GOD'S PRESENCE (5).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*GOD'S PRESENCE (5).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Psalm 46:1 *God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

God is a very present help in trouble. He is present not passive. He is not without help, active response and resistance in your time of trouble.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

While God does not wish us trouble, the sinful world will create problem because it is in rebellion against God.

Jesus told us in Matt 6:34 of the evil that is sufficient for everyday and in John 16:33 of the tribulation we will have in this world.

He, however, wants us to learn in our times of trouble, either whether the trouble comes from the sinful world or direct consequences of our own carelessness.

The following will help us.

First, most times, if not all the time, we want a complete removal of our sicknesses, disappointments, failures etc.

The believer must know that believing in God is not just a removal of weaknesses or distresses but the power of God revealed in weaknesses and distresses.

Not all sicknesses, infirmities, etc will be removed.

John 5:1-15 tells us Jesus healed one man out of a multitude of sick people.

Mk 6:5 where He could *"....there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them."*

So God often restrict His power to heal.

He healed a man born blind in John 9:1-3.

Oftentimes some eventualities or deformities are allowed by Him to achieve a divine purpose.

*And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.*

*And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?*

*Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.*

In 2 Cor 12:9 rather than take away Paul's thorn in the flesh, He gave him is grace

*And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.*

We must never misjudge the presence of ailment as the absence of God in anybody's life, especially God's vessels.

Elisha was sick of a sickness he died of,

2 Kgs 13:14.

Some sicknesses occur as a result of inherent genes, afflictions, reckless use of our bodies etc.

So when some sicknesses do not go away, it is not an indication of God's wrath.

We must believe God still heals and makes whole regardless of any genetics, heredity, self-made affliction etc.

Second is that, at times it is not the distress you are in that changes God but your response, reactions, during the time of your trouble that changes and convinces God of who you really are to Him.

Your distress may not change God because God already feels your distress just as you feel it.

Hebrews 4:15 *For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.*

However your response and attitude during your distress may be what God is looking out for.

Job maintained his integrity before God in his time of trial, just as God spoke of him, Job 1:8.

Job 1:22 says *In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.*

Job 42:7 says *And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.*

Third, stay with God in times of your trouble. Patience and trust are key. Do not go astray or be led astray.

King Saul lost his patience. He went after the witches that he removed from Israel, 1 Sam 28.

James 1:2-4 says *My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;*

*Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.*

*But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.*

Heb 10:36 *For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.*

Job 14;14 says *If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.*

He is never absent any where. He is nearer that the clothes you are wearing!

*Remorse corner.*

You can not afford to be absent when God is present. Be patient and continue to trust

*Call to Word action.*

Your time of trouble may be times God may be teaching you something.

Heb 5:8 *though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Do not run away from God but run to Him.

*Prayer.*

Lord please come through for me. Let not my patience run out to miss God's presence and intervention in my life in Jesus name.

Good morning all and have a blessed day.

God bless you.