I already know that this message will not be received by some, however, here it goes.

God was faithful to start in us, He will be faithful to complete in us. Personal circumstances don’t limit the work of God in our lives, for He continues to work “all” things together for our good. If Satan himself comes to attack our bodies, the Word of God declares what was meant for evil will be turned around for good.

We thank God in all circumstances, because no matter how bad our circumstances may appear, He promises that we will triumph in Christ Jesus. You may say, “Triumph? In this mess? How can any good thing come from these circumstances?”

You may be in prison, convicted of some crime that you may or may have not done. You look at the bondage and wonder how can God be working something good by this prison.

Just as there are real prisons with real criminals, there are also spiritual prisons, emotional prisons, physical prisons, prisons of our own making.

Being a prisoner is not limited by locked bars and legal decrees. A prisoner can be walking about in society looking every bit whole. What we cannot see are chains to weights and bondage’s. Those who are chained to weights and bondage’s are ashamed because others drive them into hiding.

There are many who wish they could share their information with other brothers and sisters in Christ to have support and confidence in their love for them. However, many have found they can’t be open with the body of Christ because many violate confidence.

It is not wisdom to share such personal things unless you use them to help others through the same issues. Finding a good and faithful friend takes God to arrange.

There are also prisoners because of their faithfulness to God. The determination of those who try to hit the mark of the high calling, sent a wave of demonic persecution that sought to completely disengage the threat to the enemies plans.

You may be one of those who are being hailed with arrows and bound to circumstances that you have no control over. God wants you to know He is with you and is working a higher purpose through it all.

For example, look at the stroke victim. I see an individual who is a prisoner within a body that won’t work properly. Inside the person is free but outside they are bound. The frustration they must feel is mind blowing.

I believe totally in divine healing, and understand the life of faith. We the church, need balance in all things. Does being in prison disqualify you from the love of God?

We, the body of Christ, are going through many hard trials and circumstances. Some of us are bound with no control over our circumstances. We can sit in our homes, go about our daily activities, be in a large group of people and still be in a type of prison of circumstances and feel alone.

There are some things we must go through and some of us have been going through these things for years. Some feel so ashamed to even say anything to another person when in a dry season or trial.

We must be wise who we share things with and making sure we keep it personal. Personally, when these things are shared, that is between you, the person and God, PERIOD. You must prayerfully be led to such believers who truly know your heart and life.

In America we are good at painting a pleasant picture of the life of faith. Not many speak of the trials and circumstances we “all” go through.

It is not a popular message, so needless to say, a lot of hurting people are suffering in silence wondering what’s wrong with me? Didn’t I pray enough, didn’t I rebuke enough?

Some prison sentences must be gone through. After all, God is the one designing the lessons of our lives. After you have rebuked every devil, confessed every scripture and you still seem to be in a prison, the word of God says to stand. God has a higher purpose for the darkness of the dungeon. Gods word is not bound.

The trees sway when the winter winds blow, and some of the brittle branches break off, but the sap goes to the base point. You may feel dead, dry and brittle, but know you are loved and that the sap of the tree, who is the Zoe “God kind of life” is within you both to will and do His good pleasure.

I look at the example of faith in the Apostle Paul. You may or may not know that Paul spent a wide expanse of time, perhaps a decade in various prisons. The incarceration of Paul began with his arrest in Jerusalem about A.D.58 and ending with his incarceration and final martyrdom under Emperor Nero in A.D.67.

I look at the circumstances in the natural and think how can any good thing come out of this persecution of Paul. Paul was alone and cold in the dungeon, the beloved Paul wrote many Pastoral epistles that speak to us today. Paul wrote weighty powerful letters in prison right where he was.

“… wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds, but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory,” 2 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV.

With all of the suffering and persecution the church is going through, God knows the whole matter. These things make us know that we are right on the mark with God. If the enemy never tested your resolve, it would be time to sound the alarm!

Satan thought he could shut Paul up. Bound and put into a pit, his ministry flourished. Paul’s writings became weighty and powerful through trial. His faith was not a formula or a quick fix program. Paul’s faith was produced through many experiences that tested it.

Paul said, “I have learned to be content.” Paul’s example revealed the prize of patient endurance. He boasted of his afflictions that the power of Christ would rest on him! He spoke of his imprisonment’s, how he was driven into exile, and how he had been stoned.

If Paul spoke these things and it wasn’t wrong, why are so many popular teachings telling us not to confess anything negative? It sounds like denial to me! Let the rock throwers hit me in the head, it doesn’t hurt, as I don my mask and cloak!

I was once in a particular church that taught the book of Job was a mistake. The person said, “If he would have confessed right and feared not, the book of Job could have only been a few chapters long.”

Suffering has never been a popular message. The church has neglected to properly prepare the body for these types of trials. The idea is, “if everything seems perfect and I feel good, then I’m okay with God.”

Beloved, if you are His, no matter what circumstances you go through, you are still okay and love by God.

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my My name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16 KJV.

“And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witness in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the LORD Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:22-24 KJV.

Saints, no matter what type of prison of circumstance you are in right now, know assuredly that God is with you and will use you right where you are!

Be encouraged knowing our brothers and sisters world wide are going through the same situations! Amen?

 

In HIS Grace and Mercy,
~ Sherry Edwards Mackey

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Sherry Edwards Mackey
Please Note: Publications and or prophecy taken from this may be used to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ. The articles taken must be used according to it’s entirety with credits. Thank you kindly!

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