Times When To Go Closer to God (Part 2

By: Richard Mirpuri

 

5. When the doctor gives you a bad report.

Have you ever known someonewho speakswith absolute authority but does sowithout the basis of all the facts?When a doctor gives you a bad report. . .he/she can onlytellyouthe facts theyperceivebasedontheir experiences andtrainingor some tests. In essence, they’re spreading a bad report without knowing the truth. Such proclamations can undermine the confidence of those who should know better.And, yes, such announcements can throw you into doubt if you don’t have a firm grasp of the truth found inGod’sWord. Facts can change but the truth remains the same. God’sWord is truth.

What does the Word say about physical health? I Peter 2:24 in the New Kings JamesVersion says: “whoHimself bore our sins inHis own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”You can have facts without having the truth. For instance, the ten spies came back toMoseswith a bad report.They brought back the facts as they perceived themto be. They brought an evil report aboutwhat lay ahead of them.

Numbers 13:32 in theNewCenturyVersion says: “And thosemen gave the Israelites a bad report about the land they explored, saying, “The land that we explored is too large to conquer.All the peoplewe saware very tall.”

Numbers 14:36 in theNewCenturyVersion says: “ThemenMoses had sent to explore the land had returned and spread complaints among all the people.They had given a bad report about the land.” The ten spies who brought back the bad report suffered the consequences for believing facts over the truth…because it didn’t line upwith God’s promise to them.

Numbers 14:37 in theNewLiving Translation says: “Thesemenwhowere responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the LORD.”

The doctor may give you a bad report. . .he may give you the facts that he knows. . .but the truth of your healing is found in theWord ofGod.The devilwants you to see giants when the truth is…a giant is like a grasshopper in the presence of God’s Word. Before you call 911 to report a medical emergency you need to remember the truth found inLuke 9:11 in theContemporaryEnglishVersionwhich says: “But a lot of people found out about this and followed him. Jesuswelcomed them.He spoke to them aboutGod’s kingdomand healed everyonewhowas sick.”

6.When someone you love is doing or has done something stupid.

Unless you’re the Cleaver family from the 50s TV show, “Leave It To Beaver,” you’ve experienced frustration, disappointment and even heartbreak from familyor close friends.Despiteyourbest efforts as aparent. . .your childrenwilldosome unwise (or let’s call itwhat it is. . .stupid) things. Here’swhat you need to know. First,God is still on the throne. If you don’t seeHis throne in your backyard or the horizon . . .He’s still on it and everything is going to be all right. Second, remember the reason Jesus came to planet earthwas to deliver you and your family fromthe devil’s hold. Hebrews 2:14 says: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death hemight destroy himthat had the power of death, that is, the devil.”Third,God doesn’twant anyone in your family to spend an eternity in hell.

2 Peter 3:9 in theAmplifiedBible says: “The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slowaboutwhatHe promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, butHe is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.” Fourth,God not only forgives our sins, foolishness and stupidity. . .butHe forgets themaswell.

Isaiah 43:25 in theAmplified Bible says: “I, even I, am HeWho blots out and cancels your transgressions, forMy own sake, and Iwill not remember your sins.” TheMessageBible translation of Isaiah 43:25 says: “But I, yes I, amthe onewho takes care of your sins—that’s what I do. I don’t keep a list of your sins.” Fifth, your loving Heavenly Father will even give you a hope for your children as they move into a relationshipwithHim.

Psalm112:1-3 in theMessageBible says: “Hallelujah!Blessedman, blessed woman, who fear God, Who cherish and relish his commandments, Their children robust on the earth,And the homes of the upright—how blessed! Their houses brimwithwealthAnd a generosity that never runs dry.” Sixth, your kidswho once frustrated you. . .will now receive a generational blessing because you knew how to put a hedge of protection around them.

“The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; hewill bless the house of Aaron. He will bless themthat fear theLORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.”

7 When you’re advancing behind enemy lines.

As I wrote that line I begantothinkof the IntegrityMusic chorus that says: “I went to the enemy’s camp and took back what he stole fromme.”

Next, Iwas reminded of a line froma very famous speech by General George S. Patton. “We’re not holding onto anything. . .we’re advancing all the time. . .”

The line from that speech is memorialized in the movie “Patton” which interestingly enough is the first movie that my finewifeBev and I ever sawtogether. When you’re taking back what the enemy has stolen from you. . .you’re not fighting alone.

In fact, I’mgoing to give you seven indisputable reasonswhy you can advance behind enemy lines to take back what has been stolen fromyou.

First, you’re not alone becauseDeuteronomy 20:1 says: “. . . be not afraid of them: for the LORDthyGod iswith thee. . .” Romans8:31intheAmplifiedBible says: “…ifGod is for us,who [can be] againstus? [Whocanbeour foe, ifGod is on our side?]”

Second, you’re not going to fight the battle because 2 Chronicles 20:15 says: “. . . Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, butGod’s.”

Third, there is only one thing you have to do. Mark 5:36 says: “. . . Be not afraid, only believe.”

Fourth, if you’re going to face your enemies. . .call in reinforcements. Psalm118:5-6 in theNew InternationalVersion says: “Inmy anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by settingme free. The LORDiswithme; Iwill not be afraid.What canman do tome?”

Fifth, anyone who opposes you, opposes Him. Exodus 23:22 says: “But if you will indeed listen to and obey His voice…I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.” Sixth, youwill come out of the battle unharmed. Psalm118:6 in theMessage Bible says: “God’s nowatmy side and I’mnot afraid;whowould dare lay a hand onme?”

Seventh, you’ve got protection stronger than Captain America’s shield, Iron Man’s suit,Superman’s cape orSpiderman’sweb. Hebrews 13:5-6 in theAmplifiedBible says: “Sowe take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord ismy Helper; I will not be seizedwith alarm[Iwill not fear or dread or be terrified].What canman do tome?” When all hell seems to be breaking loose. . .these seven points will give you truth, comfort, strength, direction, power, peace and protection in themidst of every storm.

When you know the truth. . .you don’t need to let anything hold you back fromacting on it. (H.Herring)