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God does not cause and is not responsible for all the acts and events of fallen mankind, but they are a part of His purpose in the sense that He works all things to His ultimate Glory.
Isaiah 14:26-27 ESV This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. (27) For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? GOD IS: God is Omniscient and knows all things from the beginning. Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, (10) declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,' Therefore, He has a plan and purpose which in His power and wisdom He carries out for His glory and for the redemption of His people. It would be a confusing world if every act and happening surprised God and required Him to improvise to rescue His program from disaster. The three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lion's den, and Joseph sold cruelly into Egypt, demonstrate the working of Divine purpose and grace: All of these events turned out to the blessing of His people and to His own glory. Genesis 50:20 ESV As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
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 When someone is being drawn by the Holy Spirit to the Father's heart, it is not dictated by the circumstances and events going on around that person. Why? Because when the Holy Spirit is working on a heart He creates His own atmosphere. The Person of the Holy Spirit is an atmosphere changer.
Moses went from shepherding sheep to standing in fearful awe before a burning bush. He had to flee Egypt, he has been in the wilderness for 40 years and now he stood before God in fear. God showed up in the wilderness and changed the atmosphere from a dry desert to the challenging presence of the Most High. Daniel was at peace in the lion's den. Facing death for praying and taking a stand for the Most High God he went from being a respected prophet to being fed with to the lions. However, God showed up and changed the atmosphere. The three Hebrew men walked around in a fiery furnace and the fourth man showed up. The Hebrew men would not BOW to the king. The three Hebrew men would not BEND to the demands of the king nor compromise. Therefore, the three Hebrew men would not BURN because the Son showed up and changed the atmosphere within the fire. It was so changed that even their clothes were smoke free. Jonah had his mandate, his marching orders. However he decided to flee the opposite way trying to run from his destiny and from God. Jonah went DOWN to Tarshish, DOWN in the bottom of the boat, DOWN in the sea, DOWN in the belly of the great fish, and still fulfilled the will of God. This was because of each journey DOWN God's presence changed the atmosphere to bring Jonah to his rightful place. Stephen preached the Gospel and was stoned to death. John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus was nailed to a cruel cross. Now Stephen was the current problem to the religious leaders. The stones hurled in the air and found their mark against the body of Stephen. He knew death in the physical was moments away. However, while facing certain death in the physical when Stephen should have been crying out in pain God changed the atmosphere. Instead of being focused on his murderers Stephen saw the glory of God and our Lord Jesus standing in heaven. This glorious event was not while he was peacefully in his prayer closet in the safety of his house, but out in the street as he was being stoned to death. |
AuthorCharles Morris. Founder and Senior Pastor of RSI Ministry, RSI School of Ministry, and RSI Publishing L.L.C.. Archives
March 2021
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