CÔTE D'IVOIRE Pasteur Lee Jung Do 2

Understanding Fear and God's Promises

The Nature of Fear

• The speaker discusses the concept of fear, particularly in relation to a biblical story about 32,000 people, where 22,000 were deemed fearful and thus unfit for God’s purpose.

• It is suggested that fear stems not from weakness but from pride; individuals do not believe in God's support or promises.

• Many people face challenges they cannot solve on their own, leading to fear rooted in disbelief rather than actual inability.

The Concept of Curses

• The speaker emphasizes that curses arise when individuals do not accept or obey God's word, which leads to negative outcomes.

• A reference to Numbers 23:7 illustrates that no one can curse those whom God has blessed; believers are free from curses due to Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

• Once individuals enter into God’s promises through faith in Jesus Christ, they are completely separated from any curse.

Embracing God's Assurance

Rejecting Negative Thoughts

• The speaker warns against the belief that God will not help or work for an individual; such thoughts should never be entertained as they contradict truth.

• Accepting God's promise of assistance makes facing life's battles easier and less frightening.

Trusting Leadership

• An example is given where Jacob feared curses before meeting his father but was reassured by his mother Rebecca that he would not be cursed if he believed.

• Believers are reminded that their lives are free from curses because they are under the protection of Jesus Christ.

Seeking Guidance During Trials

Importance of Prophetic Voices

• In a narrative involving three kings facing drought, one king expresses despair over impending doom due to perceived curses.

• A leader among them focuses on maintaining sight on their guide (God), emphasizing the importance of following divine direction during crises.

Faithful Companionship

• Jehoshaphat seeks out a prophet for guidance amidst trouble, highlighting the necessity of having someone who speaks God’s word during difficult times.

Overcoming Challenges with Faith

Characteristics of Chosen Individuals

• Those whom God uses remain focused on His word and leadership without distraction. This focus enables them to overcome fears and challenges effectively.

Assurance Against Curses

• The speaker reiterates that believers should have no fear of curses because they stand firm in faith and trust in God's promises.

Enduring Hardships with Hope

Jeremiah's Message

• Reference is made to Baruch's experience alongside Jeremiah; despite hardships faced while delivering messages from God, Baruch remains faithful.

Divine Sovereignty

• Despite experiencing personal suffering while serving God’s purpose, it is emphasized that all must endure trials as part of divine plans.

Personal Testimony: Trusting Through Adversity

Missionary Experience

• A personal account describes struggles faced while serving as a missionary in Côte d'Ivoire amid financial difficulties and health issues.

Miraculous Provision

• Despite dire circumstances surrounding childbirth without resources, divine intervention occurs through community support leading to safe delivery.

Resilience Amidst Trials

• Even after welcoming a child under challenging conditions marked by illness and lack of resources, faith remains central throughout these experiences.

A Journey Through Pain and Faith

The Incident and Its Aftermath

• The speaker recounts a harrowing experience of running barefoot to a taxi for help, ultimately collapsing upon arrival at the hospital.

• Following the incident, the speaker expresses feelings of despair, stating they reached a limit where they could no longer continue their ministry or spread the gospel.

• The speaker's spouse shares a conversation with another pastor about death, emphasizing that everyone faces mortality while still being called to preach the gospel.

Struggles with Faith

• The speaker grapples with feelings of abandonment by God, questioning why such suffering was allowed despite their unwavering faith and prayers.

• They express confusion over God's intentions in giving them a child only to take it away, feeling betrayed and trapped in their suffering.

Biblical Reflections

• While reading Jeremiah 45, the speaker struggles to understand why God would uproot what He has planted, reflecting on divine sovereignty amidst personal tragedy.

• They realize that calamity befalls all people regardless of their spiritual standing; this realization connects back to their earlier frustrations.

Understanding Suffering

• The speaker acknowledges that physical existence entails suffering but emphasizes that understanding God's purpose is crucial during these times.

• They reflect on how personal pain can overshadow awareness of others' suffering, realizing many endure far greater hardships.

Lessons from Joseph and David

• Drawing parallels with Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:19–20, the speaker highlights how God can turn intended harm into good for many lives.

• They emphasize that believing in God does not exempt one from trials; rather, it provides hope that He will transform adversity into something beneficial.

Acceptance and Trust in God

• The importance of accepting God's will is stressed; even when faced with injustice or hardship, believers must trust His plan for redemption.

• Reflecting on David's response to curses from Shimei (2 Samuel 16), the speaker illustrates how acceptance of divine allowance leads to peace amid turmoil.

Transformation Through Pain

• After enduring personal loss, the speaker finds themselves more empathetic towards others’ sufferings and better equipped to minister effectively.

• Their experiences allow them to connect deeply with those grieving similar losses, fostering genuine compassion rather than superficial sympathy.

Conclusion: Embracing Divine Purpose

• Ultimately, through trials and tribulations, the speaker recognizes God's hand at work—transforming pain into opportunities for growth and service within their community.

God's Promises and Our Peace

The Assurance of God's Glory in Our Lives

• The speaker emphasizes that all events in life ultimately serve to glorify individuals, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Joseph and David, whose lives were also glorified by God.

• It is stated that while we may encounter disasters or curses, God will transform these situations for our good.

The Story of the Shunammite Woman

• A reference is made to 2 Kings 4:23, where a Shunammite woman receives a child through Elisha but later faces tragedy when her son dies.

• Despite her son's death, the woman tells her husband everything is "well," indicating a deep inner peace despite external circumstances.

Inner Peace Amidst Trials

• The woman's declaration of peace is not a lie; it reflects her unwavering faith and trust in God’s plan even when faced with despair.

• When she approaches Elisha, she expresses that the child was a gift from God, highlighting her reliance on divine providence rather than human understanding.

Faith Over Despair

• The speaker notes that the woman’s peace stems from her focus on God's servant (Elisha), suggesting that true peace comes from trusting in God's promises amidst turmoil.

• Even though there seems to be no solution for her child's death, the woman's faith remains steadfast as she believes God will intervene.

Conclusion: Trusting God's Plan

• The message concludes with an encouragement to maintain peace regardless of circumstances because God will lead us towards goodness through every situation.

• Emphasizing unity in Christ, the speaker reassures listeners that they are not under curse but are supported by God's presence and promise of transformation.