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

All right, we're going to be in Isaiah All right, we're going to be in Isaiah chapter 46 if you would like to turn in chapter 46 if you would like to turn in chapter 46 if you would like to turn in your Bibles there. If you're using the your Bibles there. If you're using the your Bibles there. If you're using the Bible in the back of the pew, it's page Bible in the back of the pew, it's page 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. Bible. Isaiah chapter 46. Bible. Isaiah chapter 46. As you're turning there, As you're turning there, As you're 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 It's disturbing to me because It's disturbing to me because personally, personally, 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 And um And um she over time she over time 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 she was just kind of was there her and she was just kind of was there her and she was just kind of was there by herself holding out a witness for the by herself holding out a witness for the by 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.

a post office. a post office. And she would And she would And she would go into the post office and get her go into the post office and get her go into the post office and get her check, her monthly support check. And check, her monthly support check. And check, her monthly support check. And then she'd go and cash it and buy then she'd go and cash it and buy then she'd go and cash it and buy groceries and the things she needed for groceries and the things she needed for groceries and the things she needed for the month. Well, the month. Well, the month. Well, unfortunately, she got sick. unfortunately, she got sick. unfortunately, she got sick. And she was so weak, she couldn't walk And she was so weak, she couldn't walk And she was so weak, she couldn't walk to the nearby town. So, she hired a to the nearby town. So, she hired a to the nearby town. So, she hired a couple of men from her village to put couple of men from her village to put couple of men from her village to put her in a cart and take her. her in a cart and take her. her in a cart and take her. And so when she walked into the post And so when she walked into the post And so when she walked into the post office there very weakly, office there very weakly, office there very weakly, she was very disappointed to hear, "I'm she was very disappointed to hear, "I'm she 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 "What do you mean I don't have any "What do you mean I don't have any mail?" mail?" mail?" "You don't have any mail." "You don't have any mail." "You don't have any mail." So, they took her back So, they took her back So, they took her back to her village. to her village. to her village. She was very disappointed and frankly, She was very disappointed and frankly, She was very disappointed and frankly, a little bit angry. a little bit angry. a little bit 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." have used that check." have used that check." And so she opened up her pantry And so she opened up her pantry And so she opened up her pantry and the only thing and the only thing and the only thing true story true story true story the only thing she had to eat for an the only thing she had to eat for an the only thing she had to eat for an entire month entire month entire month was oatmeal.

was oatmeal. 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? 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'm all alone out here. I'm all alone out here. I could I could use some help. Why are I could I could use some help. Why are I could I could 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 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. another. another. Every one of us when when we're going Every one of us when when we're going Every one of us when when we're going through heartaches, trials, family through heartaches, trials, family 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?" 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. the question even harder though. the question even harder though. I'd like to make it a more difficult I'd like to make it a more difficult I'd like to make it a more difficult question question question because I want us to consider this because I want us to consider this because I want us to consider this morning morning 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 trouble trouble in our lives?

in our lives? in our lives? And if he does so, And if he does so, And if he does so, why? why? why? Why would God do that? Why would God do that? 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 the troubling truth the troubling truth of the God who brings trouble. Stand of the God who brings trouble. Stand of the God who brings trouble. Stand with me if you would as we read this with me if you would as we read this with me if you would as we read this wonderful passage together. Isaiah wonderful passage together. Isaiah wonderful passage together. Isaiah chapter 46, chapter 46, chapter 46, page 643. Bel crouches, Nebo cowers. Idols Bel crouches, Nebo cowers. Idols depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts and cattle. and cattle. and cattle. The images you carry are loaded as a The images you carry are loaded as a The images you carry are loaded as a burden for the weary animal. burden for the weary animal. 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 Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all Listen to me, house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, the remnant of the house of Israel, the remnant of the house of Israel, all who have been sustained from the all who have been sustained from the all who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth, I will womb, carried along since birth, I will womb, carried along since birth, I will be the same until your old age, and I be the same until your old age, and I be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. will bear you up when you turn gray. will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you. I I have made you, and I will carry you. I I have made you, and I will carry you. I will bear and rescue you.

will bear and rescue you. will bear and rescue you. To whom will you compare me or make me To whom will you compare me or make me To whom will you compare me or make me equal? equal? 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? should be like each other? should be like each other? Those who pour out their bags of gold Those who pour out their bags of gold Those who pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales, they and weigh out silver on scales, they and weigh out silver on scales, they hire a goldsmith and he makes it into a hire a goldsmith and he makes it into a hire a goldsmith and he makes it into a god. Then they kneel and bow down to it. god. Then they kneel and bow down to it. god. Then they kneel and bow down to it. They lift it to their shoulder and bear They lift it to their shoulder and bear They lift it to their shoulder and bear it along. They set it in its place, and it along. They set it in its place, and it along. They set it in its place, and there it stands. there it stands. there it stands. It does not budge from its place. It does not budge from its place. It does not budge from its place. They cry out to it, but it doesn't They cry out to it, but it doesn't They cry out to it, but it doesn't answer. It saves no one from his answer. It saves no one from his 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. there is no other. there is no other. I am God and no one is like me. I am God and no one is like me. I am God and no one is like me. I declare the end from the beginning, I declare the end from the beginning, I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, and from long ago what is not yet done, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying, "My [snorts] plan will take saying, "My [snorts] plan will take saying, "My [snorts] plan will take place, and I will do all my will. place, and I will do all my will. place, and I will do all my will. 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, I will also do it. Yes, I have spoken, I will also do it. Yes, I have spoken, I will also do it. I have planned it, I will also do it. I have planned it, I will also do it. I have planned it, I will also do it. Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far removed from justice. I am bringing my removed from justice. I am bringing my removed from justice. I am bringing my justice near. It is not far away, and my justice near. It is not far away, and my justice near. It is not far away, and my salvation will not delay. salvation will not delay. salvation will not delay. I will put my salvation in Zion, my I will put my salvation in Zion, my I will put my salvation in Zion, my splendor in Israel. Let's pray together. Father, [clears throat] what we know Father, [clears throat] what we know not, not, not, teach us. teach us. teach us. What we have not, What we have not, What we have not, give us. give us. give us. What we are not, What we are not, What we are not, make us make us make us for your son's sake. for your son's sake. for your son's sake. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated. You may be seated. 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 Bible. the Bible. First thing we should notice is that God First thing we should notice is that God First thing we should notice is that God himself is speaking. himself is speaking. 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.

about what he is doing. about what he is doing. We see in this passage the singularity We see in this passage the singularity We see in this passage the singularity of God, the sovereignty of God, of God, the sovereignty of God, of God, the 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'm I'm for that. I believe "Okay, I I'm I'm for that. I believe "Okay, I I'm I'm for that. I believe there's only one God." there's only one God." there's only one God." But the problem is most people, most But the problem is most people, most But the problem is most people, most Americans, Americans, 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. We'll come back to that. We'll come back to that. In verse 10, God says, In verse 10, God says, In verse 10, God says, "I will do all my will." "I will do all my will." "I will do all my will." The sovereignty of God is his right, The sovereignty of God is his right, The 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. decides to do. decides to do. Most Christians believe this in theory, Most Christians believe this in theory, Most Christians believe this in theory, but not in practice. but not in practice. 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. it. it. I will also I will also I will also do it."

do it." do it." The providence of God The providence of God The providence 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. infinite wisdom. infinite wisdom. God does whatever he wants to God does whatever he wants to God does whatever he wants to with whoever he wants to, with whoever he 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. created the world. created the world. Our God is singular, sovereign, Our God is singular, sovereign, Our God is singular, sovereign, and providential and providential and providential over all people over all people over all people in all times in all times in all times and in all places. and in all places. and in all places. Now, Isaiah 46 is part of a longer Now, Isaiah 46 is part of a longer Now, Isaiah 46 is part of a longer discourse that Isaiah is is discourse that Isaiah is is discourse that Isaiah is is is uh is uh is uh speaking for God. It starts in chapter speaking for God. It starts in chapter speaking for God. It starts in chapter 40 and ends in chapter 48. And in what 40 and ends in chapter 48. And in what 40 and ends in chapter 48. And in what God God God Basically, what Isaiah is telling the uh Basically, what Isaiah is telling the uh Basically, what Isaiah is telling the uh the Jews the Jews 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. captive. captive. Well, what a great plan that is. 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 what God is saying to his people is what God is saying to his people is this, is that at the end of the this, is that at the end of the this, is that at the end of the Babylonian captivity, he's going to Babylonian captivity, he's going to Babylonian captivity, he's going to raise up a man named Cyrus, raise up a man named Cyrus, raise up a man 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 of chapter 45, uh God says that the king of chapter 45, uh God says that the king of the Persians' name is going to be Cyrus. the Persians' name is going to be Cyrus. the Persians' name is going to be Cyrus. Cyrus isn't even born yet. Cyrus isn't even born yet. Cyrus isn't even born yet. None of this has happened. None of this has happened. None of this has happened. But yet God is prophesying to the people But yet God is prophesying to the people But yet God is prophesying to the people what is going to happen.

what is going to happen. what is going to happen. God is telling everyone in in advance God is telling everyone in in advance God is telling everyone in in advance what he is going to do. what he is going to do. what he is going to do. He is arranging world history for the He is arranging world history for the He is arranging world history for the sake sake sake of his chosen people. Look at verse 11. >> [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 from my purpose from a far country. man from my purpose from a far country. man from 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. with Cyrus anything he wants to do. with Cyrus anything he wants to do. God is teaching his people that he is God is teaching his people that he is God is teaching his people that he is Lord Lord Lord over all people, over all people, over all people, all times, and in all places. all times, and in all places. all times, and in all places. The Bible affirms the sovereign The Bible affirms the sovereign The Bible affirms the sovereign providence providence of God over and providence providence of God over and providence providence of God over and over again. Here's just a couple of over again. Here's just a couple of over again. Here's just a couple of verses. verses. verses. A king's heart is like channeled water A king's heart is like channeled water A king's heart is like channeled water in the Lord's hand. He directs it in the Lord's hand. He directs it in the Lord's hand. He directs it wherever he chooses.

wherever he chooses. wherever he 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 Sheol, that's the sends some down to Sheol, that's the sends some down to Sheol, 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. heals them. heals them. The Lord brings poverty and gives The Lord brings poverty and gives The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth. He humbles and he exalts. wealth. He humbles and he exalts. 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, this morning, this morning, I am the Lord and there is no other. I am the Lord and there is no other. I am the Lord and there is no other. I form light and create darkness. I make I form light and create darkness. I make I form light and create darkness. I make success and I create disaster. success and I create disaster. success and I create disaster. I am the Lord who does I am the Lord who does I am the Lord who does all these things. all these things. all these things. See, the troubling truth See, the troubling truth See, the troubling truth is that God uses both success and is that God uses both success and is that God uses both success and disaster disaster disaster in accomplishing his will in accomplishing his will in accomplishing his will in his people. in his people. 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. This isn't the God we want. This isn't the God we want. It's not the God people believe in It's not the God people believe in It's not the God people believe in today. today. 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. prophet speak. prophet speak. Now, we've heard him before. This is Now, we've heard him before. This is Now, we've heard him before. This is chapter 46, so he's had a lot of stuff chapter 46, so he's had a lot of stuff chapter 46, so he's had a lot of stuff he's said in the months and days and he's said in the months and days and he's said in the months and days and years before. years before. 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, here we are, and we're in the temple, here we are, and we're in the temple, and we're hearing Isaiah say these words and we're hearing Isaiah say these words and we're hearing Isaiah say these words from God. from God. from God. Saying God's word to them. Saying God's word to them. Saying God's word to them. You're going to You're going to You're going to be attacked by the Babylonians who are be attacked by the Babylonians who are be attacked by the Babylonians who are going to raze this town. This temple is going to raze this town. This temple is going to raze this town. This temple is going to be burned down, and you're going to be burned down, and you're going to be burned down, and you're going to go into the Babylon You're going to go into the Babylon You're going to go into the Babylon You're going to go into in the Babylon in going to go into in the Babylon in going to go into in the Babylon in captivity.

captivity. 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? you're going to go, "What? you're going to go, "What? Who are you? Who are you? 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? Isaiah? Isaiah? Would God purposely lead us into Would God purposely lead us into Would God purposely lead us into captivity? captivity? captivity? God wouldn't do that to his people. He God wouldn't do that to his people. He God wouldn't do that to his people. He doesn't bring problems, he fixes them. doesn't bring problems, he fixes them. doesn't bring problems, 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 ground, took the people captive, and ground, took the people captive, and took them into the captivity. 70 years took them into the captivity. 70 years took them into the captivity. 70 years later, 70, two generations later, later, 70, two generations later, later, 70, two generations later, Cyrus is born, his parents name him Cyrus is born, his parents name him Cyrus is born, his parents name him Cyrus. Cyrus. 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. Just like God said. 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, over all people, over all people, all times, and all places. all times, and all places. all times, and all places. And this singular, sovereign, And this singular, sovereign, And this singular, sovereign, providential God providential God providential God accomplishes his eternal plan accomplishes his eternal plan accomplishes his eternal plan for his glory for his glory for his glory and for our good. and for our good. and for our good. Our problem, though, Our problem, though, Our problem, though, is that God's plan is different is that God's plan is different is that God's plan is different than what we think it should be. than what we think it should be. than what we think it should be. In Old Testament times, people In Old Testament times, people In Old Testament times, people worshipped gods that they thought worshipped gods that they thought worshipped gods that they thought um um um caused or caused or caused or caused not to happen caused not to happen caused not to happen their prosperity. their prosperity. 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 magic or things or magic or things or or or or rituals to awaken or cajole or whatever rituals to awaken or cajole or whatever rituals to awaken or cajole 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 And so the problem was And so the problem was the Israelites the Israelites the Israelites had adopted the Canaanite gods cuz they had adopted the Canaanite gods cuz they had adopted the Canaanite gods cuz they were living in the land of Canaan, were living in the land of Canaan, were living in the land of Canaan, remember? remember? remember? And they had adopted the worship of And they had adopted the worship of And they had adopted the worship of these Canaanite gods and goddesses along these Canaanite gods and goddesses along these Canaanite gods and goddesses along with the God of the Bible, the one that with the God of the Bible, the one that with the God of the Bible, the one that had led them out of captivity in Egypt. had led them out of captivity in Egypt. had led them out of captivity in Egypt. And God says, "Uh-uh. And God says, "Uh-uh. And God says, "Uh-uh. I am singular, the only true God. All I am singular, the only true God. All I am singular, the only true God. All these other gods are nothing." these other gods are nothing." these other gods are nothing." And so what God is going to do and that And so what God is going to do and that And so what God is going to do and that that's the reason for the Babylonian that's the reason for the Babylonian that's the reason for the Babylonian captivity. captivity. 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 and that he has the plan and that he has the plan for the ages. for the ages. 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 Look at verse one of chapter 46. one of chapter 46. one of chapter 46. Bel crouches, Nebo cowers. Idols Bel crouches, Nebo cowers. Idols Bel crouches, Nebo cowers. Idols depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts depicting them are consigned to beasts and cattle. Bel and Nebo were the gods and cattle. Bel and Nebo were the gods and cattle. Bel and Nebo were the gods of the Babylonians.

of the Babylonians. of 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 oxcarts. As a matter of fact, it goes in oxcarts. As a matter of fact, it goes in oxcarts. As a matter of fact, it goes on to say on to say on to say the beasts can barely move their the beasts can barely move their 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 oxcarts and they're carrying onto these oxcarts and they're carrying onto these oxcarts and they're carrying them back to Persia. The idea here is they weren't able those The idea here is they weren't able those Babylonian gods were not able Babylonian gods were not able Babylonian gods were not able to rescue Babylon from the Persian. So to rescue Babylon from the Persian. So to rescue Babylon from the Persian. So God's making fun of them. Says, "They God's making fun of them. Says, "They God's making fun of them. Says, "They crouch and cower." It's kind of like crouch and cower." It's kind of like crouch and cower." It's kind of like these Babylonian gods are hiding out these Babylonian gods are hiding out these Babylonian gods are hiding out because they weren't able to save because they weren't able to save because they weren't able to save Babylon Babylon Babylon from the Persians. from the Persians. from the Persians. Look at verse seven. Look at verse seven. Look at verse seven. They lift their idol to their shoulder They lift their idol to their shoulder They lift their idol to their shoulder and bear it along. and bear it along. and bear it 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. place. place. They cry out to it, but it doesn't They cry out to it, but it doesn't They cry out to it, but it doesn't answer. It saves no one from his answer. It saves no one from his 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. They're just idols. They're just idols. They're from gold and silver. They can't They're from gold and silver. They can't They're from gold and silver. They can't move unless someone moves them. They move unless someone moves them. They move unless someone moves them. They can't do anything because they aren't can't do anything because they aren't can't do anything because they aren't anything. anything. 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 The one true God The one true God alone alone alone does everything. does everything. does everything. It's no different than today. It's no different than today. It's no different than today. Many Christians, most American Many Christians, most American Many Christians, most American Christians, believe in a God who exists Christians, believe in a God who exists Christians, believe in a God who exists for their prosperity. for their prosperity. for their prosperity. Instead of Instead of Instead of But instead of calling our false gods But instead of calling our false gods But instead of calling our false gods these cool names like these cool names like these cool names like Bel and Nebo, let's give them names that Bel and Nebo, let's give them names that Bel and Nebo, let's give them names that fit who they really are. fit who they really are. fit who they really are. Nil Nil Nil and zero. and zero. and zero. Nil means nothing and zero equals Nil means nothing and zero equals Nil means nothing and zero equals nothing. nothing. nothing. And that's who these false gods are. And that's who these false gods are. 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 um I read a um I read a um Lifeway study, Lifeway Southern Baptist Lifeway study, Lifeway Southern Baptist Lifeway study, Lifeway Southern Baptist study study study from 3 years ago from 3 years ago from 3 years ago that discovered that discovered that discovered that 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 work with, the people we work with, the people we grocery shop with, 76% of the people we grocery shop with, 76% of the people we grocery shop with, 76% of American Protestants believe that God's American Protestants believe that God's American Protestants believe that God's will and plan is for you to be happy,

will and plan is for you to be happy, will and plan is for you to be happy, healthy, wealthy, successful, and healthy, wealthy, successful, and healthy, wealthy, successful, and personally fulfilled. personally fulfilled. personally 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 check in the amount of check in the amount of If If I was a televangelist, that's what If If I was a televangelist, that's what If If I was a televangelist, that's what I would say next. I would say next. I would say 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] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I love driving around East Texas. East >> I love driving around East Texas. East >> I love driving around East Texas. East Texas is so beautiful. Texas is so beautiful. Texas is so beautiful. Um Um Um And And And you know, when you drive the country you know, when you drive the country 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? in East Texas? in East Texas? And a lot of churches have a sign out And a lot of churches have a sign out And a lot of churches have a sign out front. front. front. And sometimes the sign just tells, you And sometimes the sign just tells, you And sometimes the sign just tells, you know, know, know, uh you know, it'll have their service uh you know, it'll have their service uh you know, it'll have their service times. But, sometimes it'll say times. But, sometimes it'll say times. But, sometimes it'll say something goofy.

something goofy. something goofy. Or something Or something Or something they think is clever, you know, like they think is clever, you know, like they think is clever, you know, like um um um sign broke, message inside. sign broke, message inside. sign broke, message inside. Uh that's really helpful. Uh that's really helpful. Uh that'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'll Oh, I'm dying to go in that church. I'll Oh, I'm dying to go in that church. I'll tell you what. Worse The worst The second worst I've Worse 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. That's not helpful. The worst though, the number one worst, The worst though, the number one worst, The worst though, the number one worst, and I see it more and more, two simple words on a church sign, two simple words on a church sign, try Jesus. try Jesus. try Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus. Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and what? Try Jesus and you'll be happier, Try Jesus and you'll be happier, Try Jesus and you'll be happier, healthier, wealthier, more successful. healthier, wealthier, more successful. healthier, wealthier, more successful. Really? Really? Really? You think of any verse in the Bible that You think of any verse in the Bible that You think of any verse in the Bible that sounds like that? Anywhere in the Bible sounds like that? Anywhere in the Bible sounds like that? Anywhere in the Bible does it sound, you know, give Jesus a does it sound, you know, give Jesus a does it sound, you know, give Jesus a whirl if nothing else works out.

whirl if nothing else works out. 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 a major all at all. One of the one of a major all at all. One of the one of a 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. try trusting Jesus for 60 days. try trusting Jesus for 60 days. Really? At the end of 60 days, what? Here's what Jesus said, Here's what Jesus said, if anyone wants to be my disciple, if anyone wants to be my disciple, if anyone wants 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. He is the only God. He is the only God. Everything else is nil Everything else is nil Everything else is nil and zero. and zero. 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. not our happiness. not our happiness. It's our holiness. It's our holiness. 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. in him. in him. This exactly what the Bible teaches, but This exactly what the Bible teaches, but This exactly what the Bible teaches, but yet most Americans believe that God yet most Americans believe that God yet most Americans believe that God exists for our benefit. We have turned exists for our benefit. We have turned exists for our benefit. We have turned the singular sovereign providential God the singular sovereign providential God the singular sovereign providential God into our personal assistant, our life into our personal assistant, our life into our personal assistant, our life coach, our obedient butler that exists coach, our obedient butler that exists coach, our obedient butler that exists to fulfill our dreams and fix our to fulfill our dreams and fix our to fulfill our dreams and fix our circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. That makes us sovereign That makes us sovereign That makes us sovereign and God subservient to our whims and and God subservient to our whims and and God subservient to our whims and wishes. wishes. wishes. And when their prosperity gospel fails, And when their prosperity gospel fails, And when their prosperity gospel fails, and it will fail, and it will fail, and it will fail, they think Jesus has failed. We tried they think Jesus has failed. We tried they think Jesus has failed. We tried Jesus and it didn't work. Jesus and it didn't work. Jesus and it didn't 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 fix fix your circumstances. your circumstances. your circumstances. I met a man a couple of years ago out in I met a man a couple of years ago out in I met a man a couple of years ago out in the foyer the foyer the foyer and he came up to me and we were talking and he came up to me and we were talking and 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. But I'm back on track. But I'm back on track. I'm back in church every Sunday. I'm I'm back in church every Sunday. I'm I'm back in church every Sunday. I'm praying. I'm reading the Bible. I'm praying. I'm reading the Bible. I'm praying. I'm reading the Bible. I'm doing everything I know is right and I doing everything I know is right and I doing everything I know is right and I can do not understand why God hasn't can do not understand why God hasn't can do not understand 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. God is This is not a bargain thing with God is This is not a bargain thing with God is 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 is no one like me. He demands our worship, He demands our worship, not our trial, not our trial, not our trial, not our bargaining. not our bargaining. 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. problem. problem. Every time we ask God, Every time we ask God, Every time we ask God, "Why are you allowing this to happen?" "Why are you allowing this to happen?" "Why are you allowing this to happen?" We are admitting our belief that God We are admitting our belief that God We are admitting our belief that God exists to fix our problems. exists to fix our problems. exists to fix our problems. I like to think of it this way. I like to think of it this way. I like to think of it this way. When good things happen to you, When good things happen to you, When good things happen to you, you know, something really good happens, you know, something really good happens, you know, something really good happens, do you ever go to God and say, "God, why do you ever go to God and say, "God, why do you ever go to God and say, "God, why are you allowing this in my life?

are you allowing this in my life? are you allowing this in my life? Why am I well and everybody else is Why am I well and everybody else is Why am I well and everybody else is sick? sick? sick? Why do I have plenty of money and others Why do I have plenty of money and others Why do I have plenty of money and others don't? don't? 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 Everything God does is for his glory and for the good of his people. and for the good of his people. and for the good of his people. 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 and for the good and for the good of his people. of his people. 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. Our problem is this. Our problem is this. That God's plan is different That God's plan is different That God's plan is 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? lives? lives? Well, the first one is the first reason Well, the first one is the first reason Well, the first one is the first reason is this. God's plan is to refine is this. God's plan is to refine is this. God's plan is to refine his children. He brings troubles and his children. He brings troubles and his children. He brings troubles and trials into our lives trials into our lives trials into our lives as tools to shape and refine us into a as tools to shape and refine us into a as tools to shape and refine us into a people for his own possession.

people for his own possession. people for his own 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 the same the same the same passage passage passage God says it like this. God says it like this. God says it like this. I will delay my anger I will delay my anger I will delay my anger for the sake of my name and I will for the sake of my name and I will for the sake of my name and I will restrain myself for your benefit and for restrain myself for your benefit and for restrain myself for your benefit and for my praise. my praise. my praise. God's glory and our benefit. God's glory and our benefit. God's glory and our benefit. So, that you will not be destroyed. So, that you will not be destroyed. So, that you will not be destroyed. Look, I have refined you not as silver. Look, I have refined you not as silver. Look, I have refined you not as silver. I have tested you in the furnace I have tested you in the furnace I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. of affliction. of affliction. In the singular sovereign [snorts] In the singular sovereign [snorts] In the singular sovereign [snorts] providence of God, he is using the pagan providence of God, he is using the pagan providence of God, he is using the pagan Babylonians to refine his people. He is Babylonians to refine his people. He is Babylonians to refine his people. He is purifying them and teaching them to purifying them and teaching them to purifying them and teaching them to trust him and him alone. trust him and him alone. trust him and him 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 people. He is purifying people. He is purifying for himself a people for his own for himself a people for his own for himself a people for his own possession.

possession. 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, In his great book Mere Christianity, In his great book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis said it like this. Look at it C.S. Lewis said it like this. Look at it C.S. Lewis said it like this. Look at it with me. with me. with me. Imagine yourself as a living house. Imagine yourself as a living house. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. God comes in to rebuild that house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first perhaps you can understand what At first perhaps you can understand what At first perhaps you can understand what he is doing. he is doing. he is doing. He is getting the drains right and He is getting the drains right and He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so stopping the leaks in the roof and so stopping the leaks in the roof and so on. You knew those jobs needed doing and on. You knew those jobs needed doing and on. You knew those jobs needed doing and so you're not surprised. so you're not surprised. 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 abominably abominably and does not seem to make any sense. and does not seem to make any sense. and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is he up to? What on earth is he up to? What on earth is he up to? The explanation is that he is building The explanation is that he is building The explanation is that he is building quite a different house from the one you quite a different house from the one you quite a different house from the one you thought of. thought of. thought of. Throwing out a new wing here, putting on Throwing out a new wing here, putting on Throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, an extra floor there, running up towers, an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were making courtyards. You thought you were making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage, being made into a decent little cottage, being made into a decent little cottage, but he is building a palace.

but he is building a palace. but he is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it He intends to come and live in it He intends to come and live in it himself. himself. himself. God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our lives lives lives as tools to shape and to refine us into as tools to shape and to refine us into as tools to shape and to refine us into a people a people a people for his own possession. for his own possession. 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. Romans 8. Romans 8. We know that all things work together We know that all things work together We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who for the good of those who love God, who for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. And are called according to his purpose. And are called according to his purpose. And what's his purpose? For those he what's his purpose? For those he what's his purpose? For those he foreknew, he also predestined to become foreknew, he also predestined to become foreknew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of his son. God's conformed to the image of his son. God's conformed to the image of his son. God's purpose for Christians is that we become purpose for Christians is that we become purpose for Christians is that we become like Jesus. like Jesus. 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. studying of His word. studying of His word. The word of God is profitable. The word of God is profitable. The word of God is profitable. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, It is sharper than any two-edged sword, It is sharper than any two-edged sword, able to judge the thoughts and able to judge the thoughts and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of our heart. It's for intentions of our heart. It's for intentions of our heart. It's for doctrine, reproof, correction, for doctrine, reproof, correction, for doctrine, reproof, correction, for training in righteousness, so that training in righteousness, so that 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 uses. God uses His word uses. God uses His word to change us into the image of Christ.

to change us into the image of Christ. to change us into the image of Christ. Sometimes, Sometimes, 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, But if we're honest, But if we're honest, really, really, really, the areas the areas the areas that God seems to make the biggest that God seems to make the biggest that God seems to make the biggest progress in our lives progress in our lives progress in our lives are not in the good times, they're in are not in the good times, they're in are not in the good times, they're in the difficult times the difficult times the difficult times when we are forced to focus on Him when we are forced to focus on Him when we are forced to focus on Him and what God is doing in our lives. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> You ever You know, when you go shopping >> You ever You know, when you go shopping >> You ever You know, when you go shopping nowadays, nowadays, nowadays, after you finish checking out, a lot of after you finish checking out, a lot of after you finish checking out, a lot of times they'll look at you and they go, times they'll look at you and they go, times they'll look at you and they go, "Have a blessed day." "Have a blessed day." "Have a blessed day." They used to say, "Have a nice day." But They used to say, "Have a nice day." But They used to say, "Have a nice day." But no, now we have religious overtones. no, now we have religious overtones. no, now we have religious overtones. Have a day that God blesses. Have a day that God blesses. Have a day that God 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. There's nothing wrong with saying thing. There's nothing wrong with saying thing. There's nothing wrong with saying that. That's a good thing. that. That's a good thing. that. That's a good thing. But every time it happens, I always want But every time it happens, I always want But every time it happens, I always want to say to them, "As a Christian, to say to them, "As a Christian, to say to them, "As a 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."

blessed day." blessed day." Because the Holy Spirit inside me is Because the Holy Spirit inside me is Because the Holy Spirit inside me is transforming me into the image of transforming me into the image of transforming me into the image of Christ. Even my worst day Christ. Even my worst day Christ. Even my worst day is a blessed day. Of course, I want to say that, but I Of course, I want to say that, but I never had the guts to say it really to never had the guts to say it really to never had the guts to say it really to anybody. anybody. anybody. I think I'd messed up their blessed day I think I'd messed up their blessed day I think I'd messed up their blessed day if I said that. 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 will say, [clears throat] Somebody will say, [clears throat] Somebody will say, [clears throat] "Well, that boy that boy is the spitting "Well, that boy that boy is the spitting "Well, that boy that boy is the spitting image of his daddy." And I thought to myself, And I thought to myself, "What spit got to do with it?" "What spit got to do with it?" "What spit got to do with it?" I mean, I mean, I mean, "That boy is the spitting image of his" "That boy is the spitting image of his" "That boy is the spitting image of his" So, I looked it up. So, I looked it up. So, I looked it up. I thought, "You know, I can't think of I thought, "You know, I can't think of I thought, "You know, I can't think of any reason that it Is it cuz you got a any reason that it Is it cuz you got a any reason that it Is it cuz you got a pinch between your cheek and gum? I pinch between your cheek and gum? I pinch between your cheek and gum? I think you're spit think you're spit think you're spit I I don't know." I I don't know." I I don't know." Actually, the word is Actually, the word is Actually, the word is he is the spirit he is the spirit he is the spirit and image of his daddy.

and image of his daddy. and image of his daddy. And somehow with a little Texas accent, And somehow with a little Texas accent, And somehow with a little Texas accent, maybe, maybe, maybe, spirit and image became spitting image, spirit and image became spitting image, spirit and image became spitting image, and there we have it. and there we have it. and there we have it. Don't know how. I don't know why we Don't know how. I don't know why we Don't know how. I don't know why we don't have accents here. I've been all don't have accents here. I've been all don't have accents here. I've been all over the world, they got accents. over the world, they got accents. over the 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. After God completes his plan to refine After God completes his plan to refine his children, his children, his children, God's plan is then to God's plan is then to God's plan is then to rescue his children. rescue his children. rescue his children. So, we When we find ourselves in the So, we When we find ourselves in the So, we When we find ourselves in the furnace of affliction, what do we do? furnace of affliction, what do we do? furnace of affliction, what do we do? First thing is this, First thing is this, 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 9. Look at verse 9. Look at verse 9. 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, his kept promises, and we faithfulness, his kept promises, and we faithfulness, his 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.

has always done for his children. has always done for his children. You You You If you remember the stories of Shadrach, If you remember the stories of Shadrach, If you remember the stories of Shadrach, Shadrach, Abednego Shadrach, Abednego Shadrach, Abednego in the fiery furnace. in the fiery furnace. in the fiery furnace. Jesus was there with them. Jesus was there with them. Jesus was there with them. If If we remember the story of Daniel in If If we remember the story of Daniel in If If we remember the story of Daniel in the lion's den, those two great stories the lion's den, those two great stories the lion's den, those two great stories happened during the Babylonian happened during the Babylonian happened during the Babylonian captivity. captivity. captivity. As a way of saying to the people, "I As a way of saying to the people, "I As a way of saying to the people, "I have not abandoned you. I am right here have not abandoned you. I am right here have not abandoned you. I am right here with you." with you." with you." Remember God's provision Remember God's provision Remember God's provision in the past. in the past. in the past. Secondly, Secondly, Secondly, remember God's promises for the future. remember God's promises for the future. remember God's promises for the future. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> Look at verse 10. >> Look at verse 10. >> Look at verse 10. "I declare the end from the beginning "I declare the end from the beginning "I declare the end from the beginning and from long ago what is not yet done, and from long ago what is not yet done, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying, 'My plan will take place, saying, 'My plan will take place, saying, 'My plan will take place, and I will do all my will. and I will do all my will. and I will do all my will. 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 also bring Yes, I have spoken, so I will also bring Yes, I have spoken, so I will also bring it about. I have planned it. it about. I have planned it. it about. I have planned it. I will also do it. I will also do it. I will also do it. Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far Listen to me, you hard-hearted, far removed from justice. I am bringing my removed from justice. I am bringing my removed from justice. I am bringing my justice near. It is not far away, and my justice near. It is not far away, and my justice near. It is not far away, and my salvation will not delay.

salvation will not delay. salvation will not delay. I will put salvation in Zion, my glory I will put salvation in Zion, my glory I will put salvation in Zion, my glory in Israel." in Israel." in Israel." See, the Jews had the promise of See, the Jews had the promise of See, the Jews had the promise of salvation from Babylon when Cyrus came salvation from Babylon when Cyrus came salvation from Babylon when Cyrus came to overthrow to overthrow to overthrow the Babylonians. the Babylonians. the Babylonians. Today, we have the promise of eternal Today, we have the promise of eternal Today, we have the promise of eternal salvation when Jesus returns and salvation when Jesus returns and salvation when Jesus returns and completes the plan that God has had from completes the plan that God has had from completes the plan that God has had from the beginning of time. the beginning of time. the beginning of time. God has declared the end God has declared the end God 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 that four down.

three and that four down. three and that four down. Put them on your bathroom mirror to Put them on your bathroom mirror to Put them on your bathroom mirror to remind you every morning. remind you every morning. remind you every morning. Listen to me, house of Jacob, Listen to me, house of Jacob, Listen to me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, all the remnant of the house of Israel, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, who have been sustained from the womb, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. carried along since birth. carried along since birth. I will be the same until your old age, I will be the same until your old age, I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn and I will bear you up when you turn and I will bear you up when you turn gray. gray. gray. I have made you, and I will carry you. I have made you, and I will carry you. I have made you, and I will carry you. I will bear you I will bear 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 and bad, through the good times and bad, through the good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in sickness and in health, in sickness and in health, in times of fullness and in times of in times of fullness and in times of in times of fullness and in times of emptiness. emptiness. 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 a abandoned us, but God uses the has a abandoned us, but God uses the has a abandoned us, but God uses the furnace of affliction furnace of affliction furnace of affliction because it is best for you, even though because it is best for you, even though because it is best for you, even though at the time at the time at the time you won't think it is. you won't think it is. you won't think it is. God is closer to you God is closer to you God is closer to you than your next thought.

than your next thought. than your next thought. The Apostle Peter said it this way, The Apostle Peter said it this way, The Apostle Peter said it this way, "You are being guarded by God's power "You are being guarded by God's power "You are being guarded by God's power through faith for a salvation that is through faith for a salvation that is through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the last time, ready to be revealed at the last time, ready to be revealed at the last time, at the ending." at the ending." at the ending." You rejoice in this even though now for You rejoice in this even though now for You rejoice in this even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer a short time, if necessary, you suffer a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials, so that the grief in various trials, so that the grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith, more proven character of your faith, more 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, perishable is refined by fire, perishable is refined by fire, they result in they result in they result in praise, glory, and honor at the praise, glory, and honor at the praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. revelation of Jesus Christ. revelation of Jesus Christ. The difficult times, the trials we go The difficult times, the trials we go The 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, proven character of our of our faith, proven character of our of our faith, and for the glory of God. and for the glory of God. and for the glory of God. When troubles come, When troubles come, When troubles come, afflictions abound, afflictions abound, afflictions abound, the way seems dark, the way seems dark, the way seems dark, remember that the singular, sovereign, remember that the singular, sovereign, remember that the singular, sovereign, providential God who made you providential God who made you providential God who made you and called you to faith in Christ and called you to faith in Christ and called you to faith in Christ is carrying is carrying is carrying you. you. you. Remember what we what we said, the plan Remember what we what we said, the plan Remember what we what we said, the plan of God for his children is not our of God for his children is not our of God for his children is not our happiness, it's our holiness.

happiness, it's our holiness. 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. spiritual condition. 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 The plan of God The plan of God is not our earthly success, it's our is not our earthly success, it's our is not our earthly success, it's our eternal salvation. The plan of God for eternal salvation. The plan of God for eternal salvation. The plan of God for you and me you and me you and me is not our personal satisfaction, is not our personal satisfaction, is not our personal satisfaction, is that we are personally satisfied is that we are personally satisfied is that we are personally satisfied in him. in him. in him. Everything God does Everything God does Everything God does is for his glory is for his glory 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. Jesus. Jesus. God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our God brings trials and troubles into our life as tools to shape and to refine us life as tools to shape and to refine us life as tools to shape and to refine us as people for his own possession. as people for his own possession. as people for his own possession. So, when troubles come, instead of So, when troubles come, instead of So, when troubles come, instead of saying, "God, why are you doing this?" saying, "God, why are you doing this?" saying, "God, why are you doing this?" let us say, "God, wow, let us say, "God, wow, 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. was feeling much better. was feeling much better. So, she was able to walk from her little So, she was able to walk from her little So, she was able to walk from her little village into the nearby town, and when village into the nearby town, and when village into the nearby town, and when she walked into the post office, she walked into the post office, she walked into the post office, there were two checks waiting for her, there were two checks waiting for her, there were two checks waiting for her, last month's last month's last month's and this month's. and this month's. and this month's. And she said, "Lord, why? And she said, "Lord, why? 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 furlough and a few months later on furlough and a few months later on furlough and she shared the oatmeal story to the she shared the oatmeal story to the she shared the oatmeal story to the people there and people there and people there and and told and wondered aloud, "Why in the and told and wondered aloud, "Why in the and told and wondered aloud, "Why in the world would God do that? Why would God world would God do that? Why would God world would God do that? Why would God not not not give her the support check that that give her the support check that that give her the support check that that they had sent they had sent they had sent that she knew she needed?" that she knew she needed?" that she knew 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, came to her and he said, came to her and he said, "Well, tell me about your sickness." So, "Well, tell me about your sickness." So, "Well, tell me about your sickness." So, she described it to him and he said, she described it to him and he said, she described it to him and he said, "You know, that's amazing.

"You know, that's amazing. "You know, that's 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 for your digestive problem for your digestive problem was a very bland diet like was a very bland diet like was a very bland diet like oatmeal." Everything Everything everything God does is for His everything God does is for His everything God does is for His glory glory glory and for the good of those and for the good of those and for the good of those who believe in Jesus. who believe in Jesus. who believe in Jesus. So, have a blessed day. So, have a blessed day. So, have a blessed day. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this time. Father, thank you for this time. Father, thank you for this time. Thank you for your grace Thank you for your grace Thank 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 cuz you are affliction and you know that cuz you are affliction and you know that cuz you are standing right there with them. You're standing right there with them. You're standing right there with them. You're right beside them. You're carrying them.

right beside them. You're carrying them. right beside them. You're carrying them. I pray for them today that you will I pray for them today that you will I pray for them today that you will let them know that you are there. let them know that you are there. let them know that you are there. Let them realize by reading this Let them realize by reading this Let them realize by reading this Isaiah 46, Isaiah 46, Isaiah 46, you are with us. you are with us. you are with us. Transforming us. Transforming 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. Christ. Christ. Using every means possible. Using every means possible. 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 All of us each day All of us each day as we live our life as we live our life as we live our life for your glory and by your grace. for your glory and by your grace. for your glory and by your grace. In Christ's name. In Christ's name. In Christ's name. Amen.