Tag Archives: trust in God

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Posted on by
12

God wants all of His children to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). The word “walk” translates the Greek verb περιπατέω (peripateō), which literally means “to walk around” or “to conduct one’s life.” This verb is frequently used in the New Testament as a metaphor for one’s daily life, behavior, and manner of living. Paul’s use of “walk” implies a continual, habitual pattern rather than a one-time event. To walk by faith means to trust in God’s Word, even when circumstances or emotions suggest otherwise. It involves making decisions in alignment with divine viewpoint rather than human viewpoint.

Elsewhere God says, “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38). Shrinking back refers to a failure to endure in faith due to fear, persecution, or hardship. Though this does not result in loss of salvation, it does incur divine displeasure. The walk of faith pleases the Lord, for “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Sanctifying faith is exercised as we learn and apply Bible doctrine under the filling of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16; Eph 5:18), utilizing divine resources for spiritual growth. As Christians, we advance spiritually and live sanctified lives through the intake and application of God’s Word (1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18).

In the advance to spiritual maturity, it is normal for Christians to face difficulties, challenges, and hardships. God uses these tests to humble His children and to develop their faith (Deut 8:2-6; Rom 5:3-4; Jam 1:2-4). When fears arise, God wants His children to look to Him in faith, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa 46:1). Solomon wrote, “Do not be afraid of sudden fear…for the LORD will be your confidence” (Prov 3:25-26). God said, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa 41:10). Faith is locking onto God’s promises, focusing on Him rather than the people or circumstances that provoke fear. It’s having confidence in His unchanging character, sovereignty, and faithfulness and trusting Him, not the situation. Isaiah wrote, “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa 26:3). Jeremiah said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD” (Jer 17:7). In times of trouble, Christians can take refuge in God, for “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nah 1:7).

Faith that leads to sanctification involves two key elements. First, it requires knowledge of God’s Word, for we cannot live what we do not know. Knowing God’s Word necessarily precedes living His will. Second, faith demands obedience, where we calibrate our thoughts, words, and actions with divine truth and obey His directives. Hearing and doing, that’s the order that is seen in Scripture. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt 7:24), and “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28), and “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jam 1:22). For the advancing Christian, knowing God’s Word is paramount to spiritual growth. It is only through the consistent intake and application of Bible doctrine that God is glorified, others are edified, and we are blessed.

God’s Word is always true because He is true, for “He cannot lie” (Heb 6:18). As Scripture declares, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Num 23:19). Yes, God will keep His Word! He has perfect integrity and always fulfills His promises. Be encouraged, for “God is for us” (Rom 8:31) and has promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Therefore, “Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock” (Isa 26:4). Because Christians know God’s Word and trust Him completely, their faith can be strong, being assured that what “He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). God is true and His Word can be trusted.

The Example of Abraham

Abraham stands as a prime example of a believer who advanced in the spiritual life by developing a strong, unwavering faith over time. When God called him at age 75, He told him, “I will make you a great nation” (Gen 12:2). Ten years later, at age 85, the Lord reaffirmed His promise, declaring that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars of heaven (Gen 15:1-5). Then, at 99 years old, God reiterated His covenant, stating, “I will make you the father of a multitude of nations” (Gen 17:5). The promise was repeated, but the fulfillment required patience—Abraham had to wait 25 years before the Lord provided the heir. As time passed and both Abraham and Sarah advanced in age, the biological impossibility of reproduction became undeniable. At this critical juncture, Abraham faced a doctrinal crossroads: Would he rely on human viewpoint, or would he lock onto the immutable character of God? This became the defining moment of his faith. Scripture records that “without becoming weak in faith, he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb” (Rom 4:19). Abraham wasn’t delusional—he acknowledged the reality of the situation. But he also understood that divine omnipotence trumps human incapacity. The issue was never what he or Sarah could accomplish, but whether God could be trusted to do exactly as He had said. Abraham placed his faith firmly in God and His promise, as we’re told: “Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform” (Rom 4:20-21). No hesitation. No vacillation. Just absolute confidence in the integrity of God. Abraham glorified the Lord by trusting Him to execute His Word. And 25 years after the original promise, God delivered—Isaac was born when Abraham was 100 years old (Gen 21:5) and Sarah was 90 (Gen 17:17). God cannot lie. His perfect integrity demands that He keep His promises (Num 23:19; Heb 6:18).

Abraham is a model of living by faith in impossible circumstances. Despite the physical impossibility of having a child due to his and Sarah’s age, Abraham trusted God’s promises. The spiritual life is about relying on God’s Word, not human ability. God often brings us to a point where all human effort fails, and we must choose to trust His integrity. Like Abraham, we must remain confident that God will fulfill His promises, for He is always faithful. In those moments, hold fast to faith and give glory to God, knowing He will perform what He has promised.

Divine Promises to Christians

The New Testament believer is granted numerous promises from God, each grounded in His unchanging character and perfect faithfulness. First, we are promised eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:28). This is a guarantee, not based on works but on the completed work of Christ on the cross (John 19:30; Acts 4:12; Heb 10:12, 14). Additionally, we are promised the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance, strength, and empowerment for the Christian life (John 14:16-17; Gal 5:16; Eph 5:18). We are also promised peace that transcends understanding, a peace that the world cannot give and is grounded in our relationship with Christ (John 14:27; Phil 4:7). Furthermore, we are assured that God will never leave us nor forsake us, regardless of circumstances (Heb 13:5). In times of trial, God promises to provide a way of escape, enabling us to endure temptation (1 Cor 10:13). We are also promised spiritual growth and victory over sin as we walk in the Spirit (Rom 6:11-14; Gal 5:16; Eph 5:18). God also promises to meet our material needs, assuring us that He will provide for us in accordance with His will and purpose (Matt 6:31-33; Phil 4:19). Jesus Himself assured His followers that God cares for our needs, just as He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Matt 6:25-30). Ultimately, we are assured of a future resurrection and eternal inheritance in the presence of God (1 Pet 1:4; 1 Cor 15:51-58). These promises are based on God’s unbreakable Word, providing us with a foundation for faith and confidence in every situation.

Scripture states, “We know God works all things together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Therefore, we are instructed, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5-6). It is God’s will that we trust His Word and walk by faith, to “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psa 37:7), and “cast all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7), and “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). If we do this, then “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

If this article has enriched your understanding and walk with Christ, and you feel led to support my ministry, your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your gifts enable me to continue sharing the gospel of grace and providing in-depth biblical teachings. Thank you for partnering with me in this mission.

Related Articles:

The Life of Faith

Posted on by
74

Believe Living by faith is the Christian way. God expects us to trust Him at His word, which is plainly understood, believed, and applied. Studying the Bible and applying it to life are comparable to breathing in and breathing out, as both are necessary for living. Much of our mental and social stability depends on how well we know the Word of God and apply it to life. The Lord states, “My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38).[1] And we know that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). Scripture reveals that only God and His Word are absolutely true (Psa 119:160; John 17:17), and never fail (Matt 24:35; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18). In contrast, we learn that people fail (Jer 17:5; cf. Pro 28:26), money fails (Psa 62:10), the government fails (Psa 146:3), and the creation fails (Matt 24:35). As we look at the Greek New Testament, we see how the word faith is used three ways:

  1. Faith, as a verb (πιστεύω pisteuo),[2] means “to consider something to be true and therefore worthy of one’s trust.”[3] It means to believe, trust, or have confidence in God (Heb 11:6; cf. Rom 4:3), Jesus (Acts 16:31; 1 Pet 1:8), and Scripture (John 2:22). Unreliable people should not be trusted (Matt 24:23, 26; John 2:24).
  2. Faith, as a noun (πίστις pistis), often refers to “that which evokes trust and faith…the state of being someone in whom confidence can be placed, faithfulness, reliability, fidelity.”[4] The word is used with reference to God who is trustworthy (Rom 3:3; 4:19-21), and of people who possess faith (Matt 9:2, 22; 21:21), which can be great (Matt 15:28; cf. Acts 6:5; 11:23-24), small (Matt 17:19-20), or absent (Mark 4:39-40; cf. Luke 8:25). It is also used of Scripture itself as a body of reliable teaching (i.e. Acts 14:22; 16:5; Rom 14:22; Gal 1:23; 2 Tim 4:7).
  3. Faith, as an adjective (πιστός pistos), describes someone “pertaining to being worthy of belief or trust, trustworthy, faithful, dependable, inspiring trust/faith.”[5] The word is used both of man (Matt 25:23; 1 Cor 4:17; Col 1:7; 1 Tim 1:12; 2 Tim 2:2; Heb 3:5), and God (1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; Rev 1:5).

Biblical facts about faith:

  1. Faith demands an object (Acts 16:30-31).
  2. Faith is exercised with a view to receiving a benefit (John 3:16).
  3. The object of faith gets the credit (Rom 4:19-21).
  4. Salvation comes by faith in Jesus (Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 15:3-4; Gal 3:26; Eph 2:8-9).
  5. Faith is the only thing that pleases God (Heb 11:6).
  6. God expects us to live by faith (Rom 1:17; Heb 10:38).
  7. Faith is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
  8. By faith we apply the word of God (Matt 7:24-25; John 13:17; Jam 1:22).
  9. By faith we claim promises (Heb 6:11-12; 2 Pet 1:4).
  10. It is possible to have God’s promises and not benefit from them (Heb 4:2).
  11. Our faith will be tested (1 Pet 1:6-7).
  12. Our faith overcomes fear (Deut 31:6-8; Isa 41:10-13).
  13. Trusting God produces mental stability (Isa 26:3; Phil 4:6-11).
  14. Faith can be strengthened by others (Acts 14:21-22; 16:5; Rom 1:12)

Faith in God results in a change of attitude and actions about everything. By faith, “we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible” (Heb 11:3). By faith we have confidence that God controls the circumstances of our lives, that He “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Even the trials we face help to produce humility (Dan 4:37; Matt 23:12), and develop the character of God in us (Rom 5:1-5). James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jam 1:2-4). Such a faith response makes us better rather than bitter. By faith we obey God’s commands to love and serve (Gal 5:13), be tolerant (Eph 4:2), kind, tenderhearted and forgiving (Eph 4:32), and to regard others as more important than ourselves (Phil 2:3-4).

Satan, and his world-system, will strive to get the believer to rely upon anything and everything other than God and His Word. If the believer falls into this trap, he will experience worry, frustration, anxiety, and eventually a deep-rooted sense of despair. God wants us to have mental stability (Isa 26:3), love (1 John 4:16-17), contentment (Phil 4:11-13), and every other attitude that brings an abundant life (John 10:10). Only through a life of faith can we know the blessings that belong to every Christian.

Dr. Steven R. Cook

Audio Lesson:

Related Articles:

[1] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotes are from the New American Standard Bible.

[2] Though I’m looking at the Greek, it should be noted that the Hebrew אָמַן aman carries the same basic meaning as πιστεύω pisteuo. In fact, the LXX translates Genesis 15:6—a passage quoted by NT writers (Rom 4:3; Gal 3:6; Jam 2:23)—by using the Greek verb πιστεύω pisteuo.

[3] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 816.

[4] Ibid., 818.

[5] Ibid., 820.

The Choice of Blessing or Cursing

Posted on by
1

Thus says the LORD, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jer. 17:5-8)[1]

     The prophet Jeremiah lived in a day when the majority of persons in society, starting from the leadership down, trusted in human alliances and idols when they should have been trusting in God. The Lord Himself declared, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD” (Jer. 17:5). The word cursed translates the Hebrew verb אָרָר arar, which means, “to bind with a curse.”[2] The form of the verb is passive, which means a curse is received by the person who trusts in others rather than God. The one who does this starves himself of the spiritual nutrients necessary for spiritual health and strength, and “he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant” (Jer. 17:6).

     The troubles of life are constant, and the natural inclination of people is to look to self and/or others for solutions when problems arise. This is not always bad, except when God clearly calls us to look to Him and live by faith on a regular basis (Heb. 10:36-39). The growing believer trains his mind to look to God for divine solutions rather than to people for human solutions.

    Choose the BlessingGod then declares, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD” (Jer. 17:7). The word blessed translates the Hebrew verb בָּרָךְ barak which means to be “blessed, filled with strength, [made] full.”[3] In the Old Testament the word basically means “to endue with power for success, prosperity, fecundity, longevity, etc.”[4] Do you want to fail as a believer? Then think about life from a purely humanistic perspective and make it your regular practice to look merely to yourself and others for the solutions to life’s problems. Do you want to succeed as a believer and enjoy God’s blessings? Then learn divine viewpoint by studying Scripture and discipline your mind to look to God for guidance and strength for the trial. Learn to trust God and obey His Word. The word trust, both in Jeremiah 17:5 and 7, translates the Hebrew verb בָּטַח batach, which means, “to feel secure, to trust…to be confident.”[5] Whereas the one who trusts merely in himself and/or others will live a barren life (vs. 6), the one who trusts in God will find spiritual nourishment and grow strong, and “will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit” (Jer. 17:8).

Such a person would experience a constantly growing and fruitful life. He would enjoy stability, confidence, mental health, freedom from anxiety even in trying times, and a consistently radiant testimony before others (cf. Ps. 1:3). An essential difference between a bush and a tree is its root system. A tree can outlast a drought and continue to bear fruit whereas a bush cannot (cf. Matt. 13:6, 21).[6]

     The value and blessing that comes from trusting in God is tremendous. Those who trust in the Lord will find “He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him” (2 Sam. 22:31; cf. Ps. 34:8), for “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nah. 1:7). And, “How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood” (Ps. 40:4), for “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man” (Ps. 118:8).

Steven R. Cook, D.Min.

Related Articles:

 

[1] Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotes are from the New American Standard Bible (The Lockman Foundation, 1995).

[2] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1994–2000), 91.

[3] Ibid., 159.

[4] John N. Oswalt, “285 בָּרַך,” ed. R. Laird Harris, Gleason L. Archer Jr., and Bruce K. Waltke, Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 132.

[5] Ludwig Koehler et al., The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, 120.

[6] Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Je 17:8.

Twelve Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss

Posted on by
17

The Bible does not directly address the subject of bosses and employees; therefore, much of what is set forth in this article is an extrapolation of truths related to good and bad leaders, whether kings, princes, governors, or any who are in positions of authority. Some points are also drawn from the practical wisdom of everyday life.

I write this article as a Christian who has spent the vast majority of my life in the secular workforce (since 1983), which is primarily governed by worldly philosophies and values rather than according to God’s Word. The challenge for me as a Christian, whether as an employee or supervisor, has been the daily application of Scripture with my coworkers. Where Scripture is silent on a work-related issue, I seek the Lord in prayer, as well as the counsel of godly persons who can help me work through the matter. Before I provide some biblical coping mechanisms, I’d like to take a moment to briefly describe some of the differences between a good and bad boss.

Characteristics of a Good Boss

Woman Offering Forgiveness

A good boss has integrity (Psa 78:72). This means he is not artificial but is genuine in character, honest in speech, and faithful to his promises. David writes of the man with integrity and describes him as one who “works righteousness and speaks truth in his heart” (Psa 15:2). Furthermore, he “does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend” (Psa 15:3; cf. Prov 11:3; Tit 2:7-8). He studies God’s Word (Psa 1:2; 119:1), does not associate with people of low moral character (Psa 1:1; 26:4), prays often (Psa 4:1; 17:6), seeks to govern wisely (Prov 8:15-16), listens to wise counsel (Prov 11:14; 15:22; 24:6), and brings stability to those under his care (Prov 29:4). He associates with honest and gracious persons (Prov 22:11), searches to find the facts of a matter (Prov 25:2; cf. 18:13), preserves the rights of others through clear thinking (Prov 31:4-5), and educates and delegates responsibility to trusted persons (Ex 18:13-26). He is selfless, humble, gentle, patient, compassionate, kind, and truly appreciates others (Eph 4:1-2; Phi 2:3-4; Col 3:12). He encourages and builds others up (Eph 4:29; 1 Th 5:11), and pursues peace rather than strife (Rom 14:19). He recognizes his authority and uses it to serve others, not to tear them down (Matt 20:25-28; John 13:1-17). He may, at times, criticize bad behavior (1 Th 5:14), but this is done to make the other person better, because he sincerely desires their success (Prov 9:8; Isa 1:17). He is slow to anger (Prov 15:18; 16:32; 17:27; 19:11; 29:11), uses wise and gracious words (Psa 37:30; Prov 16:21; Eccl 10:12; Col 4:6), is not argumentative (2 Tim 2:24-26), cares about justice (Lev 19:15; Mic 6:8), and the needs of the poor, orphans, and widows in the community (Isa 1:17; cf. Ex 22:22; Deut 10:18; 15:11; 24:17-22; Prov 14:21).

On a day-to-day basis, he is one who will listen to you, stand up for you, trust you, and not micromanage every aspect of your work. He communicates clearly, constantly, and in a collaborative manner. He seeks your advice, listens to your concerns, and consults you on the best solutions for success. He sets high expectations and encourages you to be the best you can be, operating according to agency standards, and striving for new heights of excellence. He also cares about your life outside of work and wants you to have good physical, social, and mental health. Lastly, the good boss can be tough when needed. He lives in reality and knows there are some who will not respond to his leadership, and he may be required to use his authority to reprimand and/or terminate staff; however, this is always his last recourse if all other positive strategies have failed.

Characteristics of a Bad Boss

A bad boss refuses to listen to God and His Word (Ex 5:2), is concerned about himself rather than others (1 Ki 12:1-15), oppresses his staff (Prov 28:15-16), listens to lies (Prov 29:12), abuses his authority (Mark 10:42), does not follow the guidance he gives (Matt 23:2-3), places heavy burdens on others but doesn’t offer to help (Ex 5:6-19; Matt 23:4; cf. Prov 29:2), oppresses the helpless for personal gain (Prov 14:31; 22:16), likes to be noticed by others and to sit in places of honor (Matt 23:5-7), and may outwardly appear righteous but is dishonest (Matt 23:28).

Bad BossThe bad boss can be threatening, unpredictable, hostile, and irrational. He generally feels insecure and does not like the thought of being out of control. This leads to a totalitarian style of leadership, which hinders optimal performance and makes staff feel undervalued. The bad boss is arrogant, and arrogant people rarely see their own faults; only the faults of others. He generally lacks the ability to introspect and does not care that others are damaged by his leadership. Once the bad boss does not like you, almost anything you say or do, no matter how great, will be viewed critically and devalued. He seeks to tear you down, only to defeat and destroy you. He cares little about you or your growth or success. He communicates very little or provides misleading information, is hostile, and will criticize you on a personal level rather than discuss your work. Sometimes the bad boss won’t fire you; rather, he’ll work to make your environment so toxic that you’ll get frustrated and leave.

The advantage of suffering under a bad boss is that you’ll have a clear picture of how NOT to behave if/when you ever become a boss to others. It can also teach you coping skills you’d otherwise never develop. Just like going to the gym builds muscle, so enduring difficult people can develop our character if we learn the right coping skills and consistently employ them.

Twelve Ways to Deal with a Bad Boss

Suffering under a bad boss can be a real challenge, especially when I feel trapped with no way out. Often I pray about my difficult situation, but I realize what God does not remove (as I desire), He intends for me to deal with. Below are some biblical coping mechanisms that help me deal with a bad boss and still be successful on the job. These are as follows:

  1. Live by faith. The Christian life starts and ends with faith, which provides stability for the soul during difficult times. God said, “My righteous one shall live by faith” (Heb 10:38a). This means we trust God at His Word, claiming His promises and obeying His directives. Scripture teaches us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7) and to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Pro 3:5-6). As believers, we “trust in Him at all times” (Psa 62:8a) because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa 46:1).
  2. Know that God is for you. God desires our best and works all circumstances for our good, to teach us and develop our character. Paul wrote, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). We also know “God is for us” (Rom 8:31), strengthening us in trials.
  3. Make sure your character and work are excellent. As Christians, we are to live an excellent life and work hard. Paul wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Eccl 9:10a), and “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col 3:23; cf. 1 Th 4:10-11).
  4. Don’t give yourself over to complaining. It’s easy to start complaining when under attack, especially if we feel it’s unjust. However, we must be careful because once we start down this road, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn back, and complaining does not solve problems. Scripture tells us, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil 2:14) and “Be hospitable to one another without complaint” (1 Pet 4:9). Complaining fixes nothing. Faith in God and His Word is the answer.
  5. Pray for those in leadership. We should always be praying for leaders in positions of authority. Paul wrote, “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim 2:1-2). Praying for leadership is an act of faith and obedience to God, even though a leader may be unjust.
  6. Submit to authority. We should be willing to submit to those in authority and follow orders. We are instructed “to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (Tit 3:1-2). This, again, is a faith response. An exception to obedience is when that authority seeks to lead us outside God’s will; in such cases, we must resist (Acts 5:27-29).
  7. Respect leadership, even when the leadership is unreasonable. Respecting leadership can be challenging, especially when we realize those in positions of leadership may not operate according to the same ethical standards that guide us. It helps to understand that respect does not mean approval. Peter wrote, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly” (1 Pet 2:18-19).
  8. Realize that God sometimes uses difficulties to develop our character. Paul wrote, “We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom 5:3-5). James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jam 1:2-4). God sometimes places us in the furnace of affliction to burn away the dross of weak character and to refine the golden qualities He wants to see in us. And whenever He turns up the heat, He never takes His hand off the thermostat.
  9. Avoid trouble when possible. God’s Word directs us to make good choices, and sometimes this means being wise by avoiding unethical and harmful people. Solomon wrote, “A shrewd person sees danger and hides himself, but the naïve keep right on going and suffer for it” (Prov 22:3). It is valid, when possible, to avoid the attacks of abusive leaders. David twice fled when Saul tried to kill him with a spear (1 Sam 18:11; 19:10) and refused to retaliate, even when he had the opportunity (1 Sam 24:4-6). Obadiah hid one hundred prophets of the Lord from the hostile attacks of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Ki 18:1-4). Jehosheba hid Joash from the attacks of Athaliah, “So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD six years, while Athaliah was reigning over the land” (2 Ki 11:3). Twice, it is recorded that Jesus “hid Himself” from some of the hostile Jewish leadership who wanted to kill Him (John 8:59; 12:36).
  10. Defend yourself against wrongful attacks when necessary. Some leaders are very abusive, and there may be times when legal action is required as a means of self-protection. The apostle Paul used legal force against his attackers by exercising his rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself from a flogging that might have killed him (Acts 22:25-29). On another occasion, he appealed to Caesar, the highest court in the land, because he felt he was not getting a fair trial (Acts 25:7-12).
  11. Let God deal out retribution. It is valid for Christians to operate from a place of justice, but never revenge. Scripture states, “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil;’ wait for the LORD, and He will save you” (Prov 20:22). It also says, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God” (Rom 12:17-19a). Additionally, it is written, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people” (1 Th 5:15). Peter wrote, “All of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1 Pet 3:8-9).
  12. Take time to rest and play. God’s Word tells us, “One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind” (Eccl 4:6). Taking time to care for yourself is very important, as it’s easy to let the pressures of work and life overwhelm you. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, found time to get away by Himself to rest and pray. Matthew wrote, “After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone” (Matt 14:23). Additionally, “Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Luke 5:16), and “He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). Making time for rest is a necessity for those who work hard. Lewis Sperry Chafer wrote, “It is a serious thing to remove the element of relaxation and play from any life. We cannot be normal physically, mentally, or spiritually if we neglect the vital factor in human life. God has provided that our joy shall be full” (Lewis S. Chafer, He That Is Spiritual, p. 61).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

Related Articles:

 __

God’s Grace to Save

Posted on by
4

For by grace [charis] you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)

       Charis is the Greek word that is commonly translated grace and it means undeserved favor or unmerited kindness. It is a generous, loving, charitable act that one person does toward another who would otherwise deserve the opposite. It is love shown to one’s enemies. Grace has its greatest manifestation in the Cross of Christ where Jesus, as a substitute, bore the punishment that rightfully belongs to the human race (Rom. 5:6-10). Peter tells us that “Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18). Christ died in place of the sinner. That’s grace. None of us deserved what Christ did when He went to the cross nearly two thousand years ago, when He hung between heaven and earth and bore the sin of all mankind and was judged in our place, bearing the wrath of God that rightfully belongs to us. How dark the sky must have been that day when, for three hours, Christ bore our sin and propitiated the Father. God’s righteousness and love intersect at the cross at the same time. Righteousness in judging our sin in His Son, and love toward the sinner He desires to save. Grace is manifested every time God offers the free gift of eternal life to sinners. Salvation is received when sinners believe in Christ as their Savior.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. (1 John 5:1)

       All four Gospels record the prisoner exchange between a notorious criminal named Barabbas and the Lord Jesus (Matt. 27:16-26; Mark. 15:7-15; Luke 23:18; John 18:40). Barabbas was in jail for insurrection, murder, and robbery, and was surely going to face death for his crimes (Luke 23:18-19; John 18:40). Jesus, on the other hand, was innocent of all the charges brought against Him. Pilate, the Roman Governor who presided as judge over the two men, knew it was “because of envy” that Jesus had been handed over to him to be scourged and crucified (Matt. 27:18; cf. Mark 15:10). Pilate knew Jesus was not guilty of the charges leveled against Him and sought to have Him released (Luke 23:20), but he proved himself a weak leader by surrendering to the insane demands of a mob who kept shouting “crucify, crucify him!” (Luke 23:21). All of this occurred according to God’s predetermined plan (Acts 2:22-24; 4:27-28).

       Barabbas was in his jail cell when a Roman guard came, unlocked his door and informed him he was free to leave. I suppose Barabbas was puzzled because freedom was not what he expected. Barabbas was in a dark place with no ability to save himself. Outside the prison walls, Jesus was being led away to die in his place, the innocent for the guilty, the just for the unjust. I am Barabbas. You are Barabbas. Spiritually, we are all in a dark place without hope, facing eternal death, and with no ability to save ourselves. But there’s good news! Outside our prison is a free and innocent Man who has died in our place, who bore the punishment that rightfully belongs to us. Today, our prison cell is open, and we are free to leave because another man bore our penalty for us.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:6-8)

       How wonderful it is to read and learn of God’s grace in the Bible. But we must see ourselves as prisoners of sin, enslaved and unable to liberate ourselves from the chains of sin that weigh heavy upon us. If we could save ourselves by works, then Christ died needlessly. If works save us, then grace is no longer grace. It is the humble soul who knows he cannot repay God for His wonderful gift of salvation. It would be an insult of the highest magnitude to offer feeble works of self-righteousness to God in place of the work of Christ. Don’t ever tarnish the glory of the cross by trying to add your dirty human works to it (Isa. 64:6). Don’t ever try to rob God of His wonderful grace by offering cheap works as a means of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5). Salvation is what God does for us through the death of His Son. Salvation is never what we do for God, or even what we do for ourselves. Christ died for us, to save us, and that was an act of God’s grace. It is the empty hands of faith that welcome God’s free gift of salvation. Trust in Christ alone and let your faith rest completely in Him and His work on the cross (John 3:16).

Dr. Steven R. Cook

–

 

Suffering and Depression

Posted on by
8

A Man Marked by Depression     It was early January and I was dining after dark with friends when I heard faint cries coming from outside. Standing and looking out a nearby window, I saw a young man who looked to be in his early twenties, stagger down the sidewalk and collapse about ten feet from the building. I rushed outside and knelt on the ground next to him while others inside called for medical help (which took about five minutes to arrive). He lay on the cold asphalt, shivering and sobbing, and appeared to be more in emotional distress than physical pain. He looked at me, a total stranger, and through his tears said he was on the verge of losing his girlfriend and newborn baby and that his life had been ruined by bad choices and the use of cocaine and other drugs. After saying these things, he turned his head and cried uncontrollably. His life had not always been marked by bad choices. Phantom memories surfaced and he spoke of a Christian childhood when Christ was Lord of his life. Somewhere in his teenage years he had turned away from the Lord and the suffering of bad choices and worldly friends helped bring about his present sorrow. I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed quietly. He cried out to the Lord, and not knowing what to say, he started praying the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name…” (Matt 6:9, KJV). I verbally joined him in his prayer so that he would not feel alone, but would know he was in the presence of a caring Christian. He heard me praying with him, and through teary eyes stared for a moment. For a brief instant we connected, but a minute later an ambulance pulled into the parking lot and I was moved aside so medical professionals could perform their necessary service. The young man called out to me as he was put on the stretcher and placed in the ambulance and I could only watch and pray for him as he was taken away. I never saw him again, though I’ve prayed for him many times.

I was marked by that brief encounter. That young man was at a place of personal brokenness when the paths of our lives crossed. It mattered little to me that much of his pain was self-induced, but only that he was crying out to the Lord for help. To turn away from him at such a moment would betray a spiritual poverty and sickness within my own soul. More so, it would ignore the sovereign hand of God who creates such opportunities for us to show grace and love to others. A year earlier I was in a similar place of personal brokenness, for my life had been ruined by many bad choices and I knew what it meant to have others praying for me and showing grace and love when I needed it most.

Suffering on Job     Looking into Scripture, we find great examples of suffering. Job and Jeremiah were two men who suffered greatly. Both were sensitive men who knew depression as a result of their suffering, and as we read about their lives we can cry with them. In the midst of his sadness Job said, “why then hast Thou brought me out of the womb? Would that I had died and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been, carried from womb to tomb” (Job 10:18-19). Because of his sorrow, Job saw his life as a “land of darkness and deep shadow; the land of utter gloom as darkness itself, of deep shadow without order” (Job 10:21-22a). During his time of sadness, the prophet Jeremiah wished that his “mother would have been [his] grave, and her womb ever pregnant” and in his great anguish went on to ask, “why did I ever come forth from the womb to look on trouble and sorrow, so that my days have been spent in shame?” (Jer 20:17-18). 

     What shall we say to Job and Jeremiah? Shall we ask them to be silent and not use such language because it makes us feel uncomfortable? Shall we be callous and accuse them of hidden sin or not having enough faith? Shall we fault them because they are not expressing joy in the midst of their sorrow? There is a joy to be had in life, but let’s not rob these godly men of their sorrow, or turn away from them for expressing themselves with such grief-laden language because it makes us feel uncomfortable. Let’s not turn away from them for at least two reasons:

  1. Because their response to suffering reveals their humanness. Job and Jeremiah were real people living in a real world who were touched by real circumstances. Though most of us will never know the depth of suffering and sorrow that Job and Jeremiah knew in their lifetime, we can identify with their pain and cry with them because we understand in a smaller way what it means to suffer, and this is our connection with them. Suffering connects us all together.
  2. Because despair was not their only perspective on life. Job and Jeremiah also had the divine perspective on life and at times spoke words of truth and hope, and this gives us truth and hope as well. Though they suffered in the furnace of affliction, they proved God and His Word to be reliable and more than sufficient to sustain them. During and after their time of suffering they spoke words of praise to the One in whom they had placed all their confidence. Worshipping God as the One who sustains and gives us hope in the midst of our trials is what binds us together with other believers, even those who lived long ago in a foreign land and who spoke a different language. God and His Word connect believers together.

     Job was a righteous man who loved the Lord and turned away from evil (Job 1:1-5). In one day, Job was confronted with the sudden death of all his sons and daughters, the destruction of his business, and the loss of his personal health (Job 1:6-19; 2:1-8). Though he could have cursed God as his wife suggested (Job 2:9), Job kept his faith and continued to trust the Lord (Job 1:20-22; 2:10). In the midst of grief Job said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.” (Job 19:25-27)

     Jeremiah had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army. The city had been burned, tens of thousands of men and woman put to death, and many taken away into slavery to Babylon as Jeremiah watched. One can see why he is often referred to as the weeping prophet (cf. Jer 9:1; 13:17; 14:17). Yet, even after witnessing Jerusalem’s destruction and enduring personal persecution, Jeremiah stated, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him.” (Lam 3:21-24)

Jesus, a Man of sorrows     Other men in Scripture such as David, Elijah, Peter and Paul all knew suffering and sorrow, yet expressed words of hope and faith in God. Of course, no one knew suffering more than the Lord Jesus Christ, who throughout His life was “despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isa 53:3). During the time of His public ministry, Jesus knew He would suffer and die upon the cross, and He declared, “the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day” (Luke 9:22). And just hours before His crucifixion, Jesus “began to be grieved and distressed” (Matt 26:37), telling a few of His disciples, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death” (Matt 26:38). In spite of His personal pain, Jesus was willing to suffer and die for the benefit of the salvation of others. The Scripture declares that “as a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities” (Isa 53:11). The death of Christ had meaning, because God’s righteousness was satisfied and others were blessed to enjoy the gift of eternal life (Rom 3:21-26). 

     Suffering touches us all. It moves and shapes us in ways we never imagine. It breaks us down and builds us up, but it never leaves us where it finds us. In Scripture we learn that God’s power is magnified in our weaknesses and that suffering reveals our true state as weak creatures who need the Lord in our lives for strength and guidance (2 Cor 12:7-10). As we develop spiritually, we learn to keep our eyes more and more on heaven, knowing that ultimate relief from suffering will only come when the Lord returns and establishes righteousness on the earth (Rev 20-22). There is much Scripture on the subject of suffering and there is hope and strength in God for those who turn to Him in the midst of life’s sorrows.

Dr. Steven R. Cook