“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory,” Romans 8:17.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before The LORD, and Satan came also among them. And The LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered The LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And The LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered The LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land,” Job 1:6-10.

The reason why we face trouble is so that we might be molded into his image and become more like him through the things that we suffer.

And yet we also must troubles because of the decisions that we have made during our lifetime. We must reap what we sow.

But even in the midst of these trials, there is always the hope that not only will they yield the fruit of his righteousness, but that they will come to an end, and that there would be periods of time when we might rest from these trials and tribulations.

I’ve always found that it’s kind of like the waves of the ocean — we get caught-up in a huge wave and we’re taken in by its tow, and then it slowly ebbs away.

We’re given some time to rest and things will go fine for a while, and then way out in the ocean, another wave starts its way towards us, and then the whole process starts again.

It may however, be a different issue this time. Whereas before, the car breaks down or is towed away, our relationships are strained, and there’s a leak in the roof.

This time, a family member may be in the hospital, school has just started, and a son or daughter has decided that they aren’t going to get up in time for school.

These are normal problems that most of us face. However, there are other types of trials and persecutions that can last for even years.

These are the types of things that Job faced. These are types of things that many of the prophets of old faced.

Suffering must run its course. It is inescapable just like how the mighty river cuts through the cliffs and finds a new channel in its course.

It is relentless. It doesn’t give up easily, but somehow, if we just hang on, it will subside and the tides will roll back, and we’ll be able to view the landscape before us with a new vision.

Prophetic Word:

“For whence does trouble come? For I ask you, does it come from the enemy of your souls or is it from my hand alone?

I tell you that trouble comes to all men; you cannot prevent trouble from coming. For truly it is said that the rain falls on the just and the unjust.

But don’t relish in your troubles,” says The LORD, “and don’t think that you are more spiritual because of them.

And yet I do bring a refining process to My Own. I temper them in the furnace. For the furnace is used for my purposes.

It is used to bring you unto my fullness, so that no blot or wrinkle will be found within you. But don’t shun the working that I’m doing in you; don’t try to avoid the hot temperatures.

For in due time you will be brought through many other struggles and then you won’t be prepared for them.

Finally you will meet Me face-to-face and then you will know the reason why you have been brought through these many things.

For in due season you will be strengthened. In due season you will be lifted-up. Don’t give up the battle but remain at your post.

For there are many among you that need you for the work that you are doing.

Cast aside those things that weigh you down and run the race that is before you. The race calls for endurance so pace yourselves for the journeys that are ahead.

Don’t get caught up in petty and endless arguments for they only breed quarrels. Seek out the road that I’ve placed you on and let nothing hinder you from following it.

Be prepared in all types of situations to give an answer to those who are lost. Study to show yourselves approved.

Know the work of the enemy and be aware of his deceitful practices. Then you will be able to deliver those who are in darkness and free them from the chains that have bound them.

There is a war that is raging around you. For the spirit of the power of the air knows that his time is short.

Stand firm in the equipment that I’ve given you with.”

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15.

“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife,” 2 Timothy 2:23.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” Hebrews 12:1-2.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” 1 Peter 5:6.

“in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,” Ephesians 2:2.

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known,” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Malachi 3:1-18.

 

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

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Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to The LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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