left she had gone gone out with had uh left she had gone gone out with had uh left her and uh she just kind of was there by her and uh she just kind of was there by her and uh she just kind of was there by herself holding out a witness for the herself holding out a witness for the herself holding out a witness for the gospel in this remote village. And every gospel in this remote village. And every gospel in this remote village. And every month Susanna would would walk from her month Susanna would would walk from her month Susanna would would walk from her little village to a nearby town that had little village to a nearby town that had little village to a nearby town that had a post office and she would go into the a post office and she would go into the a post office and she would go into the post office and get her check, her post office and get her check, her post office and get her check, her monthly support check, and then she'd go monthly support check, and then she'd go monthly support check, and then she'd go and cash it and buy groceries and the and cash it and buy groceries and the and cash it and buy groceries and the things she needed for the month. Well, things she needed for the month. Well, things she needed for the month. Well, unfortunately, she got sick and she was unfortunately, she got sick and she was unfortunately, she got sick and she was so weak she couldn't walk to the nearby so weak she couldn't walk to the nearby so weak she couldn't walk to the nearby town. So, she hired a couple of men from town. So, she hired a couple of men from town. So, she hired a couple of men from her village to put her in a cart and

her village to put her in a cart and her village to put her in a cart and take her. And so, when she walked into take her. And so, when she walked into take her. And so, when she walked into the post office there very weekly, she the post office there very weekly, she the post office there very weekly, she was very disappointed to hear, "I'm was very disappointed to hear, "I'm was very disappointed to hear, "I'm sorry, but you don't have any mail. sorry, but you don't have any mail. sorry, but you don't have any mail. What do you mean I don't have any mail? What do you mean I don't have any mail? What do you mean I don't have any mail? You don't have any mail?" So they took You don't have any mail?" So they took You don't have any mail?" So they took her back her back her back to her village. She was very to her village. She was very to her village. She was very disappointed and frankly a little bit disappointed and frankly a little bit disappointed and frankly a little bit angry. angry. angry. She said, "Lord, you you know I could She said, "Lord, you you know I could She said, "Lord, you you know I could have used that check." And so she opened have used that check." And so she opened have used that check." And so she opened up her pantry and the only thing, true up her pantry and the only thing, true up her pantry and the only thing, true story, the only thing she had to eat for story, the only thing she had to eat for story, the only thing she had to eat for an entire month was oatmeal. an entire month was oatmeal. an entire month was oatmeal. I think I'd have died right there. I think I'd have died right there. I think I'd have died right there. What's for breakfast? Oatmeal. What's What's for breakfast? Oatmeal. What's What's for breakfast? Oatmeal. What's for lunch? Oatmeal. What are you going for lunch? Oatmeal. What are you going for lunch? Oatmeal. What are you going to have tomorrow? to have tomorrow? to have tomorrow? She said, "Lord, She said, "Lord, She said, "Lord, why why are you doing this? Why are you why why are you doing this? Why are you why why are you doing this? Why are you letting this happen to me?

letting this happen to me? letting this happen to me? I'm all alone out here. I could I could I'm all alone out here. I could I could I'm all alone out here. I could I could use some help. Why are you doing this?" use some help. Why are you doing this?" use some help. Why are you doing this?" It's a great question and it's a It's a great question and it's a It's a great question and it's a question that every person in in this question that every person in in this question that every person in in this room has asked God at one time or room has asked God at one time or room has asked God at one time or another. Every one of us when we're another. Every one of us when we're another. Every one of us when we're going through heartaches, trials, family going through heartaches, trials, family going through heartaches, trials, family problems, difficulties, troubles of some problems, difficulties, troubles of some problems, difficulties, troubles of some kind or another, we will look at God. We kind or another, we will look at God. We kind or another, we will look at God. We will say, "God, why are you allowing will say, "God, why are you allowing will say, "God, why are you allowing this?" this?" this?" I'm going to make the I'm going to make I'm going to make the I'm going to make I'm going to make the I'm going to make the question even harder, though. I'd the question even harder, though. I'd the question even harder, though. I'd like to make it a more difficult like to make it a more difficult like to make it a more difficult question because I want us to consider question because I want us to consider question because I want us to consider this morning. this morning. this morning. Does God not only allow trouble in our Does God not only allow trouble in our Does God not only allow trouble in our life, but does God sometimes bring life, but does God sometimes bring life, but does God sometimes bring trouble in our lives? And if he does so, trouble in our lives? And if he does so, trouble in our lives? And if he does so, why why would God do that? why why would God do that? why why would God do that? In Isaiah 46, we're going to discover In Isaiah 46, we're going to discover In Isaiah 46, we're going to discover the troubling truth of the God who the troubling truth of the God who the troubling truth of the God who brings trouble. Stand with me if you brings trouble. Stand with me if you brings trouble. Stand with me if you would as we read this wonderful passage would as we read this wonderful passage would as we read this wonderful passage together. Isaiah chapter 46, page 643.

Bell crouches, neibo cowers. Idols Bell crouches, neibo cowers. Idols depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts and cattle. The images you carry are and cattle. The images you carry are and cattle. The images you carry are loaded as a burden for the weary animal. loaded as a burden for the weary animal. loaded as a burden for the weary animal. The gods cower, they crouch together. The gods cower, they crouch together. The gods cower, they crouch together. They are not able to rescue the burden, They are not able to rescue the burden, They are not able to rescue the burden, but they themselves go into captivity. but they themselves go into captivity. but they themselves go into captivity. Listen to me, house of Jacob and all the Listen to me, house of Jacob and all the Listen to me, house of Jacob and all the remnant of the house of Israel. All who remnant of the house of Israel. All who remnant of the house of Israel. All who have been sustained from the womb, have been sustained from the womb, have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth, I will be the carried along since birth, I will be the carried along since birth, I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear same until your old age, and I will bear same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you up when you turn gray. I have made you up when you turn gray. I have made you and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will carry you. I will bear and rescue you. To whom will you compare and rescue you. To whom will you compare and rescue you. To whom will you compare me or make me equal? me or make me equal? me or make me equal? Who will you measure me with so that we Who will you measure me with so that we Who will you measure me with so that we should be like each other? Those who should be like each other? Those who should be like each other? Those who pour out their bags of gold and weigh pour out their bags of gold and weigh pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales. They hire a out silver on scales. They hire a out silver on scales. They hire a goldsmith and he makes it into a god. goldsmith and he makes it into a god. goldsmith and he makes it into a god. Then they kneel and bow down to it. They Then they kneel and bow down to it. They Then they kneel and bow down to it. They lift it to their shoulder and bear it lift it to their shoulder and bear it lift it to their shoulder and bear it along. They set it in its place and along. They set it in its place and along. They set it in its place and there it stands. It does not budge from there it stands. It does not budge from there it stands. It does not budge from its place. They cry out to it, but it its place. They cry out to it, but it its place. They cry out to it, but it doesn't answer. It saves no one from his doesn't answer. It saves no one from his doesn't answer. It saves no one from his trouble.

trouble. trouble. Remember this and be brave. Take it to Remember this and be brave. Take it to Remember this and be brave. Take it to heart, you transgressors. Remember what heart, you transgressors. Remember what heart, you transgressors. Remember what happened long ago. For I am God and happened long ago. For I am God and happened long ago. For I am God and there is no other. I am God and no one there is no other. I am God and no one there is no other. I am God and no one is like me. I declare the end from the is like me. I declare the end from the is like me. I declare the end from the beginning and from long ago what is not beginning and from long ago what is not beginning and from long ago what is not yet done. Saying my [snorts] plan will yet done. Saying my [snorts] plan will yet done. Saying my [snorts] plan will take place and I will do all my will. I take place and I will do all my will. I take place and I will do all my will. I call a bird of prey from the east. A man call a bird of prey from the east. A man call a bird of prey from the east. A man for my purpose from a far country. Yes, for my purpose from a far country. Yes, for my purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken. I will also do it. I have I have spoken. I will also do it. I have I have spoken. I will also do it. I have planned it. I will also do it. Listen to planned it. I will also do it. Listen to planned it. I will also do it. Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far removed from me, you hard-hearted, far removed from me, you hard-hearted, far removed from justice. I am bringing my justice near. justice. I am bringing my justice near. justice. I am bringing my justice near. It is not far away. And my salvation It is not far away. And my salvation It is not far away. And my salvation will not delay. I will put my salvation will not delay. I will put my salvation will not delay. I will put my salvation in Zion, my splendor in Israel. Let's in Zion, my splendor in Israel. Let's in Zion, my splendor in Israel. Let's pray together. Father, [clears throat] what we know Father, [clears throat] what we know not, teach us.

not, teach us. not, teach us. What we have not, give us. What we have not, give us. What we have not, give us. What we are not, make us. for your son's What we are not, make us. for your son's What we are not, make us. for your son's sake. Amen. You may be seated. sake. Amen. You may be seated. sake. Amen. You may be seated. This is a very very important passage in This is a very very important passage in This is a very very important passage in the Bible. The first thing we should the Bible. The first thing we should the Bible. The first thing we should notice is that God himself is speaking. notice is that God himself is speaking. notice is that God himself is speaking. And in this passage, God tells us at And in this passage, God tells us at And in this passage, God tells us at least three things about himself and least three things about himself and least three things about himself and about what he is doing. We see in this about what he is doing. We see in this about what he is doing. We see in this passage the singularity of God, the passage the singularity of God, the passage the singularity of God, the sovereignty of God, sovereignty of God, sovereignty of God, and the providence of God. and the providence of God. and the providence of God. In verse 9, God says, "I am God, and In verse 9, God says, "I am God, and In verse 9, God says, "I am God, and there is no other." That's the there is no other." That's the there is no other." That's the singularity of God. There is only one singularity of God. There is only one singularity of God. There is only one true God, the one who reveals himself in true God, the one who reveals himself in true God, the one who reveals himself in his word. Now, most of us would go, his word. Now, most of us would go, his word. Now, most of us would go, "Okay, I I I'm I'm for that. I believe "Okay, I I I'm I'm for that. I believe "Okay, I I I'm I'm for that. I believe there's only one God." But the problem there's only one God." But the problem there's only one God." But the problem is most people, most Americans is most people, most Americans is most people, most Americans believe in a God that doesn't exist.

believe in a God that doesn't exist. believe in a God that doesn't exist. We'll come back to that. In verse 10, We'll come back to that. In verse 10, We'll come back to that. In verse 10, God says, "I will do all my will." The God says, "I will do all my will." The God says, "I will do all my will." The sovereignty of God is his right, sovereignty of God is his right, sovereignty of God is his right, authority, and power to do whatever he authority, and power to do whatever he authority, and power to do whatever he decides to do. Most Christians believe decides to do. Most Christians believe decides to do. Most Christians believe this in theory, but not in practice. this in theory, but not in practice. this in theory, but not in practice. In verse 11, God says,"I have planned In verse 11, God says,"I have planned In verse 11, God says,"I have planned it. I will also do it." The providence it. I will also do it." The providence it. I will also do it." The providence of God of God of God is his active exercise of his singular is his active exercise of his singular is his active exercise of his singular sovereign power to govern the universe sovereign power to govern the universe sovereign power to govern the universe according to his eternal plan and his according to his eternal plan and his according to his eternal plan and his infinite wisdom. God does whatever he infinite wisdom. God does whatever he infinite wisdom. God does whatever he wants to with whoever he wants to, wants to with whoever he wants to, wants to with whoever he wants to, whenever he wants to, wherever he wants whenever he wants to, wherever he wants whenever he wants to, wherever he wants to, for as long as he wants to, to to, for as long as he wants to, to to, for as long as he wants to, to fulfill the plan that he had before he fulfill the plan that he had before he fulfill the plan that he had before he created the world. Our God is singular, created the world. Our God is singular, created the world. Our God is singular, sovereign, and providential sovereign, and providential sovereign, and providential over all people in all times over all people in all times over all people in all times and in all places. Now, Isaiah 46 is and in all places. Now, Isaiah 46 is and in all places. Now, Isaiah 46 is part of a longer discourse that Isaiah part of a longer discourse that Isaiah part of a longer discourse that Isaiah is is is uh speaking for God. Starts in is is is uh speaking for God. Starts in is is is uh speaking for God. Starts in chapter 40 and ends in chapter 48. And chapter 40 and ends in chapter 48. And chapter 40 and ends in chapter 48. And in what go basically what Isaiah is in what go basically what Isaiah is in what go basically what Isaiah is telling the uh the Jews

telling the uh the Jews telling the uh the Jews is this. is this. is this. God says God says God says he is going to have the Babylonians he is going to have the Babylonians he is going to have the Babylonians come attack Jerusalem, come attack Jerusalem, come attack Jerusalem, burn it to the ground, and take the Jews burn it to the ground, and take the Jews burn it to the ground, and take the Jews captive. Well, what a great plan that captive. Well, what a great plan that captive. Well, what a great plan that is. is. is. And by the time we get here to chapter And by the time we get here to chapter And by the time we get here to chapter 46, 46, 46, what God is saying to his people is this what God is saying to his people is this what God is saying to his people is this is that at the end of the Babylonian is that at the end of the Babylonian is that at the end of the Babylonian captivity, he's going to raise up a man captivity, he's going to raise up a man captivity, he's going to raise up a man named Cyrus named Cyrus named Cyrus who will become king of the Persians. who will become king of the Persians. who will become king of the Persians. And the Persians will attack the And the Persians will attack the And the Persians will attack the Babylonians, overthrow the Babylonians, Babylonians, overthrow the Babylonians, Babylonians, overthrow the Babylonians, and then Cyrus will let the Jews go back and then Cyrus will let the Jews go back and then Cyrus will let the Jews go back to Zion, which is Jerusalem. That's kind to Zion, which is Jerusalem. That's kind to Zion, which is Jerusalem. That's kind of the story that's going on on here. It of the story that's going on on here. It of the story that's going on on here. It hasn't happened yet. Matter of fact, in hasn't happened yet. Matter of fact, in hasn't happened yet. Matter of fact, in chapter 45, uh, God says that the king chapter 45, uh, God says that the king chapter 45, uh, God says that the king of the Persians name is going to be of the Persians name is going to be of the Persians name is going to be Cyrus. Cyrus isn't even born yet. None Cyrus. Cyrus isn't even born yet. None Cyrus. Cyrus isn't even born yet. None of this has happened.

of this has happened. of this has happened. But yet, God is prophesying to the But yet, God is prophesying to the But yet, God is prophesying to the people what is going to happen. people what is going to happen. people what is going to happen. God is telling everyone in advance what God is telling everyone in advance what God is telling everyone in advance what he is going to do. He is arranging world he is going to do. He is arranging world he is going to do. He is arranging world history for the sake of his chosen history for the sake of his chosen history for the sake of his chosen people. Look at verse 11. people. Look at verse 11. people. Look at verse 11. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] I call a bird of prey from the east, a I call a bird of prey from the east, a I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for my purpose, from a far country. man for my purpose, from a far country. man for my purpose, from a far country. Yes, I have spoken so I will bring it Yes, I have spoken so I will bring it Yes, I have spoken so I will bring it about. I have planned it. I will also do about. I have planned it. I will also do about. I have planned it. I will also do it. The bird of prey, the man from the it. The bird of prey, the man from the it. The bird of prey, the man from the east, that's Cyrus, the Persian king. east, that's Cyrus, the Persian king. east, that's Cyrus, the Persian king. The singular The singular The singular God has the sovereign providence to do God has the sovereign providence to do God has the sovereign providence to do with Cyrus anything he wants to do. God with Cyrus anything he wants to do. God with Cyrus anything he wants to do. God is teaching his people that he is Lord is teaching his people that he is Lord is teaching his people that he is Lord over all people, all times, and in all over all people, all times, and in all over all people, all times, and in all places. places. places. The Bible affirms the sovereign The Bible affirms the sovereign The Bible affirms the sovereign providence of God over and over again. providence of God over and over again. providence of God over and over again. Here's just a couple of verses. A king's Here's just a couple of verses. A king's Here's just a couple of verses. A king's heart is like chneled water in the heart is like chneled water in the heart is like chneled water in the Lord's hand. He directs it wherever he Lord's hand. He directs it wherever he Lord's hand. He directs it wherever he chooses.

chooses. chooses. A person's heart plans his way. But the A person's heart plans his way. But the A person's heart plans his way. But the Lord determines his steps. Lord determines his steps. Lord determines his steps. The Lord brings death and gives life. He The Lord brings death and gives life. He The Lord brings death and gives life. He sends some down to shol. That's the sends some down to shol. That's the sends some down to shol. That's the grave. And he raises others up. Some are grave. And he raises others up. Some are grave. And he raises others up. Some are sick and they die. Some are sick and God sick and they die. Some are sick and God sick and they die. Some are sick and God heals them. The Lord brings poverty and heals them. The Lord brings poverty and heals them. The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth. He humbles and he exalts. gives wealth. He humbles and he exalts. gives wealth. He humbles and he exalts. And then from Isaiah 45, the chapter And then from Isaiah 45, the chapter And then from Isaiah 45, the chapter just before the one we're looking at just before the one we're looking at just before the one we're looking at this morning, I am the Lord and there is this morning, I am the Lord and there is this morning, I am the Lord and there is no other. I form light and create no other. I form light and create no other. I form light and create darkness. I make success and I create darkness. I make success and I create darkness. I make success and I create disaster. disaster. disaster. I am the Lord who does all these things. I am the Lord who does all these things. I am the Lord who does all these things. See, the troubling truth is that God See, the troubling truth is that God See, the troubling truth is that God uses both success and disaster in uses both success and disaster in uses both success and disaster in accomplishing his will in his people. accomplishing his will in his people. accomplishing his will in his people. And God is going to use those pagan And God is going to use those pagan And God is going to use those pagan Babylonians to teach his people to trust Babylonians to teach his people to trust Babylonians to teach his people to trust in him alone.

in him alone. in him alone. This isn't the God we want. It's not the This isn't the God we want. It's not the This isn't the God we want. It's not the God people believe in today. God people believe in today. God people believe in today. We want a God who creates success, but We want a God who creates success, but We want a God who creates success, but we certainly don't want a God who we certainly don't want a God who we certainly don't want a God who creates disaster. creates disaster. creates disaster. But the singular, sovereign, But the singular, sovereign, But the singular, sovereign, providential God uses whatever means he providential God uses whatever means he providential God uses whatever means he deems necessary to accomplish his deems necessary to accomplish his deems necessary to accomplish his eternal plan. Think about this for a minute. Let's Think about this for a minute. Let's pretend pretend pretend we're Jews. We're in the temple in we're Jews. We're in the temple in we're Jews. We're in the temple in Jerusalem and we're hearing Isaiah the Jerusalem and we're hearing Isaiah the Jerusalem and we're hearing Isaiah the prophet speak. Now, we've heard him prophet speak. Now, we've heard him prophet speak. Now, we've heard him before. This is chapter 46. So, he's had before. This is chapter 46. So, he's had before. This is chapter 46. So, he's had a lot of stuff he said in the months and a lot of stuff he said in the months and a lot of stuff he said in the months and days and years before. days and years before. days and years before. He's said a whole bunch of stuff. But He's said a whole bunch of stuff. But He's said a whole bunch of stuff. But here we are and we're in the temple and here we are and we're in the temple and here we are and we're in the temple and we're hearing Isaiah say these words we're hearing Isaiah say these words we're hearing Isaiah say these words from God, saying God's word to them. from God, saying God's word to them. from God, saying God's word to them. You're going to be attacked by the You're going to be attacked by the You're going to be attacked by the Babylonians who are going to raise this Babylonians who are going to raise this Babylonians who are going to raise this town. This temple is going to be burned town. This temple is going to be burned town. This temple is going to be burned down and you're going to go into the down and you're going to go into the down and you're going to go into the Babylon. You're going to go into into Babylon. You're going to go into into Babylon. You're going to go into into Babylon in captivity.

Babylon in captivity. Babylon in captivity. What kind of plan you think that? You What kind of plan you think that? You What kind of plan you think that? You think is that a good plan? think is that a good plan? think is that a good plan? You're going to look at Isaiah and You're going to look at Isaiah and You're going to look at Isaiah and you're going to go, "What? Who are you? you're going to go, "What? Who are you? you're going to go, "What? Who are you? Are you Are you really God's prophet? Are you Are you really God's prophet? Are you Are you really God's prophet? Does that sound like a good plan to you, Does that sound like a good plan to you, Does that sound like a good plan to you, Isaiah? Would God purposefully lead us Isaiah? Would God purposefully lead us Isaiah? Would God purposefully lead us into captivity?" God wouldn't do that to into captivity?" God wouldn't do that to into captivity?" God wouldn't do that to his people. He doesn't bring problems. his people. He doesn't bring problems. his people. He doesn't bring problems. He fixes them. He fixes them. He fixes them. But that's exactly what happened as we But that's exactly what happened as we But that's exactly what happened as we keep reading in the Bible. It's exactly keep reading in the Bible. It's exactly keep reading in the Bible. It's exactly what happened. The Babylonians came. what happened. The Babylonians came. what happened. The Babylonians came. They attacked Jerusalem. They burned it They attacked Jerusalem. They burned it They attacked Jerusalem. They burned it to the ground. Burned the temple to the to the ground. Burned the temple to the to the ground. Burned the temple to the ground. Took the people captive and took ground. Took the people captive and took ground. Took the people captive and took them into captivity. 70 years later, 70 them into captivity. 70 years later, 70 them into captivity. 70 years later, 70 two generations later, Cyrus is born. two generations later, Cyrus is born. two generations later, Cyrus is born. His parents name him Cyrus. His parents name him Cyrus. His parents name him Cyrus. They didn't know that. That's what God They didn't know that. That's what God They didn't know that. That's what God had already decreed. Cyrus becomes king had already decreed. Cyrus becomes king had already decreed. Cyrus becomes king over the Persians. The Persians come, over the Persians. The Persians come, over the Persians. The Persians come, attack the Babylonians, attack the Babylonians, attack the Babylonians, and a year later, Cyrus lets the Jews and a year later, Cyrus lets the Jews and a year later, Cyrus lets the Jews return to Jerusalem. Just like God said.

return to Jerusalem. Just like God said. return to Jerusalem. Just like God said. Just like God said. Exactly like God Just like God said. Exactly like God Just like God said. Exactly like God said. See, our God is See, our God is singular, sovereign, and providential singular, sovereign, and providential singular, sovereign, and providential over all people, all times, and all over all people, all times, and all over all people, all times, and all places. places. places. And this singular sovereign providential And this singular sovereign providential And this singular sovereign providential God accomplishes his eternal plan for God accomplishes his eternal plan for God accomplishes his eternal plan for his glory his glory his glory and for our good. and for our good. and for our good. Our problem though is that God's plan is Our problem though is that God's plan is Our problem though is that God's plan is different than what we think it should different than what we think it should different than what we think it should be. be. be. In Old Testament times, people worshiped In Old Testament times, people worshiped In Old Testament times, people worshiped gods that they thought um caused or gods that they thought um caused or gods that they thought um caused or caused not to happen their prosperity. caused not to happen their prosperity. caused not to happen their prosperity. They believed that there were gods over They believed that there were gods over They believed that there were gods over the sun, over the weather, over the over the sun, over the weather, over the over the sun, over the weather, over the over fertility of their land, their fertility of their land, their fertility of their land, their livestock, their wives. And so we have livestock, their wives. And so we have livestock, their wives. And so we have to do some kind of to do some kind of to do some kind of magic or things or or magic or things or or magic or things or or rituals to awaken or cajul or whatever rituals to awaken or cajul or whatever rituals to awaken or cajul or whatever these gods and goddesses into these gods and goddesses into these gods and goddesses into doing things to make us prosperous.

doing things to make us prosperous. doing things to make us prosperous. And so the problem was the Israelites And so the problem was the Israelites And so the problem was the Israelites had adopted the Canaanite gods because had adopted the Canaanite gods because had adopted the Canaanite gods because they were living in the land of Canaan, they were living in the land of Canaan, they were living in the land of Canaan, remember? And they had adopted the remember? And they had adopted the remember? And they had adopted the worship of these Canaanite gods and worship of these Canaanite gods and worship of these Canaanite gods and goddesses along with the God of the goddesses along with the God of the goddesses along with the God of the Bible, the one that had led them out of Bible, the one that had led them out of Bible, the one that had led them out of captivity in Egypt. captivity in Egypt. captivity in Egypt. And God says, "Uh-uh, I am singular, the And God says, "Uh-uh, I am singular, the And God says, "Uh-uh, I am singular, the only true God. All these other gods are only true God. All these other gods are only true God. All these other gods are nothing." And so what God is going to nothing." And so what God is going to nothing." And so what God is going to do, and that that's the reason for the do, and that that's the reason for the do, and that that's the reason for the Babylonian captivity. Babylonian captivity. Babylonian captivity. God is having Babylon attack them to God is having Babylon attack them to God is having Babylon attack them to prove to them that he is the only God of prove to them that he is the only God of prove to them that he is the only God of the universe the universe the universe and that he has the plan for the ages. and that he has the plan for the ages. and that he has the plan for the ages. They're going to learn to trust him They're going to learn to trust him They're going to learn to trust him alone. Look at verse one of chapter 46. Look at verse one of chapter 46. Bell crouches. Nebo cowers. Idols Bell crouches. Nebo cowers. Idols Bell crouches. Nebo cowers. Idols depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts and cattle. Bellanbo were the gods of and cattle. Bellanbo were the gods of and cattle. Bellanbo were the gods of the Babylonians.

the Babylonians. the Babylonians. God is prophesying when the Persians God is prophesying when the Persians God is prophesying when the Persians will cart off the gold and silver idols will cart off the gold and silver idols will cart off the gold and silver idols in ox carts. Matter of fact, it goes on in ox carts. Matter of fact, it goes on in ox carts. Matter of fact, it goes on to say the beasts can barely move their to say the beasts can barely move their to say the beasts can barely move their burdens. There's so many idols, burdens. There's so many idols, burdens. There's so many idols, Babylonian idols, that they've loaded Babylonian idols, that they've loaded Babylonian idols, that they've loaded onto these ox carts and they're carrying onto these ox carts and they're carrying onto these ox carts and they're carrying them back to Persia. them back to Persia. them back to Persia. The idea here is they weren't able those The idea here is they weren't able those The idea here is they weren't able those Babylonian gods were not able to rescue Babylonian gods were not able to rescue Babylonian gods were not able to rescue Babylon from the Persian. So God's Babylon from the Persian. So God's Babylon from the Persian. So God's making fun of them. Says they crouch and making fun of them. Says they crouch and making fun of them. Says they crouch and coward. It's kind of like these coward. It's kind of like these coward. It's kind of like these Babylonian gods are hiding out because Babylonian gods are hiding out because Babylonian gods are hiding out because they weren't able to save Babylon from they weren't able to save Babylon from they weren't able to save Babylon from the Persians. the Persians. the Persians. Look at verse seven. They lift their Look at verse seven. They lift their Look at verse seven. They lift their idol to their shoulder and bear it idol to their shoulder and bear it idol to their shoulder and bear it along. along. along. They set it in its place and there it They set it in its place and there it They set it in its place and there it stands. It does not budge from its stands. It does not budge from its stands. It does not budge from its place. They cry out to it, but it place. They cry out to it, but it place. They cry out to it, but it doesn't answer. It saves no one from his doesn't answer. It saves no one from his doesn't answer. It saves no one from his trouble. The Babylonian gods couldn't trouble. The Babylonian gods couldn't trouble. The Babylonian gods couldn't save Babylon from their trouble because save Babylon from their trouble because save Babylon from their trouble because they don't exist. They're not real.

they don't exist. They're not real. they don't exist. They're not real. They're just idols made from gold and They're just idols made from gold and They're just idols made from gold and silver. They can't move unless someone silver. They can't move unless someone silver. They can't move unless someone moves them. They can't do anything moves them. They can't do anything moves them. They can't do anything because they aren't anything. because they aren't anything. because they aren't anything. The many false gods combined do nothing. The many false gods combined do nothing. The many false gods combined do nothing. The one true God alone The one true God alone The one true God alone does everything. does everything. does everything. It's no different than today. Many It's no different than today. Many It's no different than today. Many Christians, most American Christians Christians, most American Christians Christians, most American Christians believe in a God who exists for their believe in a God who exists for their believe in a God who exists for their prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. Instead of but instead of calling our Instead of but instead of calling our Instead of but instead of calling our false gods these cool names like Bell false gods these cool names like Bell false gods these cool names like Bell and Nebo, let's give them names that fit and Nebo, let's give them names that fit and Nebo, let's give them names that fit who they really are. Nil and zero. who they really are. Nil and zero. who they really are. Nil and zero. Nil means nothing and zero equals Nil means nothing and zero equals Nil means nothing and zero equals nothing. And that's who these false gods nothing. And that's who these false gods nothing. And that's who these false gods are. They're nothing. They don't exist. But most people believe they do. But most people believe they do. I read a U Lifeway study. Lifeway I read a U Lifeway study. Lifeway I read a U Lifeway study. Lifeway Southern Baptist study from three years Southern Baptist study from three years Southern Baptist study from three years ago ago ago that discovered that 76% that discovered that 76% that discovered that 76% three out of every four 76% three out of every four 76% three out of every four 76% of American Protestants, that's us, of American Protestants, that's us, of American Protestants, that's us, that's the people we go to school with, that's the people we go to school with, that's the people we go to school with, the people we work with, the people we the people we work with, the people we the people we work with, the people we grocery shop with. 76% of American grocery shop with. 76% of American grocery shop with. 76% of American Protestants believe that God's will and

Protestants believe that God's will and Protestants believe that God's will and plan is for you to be happy, healthy, plan is for you to be happy, healthy, plan is for you to be happy, healthy, wealthy, successful, and personally wealthy, successful, and personally wealthy, successful, and personally fulfilled. fulfilled. fulfilled. And God requires you to do something for And God requires you to do something for And God requires you to do something for him to release his prosperity him to release his prosperity him to release his prosperity to you. So, if you'll all make me out a to you. So, if you'll all make me out a to you. So, if you'll all make me out a check in the amount of if I was a check in the amount of if I was a check in the amount of if I was a televangelist, that's what I would say televangelist, that's what I would say televangelist, that's what I would say next. next. next. But what you need to do to have God's But what you need to do to have God's But what you need to do to have God's prosperity released to you is to send prosperity released to you is to send prosperity released to you is to send some prosperity to me. some prosperity to me. some prosperity to me. No, that's nil and zero. That's not the No, that's nil and zero. That's not the No, that's nil and zero. That's not the God of the Bible. God of the Bible. God of the Bible. [clears throat] I love driving around [clears throat] I love driving around [clears throat] I love driving around East Texas. East Texas is so beautiful. East Texas. East Texas is so beautiful. East Texas. East Texas is so beautiful. Um, Um, Um, and you know, when you drive the country and you know, when you drive the country and you know, when you drive the country roads or even the major roads in East roads or even the major roads in East roads or even the major roads in East Texas, you pass churches. Goodness Texas, you pass churches. Goodness Texas, you pass churches. Goodness gracious, how many churches do we have gracious, how many churches do we have gracious, how many churches do we have in East Texas? And a lot of churches in East Texas? And a lot of churches in East Texas? And a lot of churches have a sign out front. And sometimes the have a sign out front. And sometimes the have a sign out front. And sometimes the sign just tells, you know, uh, you know, sign just tells, you know, uh, you know, sign just tells, you know, uh, you know, it'll have their service times, but it'll have their service times, but it'll have their service times, but sometimes it'll say something goofy or sometimes it'll say something goofy or sometimes it'll say something goofy or something they think is clever, you something they think is clever, you something they think is clever, you know, like, know, like, know, like, um, um, um, sign broke message inside.

sign broke message inside. sign broke message inside. It's really helpful, It's really helpful, It's really helpful, you know. Come inside. It's prayer you know. Come inside. It's prayer you know. Come inside. It's prayer conditioned. conditioned. conditioned. Oh, I'm dying to go in that church. I Oh, I'm dying to go in that church. I Oh, I'm dying to go in that church. I tell you what, tell you what, tell you what, worst. The worst, the second worst I've worst. The worst, the second worst I've worst. The worst, the second worst I've ever seen is stop, drop, and roll won't ever seen is stop, drop, and roll won't ever seen is stop, drop, and roll won't help you in hell. That's not helpful. The worst though, That's not helpful. The worst though, the number one worst, and I see it more the number one worst, and I see it more the number one worst, and I see it more and more, and more, and more, two simple words on a church sign. Try two simple words on a church sign. Try two simple words on a church sign. Try Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and you'll Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and you'll Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and you'll be happier, healthier, wealthier, more be happier, healthier, wealthier, more be happier, healthier, wealthier, more successful. successful. successful. Really? You think of any verse in the Really? You think of any verse in the Really? You think of any verse in the Bible that sounds like that? Anywhere in Bible that sounds like that? Anywhere in Bible that sounds like that? Anywhere in the Bible does it sound, you know, give the Bible does it sound, you know, give the Bible does it sound, you know, give Jesus a whirl if nothing else works out? Jesus a whirl if nothing else works out? Jesus a whirl if nothing else works out? I can't think of anything like that at I can't think of anything like that at I can't think of anything like that at all. At all. One of the one of the major all. At all. One of the one of the major all. At all. One of the one of the major evangelical leaders a few years ago on evangelical leaders a few years ago on evangelical leaders a few years ago on national television said it this way.

national television said it this way. national television said it this way. Try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Really? Try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Really? Try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Really? At the end of 60 days? What? At the end of 60 days? What? At the end of 60 days? What? Here's what Jesus said. If anyone wants Here's what Jesus said. If anyone wants Here's what Jesus said. If anyone wants to be my disciple, to be my disciple, to be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross let him deny himself, take up his cross let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. daily, and follow me. daily, and follow me. Jesus is not on trial. Jesus is not for Jesus is not on trial. Jesus is not for Jesus is not on trial. Jesus is not for trial. trial. trial. He is the only God. Everything else is He is the only God. Everything else is He is the only God. Everything else is nil and zero. nil and zero. nil and zero. See, the plan of God for his children is See, the plan of God for his children is See, the plan of God for his children is not our happiness. It's our holiness. not our happiness. It's our holiness. not our happiness. It's our holiness. The plan of God is not our physical The plan of God is not our physical The plan of God is not our physical condition. It's our spiritual condition. condition. It's our spiritual condition. condition. It's our spiritual condition. The plan of God is not our abundant The plan of God is not our abundant The plan of God is not our abundant finances. It's our abundant faith. finances. It's our abundant faith. finances. It's our abundant faith. The plan of God is not our earthly The plan of God is not our earthly The plan of God is not our earthly success. It's our eternal salvation. success. It's our eternal salvation. success. It's our eternal salvation. The plan of God for his children is not The plan of God for his children is not The plan of God for his children is not our personal satisfaction, but it's that our personal satisfaction, but it's that our personal satisfaction, but it's that we each learn to be personally satisfied we each learn to be personally satisfied we each learn to be personally satisfied in him. This is exactly what the Bible in him. This is exactly what the Bible in him. This is exactly what the Bible teaches. But yet, most Americans believe teaches. But yet, most Americans believe teaches. But yet, most Americans believe that God exists for our benefit. We have that God exists for our benefit. We have that God exists for our benefit. We have turned the singular sovereign turned the singular sovereign turned the singular sovereign providential God into our personal providential God into our personal providential God into our personal assistant, our life coach, our obedient assistant, our life coach, our obedient assistant, our life coach, our obedient butler that exists to fulfill our dreams butler that exists to fulfill our dreams butler that exists to fulfill our dreams and fix our circumstances.

and fix our circumstances. and fix our circumstances. That makes us sovereign and God That makes us sovereign and God That makes us sovereign and God subservient to our whims and wishes. subservient to our whims and wishes. subservient to our whims and wishes. And when their prosperity gospel fails, And when their prosperity gospel fails, And when their prosperity gospel fails, and it will fail, they think Jesus has and it will fail, they think Jesus has and it will fail, they think Jesus has failed. We tried Jesus and it didn't failed. We tried Jesus and it didn't failed. We tried Jesus and it didn't work. work. work. That's not the Jesus of the Bible, the That's not the Jesus of the Bible, the That's not the Jesus of the Bible, the one who died to forgive your sins, not one who died to forgive your sins, not one who died to forgive your sins, not fix your circumstances. I met a man a fix your circumstances. I met a man a fix your circumstances. I met a man a couple of years ago out in the foyer and couple of years ago out in the foyer and couple of years ago out in the foyer and um he came up to me. and we were talking um he came up to me. and we were talking um he came up to me. and we were talking and he said, "I've done some things I and he said, "I've done some things I and he said, "I've done some things I know that have really hurt my marriage, know that have really hurt my marriage, know that have really hurt my marriage, but I'm back on track. I'm back in but I'm back on track. I'm back in but I'm back on track. I'm back in church every Sunday. I'm praying. I'm church every Sunday. I'm praying. I'm church every Sunday. I'm praying. I'm reading the Bible. I'm doing everything reading the Bible. I'm doing everything reading the Bible. I'm doing everything I know is right. And I do not understand I know is right. And I do not understand I know is right. And I do not understand why God hasn't fixed my marriage." why God hasn't fixed my marriage." why God hasn't fixed my marriage." It's not a We don't make deals with God. It's not a We don't make deals with God. It's not a We don't make deals with God. God, this is not a bargain thing with God, this is not a bargain thing with God, this is not a bargain thing with God. He alone is the one true God. I am God. He alone is the one true God. I am God. He alone is the one true God. I am God and there is no other. I am God and God and there is no other. I am God and God and there is no other. I am God and there's no one like me.

He demands our worship, He demands our worship, not our trial, not our bargaining. not our trial, not our bargaining. not our trial, not our bargaining. Three out of four of every American Three out of four of every American Three out of four of every American Protestants believe that God exists to Protestants believe that God exists to Protestants believe that God exists to fix our circumstances and remove our fix our circumstances and remove our fix our circumstances and remove our problem. Every time we ask God, why are problem. Every time we ask God, why are problem. Every time we ask God, why are you allowing this to happen? We are you allowing this to happen? We are you allowing this to happen? We are admitting our belief that God exists to admitting our belief that God exists to admitting our belief that God exists to fix our problems. fix our problems. fix our problems. I like to think of it this way. When I like to think of it this way. When I like to think of it this way. When good things happen to you, you know, good things happen to you, you know, good things happen to you, you know, something really good happens. Do you something really good happens. Do you something really good happens. Do you ever go to God and say, "God, why are ever go to God and say, "God, why are ever go to God and say, "God, why are you allowing this in my life? Why am I you allowing this in my life? Why am I you allowing this in my life? Why am I well and everybody else is sick? Why do well and everybody else is sick? Why do well and everybody else is sick? Why do I have plenty of money and others don't? I have plenty of money and others don't? I have plenty of money and others don't? Why are you blessing me like this, God?" Why are you blessing me like this, God?" Why are you blessing me like this, God?" We don't ever do that. We don't ever do that. We don't ever do that. Maybe we should. Everything God does is for his glory and Everything God does is for his glory and for the good of his people.

for the good of his people. for the good of his people. Everything God does is for his glory and Everything God does is for his glory and Everything God does is for his glory and for the good of his people. for the good of his people. for the good of his people. The plan God has been working since the The plan God has been working since the The plan God has been working since the beginning of time will both glorify him beginning of time will both glorify him beginning of time will both glorify him and benefit those who believe in him. and benefit those who believe in him. and benefit those who believe in him. Our problem is this, that God's plan is Our problem is this, that God's plan is Our problem is this, that God's plan is different different different than what we think it should be. than what we think it should be. than what we think it should be. So why does God bring trouble in our So why does God bring trouble in our So why does God bring trouble in our lives? Well, the first one is the first lives? Well, the first one is the first lives? Well, the first one is the first reason is this. God's plan is to refine reason is this. God's plan is to refine reason is this. God's plan is to refine his children. And he brings troubles and his children. And he brings troubles and his children. And he brings troubles and trials into our lives as tools to shape trials into our lives as tools to shape trials into our lives as tools to shape and refine us into a people for his own and refine us into a people for his own and refine us into a people for his own possession. possession. possession. Over in chapter 48, two chapters over in Over in chapter 48, two chapters over in Over in chapter 48, two chapters over in this same passage, God says it like this same passage, God says it like this same passage, God says it like this. this. this. I will delay my anger for the sake of my I will delay my anger for the sake of my I will delay my anger for the sake of my name and I will restrain myself for your name and I will restrain myself for your name and I will restrain myself for your benefit and for my praise. God's glory benefit and for my praise. God's glory benefit and for my praise. God's glory and our benefit so that you will not be and our benefit so that you will not be and our benefit so that you will not be destroyed. Look, I have refined you not destroyed. Look, I have refined you not destroyed. Look, I have refined you not as silver. I have tested you in the as silver. I have tested you in the as silver. I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. In the singular furnace of affliction. In the singular furnace of affliction. In the singular [snorts] sovereign providence of God, he [snorts] sovereign providence of God, he [snorts] sovereign providence of God, he is using the pagan Babylonians to refine is using the pagan Babylonians to refine is using the pagan Babylonians to refine his people. He is purifying them and his people. He is purifying them and his people. He is purifying them and teaching them to trust him and him

teaching them to trust him and him teaching them to trust him and him alone. alone. alone. As Christians, this is what God is doing As Christians, this is what God is doing As Christians, this is what God is doing in your life and mine. God is refining in your life and mine. God is refining in your life and mine. God is refining us, purifying us, and teaching us to us, purifying us, and teaching us to us, purifying us, and teaching us to trust him alone. Whatever the trust him alone. Whatever the trust him alone. Whatever the circumstance, everything God does is for circumstance, everything God does is for circumstance, everything God does is for his glory and for the good of his his glory and for the good of his his glory and for the good of his people, he is purifying for himself a people, he is purifying for himself a people, he is purifying for himself a people for his own possession. people for his own possession. people for his own possession. And sometimes one of the tools he uses And sometimes one of the tools he uses And sometimes one of the tools he uses is the furnace of affliction. is the furnace of affliction. is the furnace of affliction. In his great book, Mere Christianity, CS In his great book, Mere Christianity, CS In his great book, Mere Christianity, CS Lewis said it like this. Look at it with Lewis said it like this. Look at it with Lewis said it like this. Look at it with me. me. me. Imagine yourself as a living house. God Imagine yourself as a living house. God Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At comes in to rebuild that house. At comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps you can understand what first, perhaps you can understand what first, perhaps you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains he is doing. He is getting the drains he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof right and stopping the leaks in the roof right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew those jobs needed and so on. You knew those jobs needed and so on. You knew those jobs needed doing and so you're not surprised. doing and so you're not surprised. doing and so you're not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the But presently he starts knocking the But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts house about in a way that hurts house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any abominably and does not seem to make any abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is he up to? The sense. What on earth is he up to? The sense. What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building quite explanation is that he is building quite explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you a different house from the one you a different house from the one you thought of. Throwing out a new wing thought of. Throwing out a new wing thought of. Throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, here, putting on an extra floor there, here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.

running up towers, making courtyards. running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a You thought you were being made into a You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage, but he is decent little cottage, but he is decent little cottage, but he is building a palace. He intends to come building a palace. He intends to come building a palace. He intends to come and live in it himself. and live in it himself. and live in it himself. God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our lives as tools to shape and to refine us lives as tools to shape and to refine us lives as tools to shape and to refine us into a people for his own possession. into a people for his own possession. into a people for his own possession. The Apostle Paul said it like this in The Apostle Paul said it like this in The Apostle Paul said it like this in Romans 8. We know that all things work Romans 8. We know that all things work Romans 8. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love together for the good of those who love together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his God, who are called according to his God, who are called according to his purpose. And what's his purpose? For purpose. And what's his purpose? For purpose. And what's his purpose? For those he forneew, he also predestined to those he forneew, he also predestined to those he forneew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of his become conformed to the image of his become conformed to the image of his son. God's purpose for Christians is son. God's purpose for Christians is son. God's purpose for Christians is that we become like Jesus. that we become like Jesus. that we become like Jesus. God uses several tools in the process. God uses several tools in the process. God uses several tools in the process. The easiest tool God uses is the The easiest tool God uses is the The easiest tool God uses is the studying of his word. The word of God is studying of his word. The word of God is studying of his word. The word of God is profitable. It is sharper than any profitable. It is sharper than any profitable. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, able to judge the two-edged sword, able to judge the two-edged sword, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of our heart.

thoughts and intentions of our heart. thoughts and intentions of our heart. It's for doctrine, reproof, correcting, It's for doctrine, reproof, correcting, It's for doctrine, reproof, correcting, for training in righteousness, so that for training in righteousness, so that for training in righteousness, so that we're able to do any good work. That's we're able to do any good work. That's we're able to do any good work. That's the easiest way. That's the thing God the easiest way. That's the thing God the easiest way. That's the thing God uses. God uses his word to change us uses. God uses his word to change us uses. God uses his word to change us into the image of Christ. Sometimes into the image of Christ. Sometimes into the image of Christ. Sometimes God blesses our socks off for no God blesses our socks off for no God blesses our socks off for no apparent reason apparent reason apparent reason just so that we'll praise him. just so that we'll praise him. just so that we'll praise him. But if we're honest, really, But if we're honest, really, But if we're honest, really, the areas that God seems to make the the areas that God seems to make the the areas that God seems to make the biggest progress in our lives are not in biggest progress in our lives are not in biggest progress in our lives are not in the good times. They're in the difficult the good times. They're in the difficult the good times. They're in the difficult times when we are forced to focus on him times when we are forced to focus on him times when we are forced to focus on him and what God is doing in our lives. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> You ever you when you go shopping >> You ever you when you go shopping >> You ever you when you go shopping nowadays after you finish checking out a nowadays after you finish checking out a nowadays after you finish checking out a lot of times they'll look at you and lot of times they'll look at you and lot of times they'll look at you and they go have a blessed day. They used to they go have a blessed day. They used to they go have a blessed day. They used to say have a nice day but no now we have say have a nice day but no now we have say have a nice day but no now we have religious overtones. Have a day that God religious overtones. Have a day that God religious overtones. Have a day that God blesses.

blesses. blesses. Every time I hear that that's a good Every time I hear that that's a good Every time I hear that that's a good thing. Nothing wrong with saying that's thing. Nothing wrong with saying that's thing. Nothing wrong with saying that's a good thing. But every time it happens a good thing. But every time it happens a good thing. But every time it happens I always want to say to them as a I always want to say to them as a I always want to say to them as a Christian Christian Christian every day is a good day. Every day is a every day is a good day. Every day is a every day is a good day. Every day is a blessed day because the Holy Spirit blessed day because the Holy Spirit blessed day because the Holy Spirit inside me is transforming me into the inside me is transforming me into the inside me is transforming me into the image of Christ. Even my worst day is a image of Christ. Even my worst day is a image of Christ. Even my worst day is a blessed day. I always want to say that, but I never I always want to say that, but I never had the guts to say it really to had the guts to say it really to had the guts to say it really to anybody. I think I'd messed up their anybody. I think I'd messed up their anybody. I think I'd messed up their blessed day if I said that. blessed day if I said that. blessed day if I said that. There's another saying that we Texans There's another saying that we Texans There's another saying that we Texans have that's helpful here. have that's helpful here. have that's helpful here. Somebody [clears throat] say, "Well, Somebody [clears throat] say, "Well, Somebody [clears throat] say, "Well, that boy, that boy is the spitting image that boy, that boy is the spitting image that boy, that boy is the spitting image of his daddy." And I thought to myself, what spit got And I thought to myself, what spit got to do with it? to do with it? to do with it? I mean, that boy is the spitting image I mean, that boy is the spitting image I mean, that boy is the spitting image of his. of his. of his. So, I looked it up. I thought, you know, So, I looked it up. I thought, you know, So, I looked it up. I thought, you know, I can't think of any reason that is is I can't think of any reason that is is I can't think of any reason that is is it because you got a pinch between your it because you got a pinch between your it because you got a pinch between your cheek and gum that you're spitting. I I cheek and gum that you're spitting. I I cheek and gum that you're spitting. I I don't know. Actually, the word is he is don't know. Actually, the word is he is don't know. Actually, the word is he is the spirit and image of his daddy. And the spirit and image of his daddy. And the spirit and image of his daddy. And somehow with a little Texas accent, somehow with a little Texas accent, somehow with a little Texas accent, maybe spirit and image became spitting maybe spirit and image became spitting maybe spirit and image became spitting image. And there we have it. Don't know image. And there we have it. Don't know image. And there we have it. Don't know how I don't know why we don't have how I don't know why we don't have how I don't know why we don't have accents here. I've been all over the accents here. I've been all over the accents here. I've been all over the world. They got accents.

world. They got accents. world. They got accents. We don't. We don't. We don't. So, you know, that's what we need to be. So, you know, that's what we need to be. So, you know, that's what we need to be. We need to have the spirit and image of We need to have the spirit and image of We need to have the spirit and image of Christ. Christ. Christ. That's what I want in my life. That's That's what I want in my life. That's That's what I want in my life. That's what God is doing. what God is doing. what God is doing. After God completes his plan to refine After God completes his plan to refine After God completes his plan to refine his children, God's plan is then to his children, God's plan is then to his children, God's plan is then to rescue his children. So, we when we find rescue his children. So, we when we find rescue his children. So, we when we find ourselves in the furnace of affliction, ourselves in the furnace of affliction, ourselves in the furnace of affliction, what do we do? First thing is this. what do we do? First thing is this. what do we do? First thing is this. Remember God's provision in the past. Remember God's provision in the past. Remember God's provision in the past. Look at verse nine. Look at verse nine. Look at verse nine. Remember what happened long ago. For I Remember what happened long ago. For I Remember what happened long ago. For I am God and there is no other. I am God am God and there is no other. I am God am God and there is no other. I am God and no one is like me. In the Bible, we and no one is like me. In the Bible, we and no one is like me. In the Bible, we see God's deliverance. God's see God's deliverance. God's see God's deliverance. God's faithfulness has kept promises and we faithfulness has kept promises and we faithfulness has kept promises and we gain assurance that God has not gain assurance that God has not gain assurance that God has not abandoned us but is refining us as he abandoned us but is refining us as he abandoned us but is refining us as he has always done for his children. If you has always done for his children. If you has always done for his children. If you if you remember the stories of Shadrach, if you remember the stories of Shadrach, if you remember the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedne Abednego in the Meshach, and Abedne Abednego in the Meshach, and Abedne Abednego in the fiery furnace, Jesus was there with fiery furnace, Jesus was there with fiery furnace, Jesus was there with them. If if we remember the story of them. If if we remember the story of them. If if we remember the story of Daniel in the lion's den, those two Daniel in the lion's den, those two Daniel in the lion's den, those two great stories happened during the great stories happened during the great stories happened during the Babylonian captivity as a way of saying Babylonian captivity as a way of saying Babylonian captivity as a way of saying to the people, I have not abandoned you.

to the people, I have not abandoned you. to the people, I have not abandoned you. I am right here with you. Remember God's I am right here with you. Remember God's I am right here with you. Remember God's provision in the past. provision in the past. provision in the past. Secondly, remember God's promises for Secondly, remember God's promises for Secondly, remember God's promises for the future. the future. the future. [clears throat] Look at verse 10. [clears throat] Look at verse 10. [clears throat] Look at verse 10. I declare the end from the beginning and I declare the end from the beginning and I declare the end from the beginning and from long ago, what is not yet done, from long ago, what is not yet done, from long ago, what is not yet done, saying, my plan will take place, and I saying, my plan will take place, and I saying, my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. I call a bird of will do all my will. I call a bird of will do all my will. I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for my purpose prey from the east, a man for my purpose prey from the east, a man for my purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken, from a far country. Yes, I have spoken, from a far country. Yes, I have spoken, so I will also bring it about. I have so I will also bring it about. I have so I will also bring it about. I have planned it. I will also do it. Listen to planned it. I will also do it. Listen to planned it. I will also do it. Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far removed from me, you hard-hearted, far removed from me, you hard-hearted, far removed from justice. I am bringing my justice near. justice. I am bringing my justice near. justice. I am bringing my justice near. It is not far away, and my salvation It is not far away, and my salvation It is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in will not delay. I will put salvation in will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, my glory Zion, my glory Zion, my glory in Israel. See, the Jews had the promise in Israel. See, the Jews had the promise in Israel. See, the Jews had the promise of salvation from Babylon when Cyrus of salvation from Babylon when Cyrus of salvation from Babylon when Cyrus came to overthrow came to overthrow came to overthrow the Babylonians. Today we have the the Babylonians. Today we have the the Babylonians. Today we have the promise of eternal salvation when Jesus promise of eternal salvation when Jesus promise of eternal salvation when Jesus returns and completes the plan that God returns and completes the plan that God returns and completes the plan that God has had from the beginning of time. God has had from the beginning of time. God has had from the beginning of time. God has declared the end has declared the end has declared the end from the beginning.

from the beginning. from the beginning. Read the last four chapters of the of Read the last four chapters of the of Read the last four chapters of the of the book. the book. the book. That's when our prosperity is realized That's when our prosperity is realized That's when our prosperity is realized when Jesus returns when Jesus returns when Jesus returns and reigns personally over all the and reigns personally over all the and reigns personally over all the kingdoms of the world. kingdoms of the world. kingdoms of the world. Remember God's provision in the past. Remember God's provision in the past. Remember God's provision in the past. Remember God's promises for the future. Remember God's promises for the future. Remember God's promises for the future. And remember God's protection And remember God's protection And remember God's protection for today. Look back at verse three. for today. Look back at verse three. for today. Look back at verse three. Some of y'all need to write this verses Some of y'all need to write this verses Some of y'all need to write this verses three and four down. Put them on your three and four down. Put them on your three and four down. Put them on your bathroom mirror to remind you every bathroom mirror to remind you every bathroom mirror to remind you every morning. morning. morning. Listen to me, house of Jacob. All the Listen to me, house of Jacob. All the Listen to me, house of Jacob. All the remnant of the house of Israel, who have remnant of the house of Israel, who have remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried been sustained from the womb, carried been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. I will be the same along since birth. I will be the same along since birth. I will be the same until your old age. And I will bear you until your old age. And I will bear you until your old age. And I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you up when you turn gray. I have made you up when you turn gray. I have made you and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will carry you. I will bear you and rescue you. and rescue you. and rescue you. If you are a child of God through faith If you are a child of God through faith If you are a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is carrying you in Jesus Christ, God is carrying you in Jesus Christ, God is carrying you through the good times in bad, in through the good times in bad, in through the good times in bad, in sickness and in health, in times of sickness and in health, in times of sickness and in health, in times of fullness and in times of emptiness.

fullness and in times of emptiness. fullness and in times of emptiness. Troubles and trials do not mean that God Troubles and trials do not mean that God Troubles and trials do not mean that God has abandoned us. But God uses the has abandoned us. But God uses the has abandoned us. But God uses the furnace of affliction because it is best furnace of affliction because it is best furnace of affliction because it is best for you. Even though at the time you for you. Even though at the time you for you. Even though at the time you won't think it is, won't think it is, won't think it is, God is closer to you than your next God is closer to you than your next God is closer to you than your next thought. thought. thought. The Apostle Peter said it this way. You The Apostle Peter said it this way. You The Apostle Peter said it this way. You are being guarded by God's power through are being guarded by God's power through are being guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to faith for a salvation that is ready to faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the last time at the be revealed at the last time at the be revealed at the last time at the ending. You rejoice in this, even though ending. You rejoice in this, even though ending. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you now for a short time, if necessary, you now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials, so that suffer grief in various trials, so that suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith, more the proven character of your faith, more the proven character of your faith, more valuable than gold, which though valuable than gold, which though valuable than gold, which though perishable, is refined by fire, may perishable, is refined by fire, may perishable, is refined by fire, may result in pre praise, glory, and honor result in pre praise, glory, and honor result in pre praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The difficult times, the trials we go difficult times, the trials we go difficult times, the trials we go through are for our best interest, the through are for our best interest, the through are for our best interest, the proven character of our of our faith and proven character of our of our faith and proven character of our of our faith and for the glory of God. When troubles for the glory of God. When troubles for the glory of God. When troubles come, afflictions abound, the way seems come, afflictions abound, the way seems come, afflictions abound, the way seems dark, remember that the singular, dark, remember that the singular, dark, remember that the singular, sovereign, providential God who made you sovereign, providential God who made you sovereign, providential God who made you and called you to faith in Christ is and called you to faith in Christ is and called you to faith in Christ is carrying you. Remember what we what we carrying you. Remember what we what we carrying you. Remember what we what we said. The plan of God for his children said. The plan of God for his children said. The plan of God for his children is not our happiness. It's our holiness.

is not our happiness. It's our holiness. is not our happiness. It's our holiness. The plan of God for his children is not The plan of God for his children is not The plan of God for his children is not our physical condition. It's our our physical condition. It's our our physical condition. It's our spiritual condition. The plan of God is spiritual condition. The plan of God is spiritual condition. The plan of God is not our abundant finances. It's our not our abundant finances. It's our not our abundant finances. It's our abundant faith. The plan of God is not abundant faith. The plan of God is not abundant faith. The plan of God is not our earthly success. It's our eternal our earthly success. It's our eternal our earthly success. It's our eternal salvation. The plan of God for you and salvation. The plan of God for you and salvation. The plan of God for you and me me me is not our personal satisfaction. Is is not our personal satisfaction. Is is not our personal satisfaction. Is that we are personally satisfied in him. that we are personally satisfied in him. that we are personally satisfied in him. Everything God does is for his glory Everything God does is for his glory Everything God does is for his glory and the good of those who believe in and the good of those who believe in and the good of those who believe in Jesus. God brings trials and troubles Jesus. God brings trials and troubles Jesus. God brings trials and troubles into our life as tools to shape and to into our life as tools to shape and to into our life as tools to shape and to refine us as people for his own refine us as people for his own refine us as people for his own possession. possession. possession. So when troubles come instead of saying So when troubles come instead of saying So when troubles come instead of saying God why are you doing this let us say God why are you doing this let us say God why are you doing this let us say God wow you are doing this at the end of the month Susanna Wells at the end of the month Susanna Wells was feeling much better so she was able was feeling much better so she was able was feeling much better so she was able to walk from her little village into the to walk from her little village into the to walk from her little village into the nearby town and when she walked into the nearby town and when she walked into the nearby town and when she walked into the post office, there were two checks post office, there were two checks post office, there were two checks waiting for her, last month's and this waiting for her, last month's and this waiting for her, last month's and this month's. And she said, "Lord, why?

month's. And she said, "Lord, why? month's. And she said, "Lord, why? You know, I could have used that money You know, I could have used that money You know, I could have used that money last month. Instead, I ate oatmeal every last month. Instead, I ate oatmeal every last month. Instead, I ate oatmeal every day for 30 days." day for 30 days." day for 30 days." She went back home to the United States She went back home to the United States She went back home to the United States a few months later on furlow and she a few months later on furlow and she a few months later on furlow and she shared the oatmeal story to the people shared the oatmeal story to the people shared the oatmeal story to the people there and and so and wondered aloud why there and and so and wondered aloud why there and and so and wondered aloud why in the world would God do that? Why in the world would God do that? Why in the world would God do that? Why would God not give her the support check would God not give her the support check would God not give her the support check that that they had sent that she knew that that they had sent that she knew that that they had sent that she knew she needed? she needed? she needed? After the service was over, a doctor After the service was over, a doctor After the service was over, a doctor came to her and he said, "Well, tell me came to her and he said, "Well, tell me came to her and he said, "Well, tell me about your sickness." So, she described about your sickness." So, she described about your sickness." So, she described it to him and he said, "You know, that's it to him and he said, "You know, that's it to him and he said, "You know, that's amazing. amazing. amazing. Given where you were in the world, Given where you were in the world, Given where you were in the world, given what was available, given what was available, given what was available, the only thing I could have prescribed the only thing I could have prescribed the only thing I could have prescribed for your digestive problem was a very for your digestive problem was a very for your digestive problem was a very bland diet like bland diet like bland diet like oatmeal.

Everything Everything everything God does is for his glory everything God does is for his glory everything God does is for his glory and for the good of those who believe in and for the good of those who believe in and for the good of those who believe in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. So have a blessed day. Let's pray. So have a blessed day. Let's pray. So have a blessed day. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this time. Thank Father, thank you for this time. Thank Father, thank you for this time. Thank you for your grace you for your grace you for your grace that you give to us. May we learn to that you give to us. May we learn to that you give to us. May we learn to live our lives for your glory. and by your grace. and by your grace. There are people here today, Lord, who There are people here today, Lord, who There are people here today, Lord, who are in the middle of the furnace of are in the middle of the furnace of are in the middle of the furnace of affliction. And you know that because affliction. And you know that because affliction. And you know that because you are standing right there with them. you are standing right there with them. you are standing right there with them. You're right beside them. You're You're right beside them. You're You're right beside them. You're carrying them. I pray for them today carrying them. I pray for them today carrying them. I pray for them today that you will let them know that you are that you will let them know that you are that you will let them know that you are there. Let them realize by reading this there. Let them realize by reading this there. Let them realize by reading this Isaiah 46, Isaiah 46, Isaiah 46, you are with us, transforming us, you are with us, transforming us, you are with us, transforming us, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] conforming us to the spirit and image of conforming us to the spirit and image of conforming us to the spirit and image of Christ using every means possible.

Christ using every means possible. Christ using every means possible. Comfort them, direct them, guide them, Comfort them, direct them, guide them, Comfort them, direct them, guide them, all of us each day as we live our life all of us each day as we live our life all of us each day as we live our life for your glory and by your grace. in for your glory and by your grace. in for your glory and by your grace. in Christ's name.