The Heart and Soul of God

The Heart and Soul of God

Learning to trust in God

He is doing a good work in you

By Dave Stone

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Copyright 2012 David K. Stone

Smashwords Edition

Smaswords Edition, License Notes

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All Scripture is from the New King James Version,

Thomas Nelson, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 - Faith’s Question – Why?

- Learning to trust in God

Chapter 2 - God Is Doing You Good

- Trusting in His promise

Chapter 3 - All Things Work Together

- Trusting in His ability

Chapter 4 - The Creation Story

- Trusting in His work

Chapter 5 - The End Result

- Trusting in His outcome

Chapter 6 - Surely Goodness and Mercy

- Trusting in His Care

Chapter 7 - Brotherly Betrayal

- Trusting God when things go wrong

Chapter 8 - When Things Don’t Make Sense

- Trusting God when you don't understand

Chapter 9 - When Good People Suffer

- Trusting God when you suffer

Chapter 10 - His Name was Beriah

- Trusting God in tragedy

Chapter 11 - Can God Use Our Mistakes?

- Trusting God when you make a mistake

Chapter 12 - Peter’s Denial

- Trusting God when you fail

Chapter 13 - Joy in the Hard Times

- Trusting God in trials

Chapter 14 - What To Do When You're In Deep Water

- Trusting God in the storms of life

Chapter 15 - The Purpose of Temptation

- Trusting God in times of temptation

Chapter 16 - Our Heavenly Home

- Trusting God in death

Chapter 17 - Experience His Goodness

- Trusting in the goodness of God

Chapter 18 - God is at Work in You

- Trusting His good work in you

About the Author

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Introduction

I recently lost three long-time friends. One died of cancer, another from liver disease, and the third from leukemia. They were all in their fifties, so their deaths would be considered premature. Not only were they my friends, they knew each other, too. They all left behind loving families, bright futures, and unfulfilled dreams. It is during times like these when one has the tendency to question why. But the answer doesn’t always come.

One of the things these three had in common was a strong faith in God. Through their illnesses they each had their faith tested to the limit, and it proved sufficient to the end. Though they lost their physical battles, they never lost their faith. It was their faith in a good, loving God that brought the peace and hope that sustained them during their most trying hours.

It is easy for any of us to have faith when everything is going our way. When we are blessed, prosperous, healthy, and successful, it is easy to believe that God is on our side and we are walking in His promises. But what happens when trials come, tragedy strikes, or temptation gets the upper hand? Is our faith still viable? Are we still walking in God’s will? Has He withdrawn His presence and blessing from our lives? Did we do something wrong?

These are all real questions asked by real people everyday. We all face difficult times when it seems like the promises of God have not been fulfilled and He has left us on our own. What are we to do in those times of despair?

We are to keep the faith.

Jesus said that we would face tribulation. He also said that when we do we can be filled with peace because He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). Keeping the faith is looking to Jesus in our times of trial. It is a conviction that His Word is a solid foundation that will withstand the storms of life. It is having a hope for the future that will sustain us in the present. It is the confidence that God will never leave us alone when we need Him the most. It is the assurance that He is able to use even our worst experiences to work something good in our lives.

In the pages of this book I hope you will see God’s Word from a new perspective. It is my prayer that you will come to see that God’s heart is to do you good, and that understanding will result in a closer walk with Him. God really does love you and has your best in mind. He is on your side and wants to make you more like Him. I am convinced that if you can grasp the truths and principles in this book, it will help you to understand the good work God is doing in your life. As you do, you will come to see how He is working in every situation, and how you can remain strong and faithful in times of testing and trial. This is not just some theory that sounds good on paper. I know it works. It has worked for me through many trials, and for countless others whom I have taught and counseled in over 38 years of ministry. It will also work for you.

The premise of this book is based upon two passages of Scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New. Jeremiah 32:38-42 and Romans 8:28-29 both speak of God’s desire and ability to do good to those who are walking in a covenant relationship with Him. All of the other Scriptures and examples are used to support and illustrate this view. Personal illustrations are true, but some of the names have been changed to respect the privacy of the individuals involved. It is my prayer that, as you read, the Holy Spirit will bring enlightenment and understanding to your heart. As you begin to grasp the good work of God in your life your faith will be increased, and you will be strengthened to keep the faith in the storms of life.

I have also included a discussion guide at the end of each chapter. I encourage you to get together with a small group of friends to discuss what you are reading and how to apply it to your lives. I think you will find this a rewarding and beneficial time.

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Chapter 1

Faith’s Question – Why?

Learning to trust in God

Habakkuk 3:17-18

"Though the fig tree may not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

and the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

and there be no herd in the stalls-

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Trouble comes to everyone. Henry and Alice are no exception. They are one of the most wonderful couples you could ever hope to meet. Any pastor would love to have them in their church. They are faithful, generous, supportive, and always willing to serve. They are spiritually mature, able to teach, and full of grace and wise counsel. If you wanted to show an outsider what a Christian looked like, you could use Henry and Alice as examples. They love God, love His Word, love His church, and love people. They don’t criticize, complain, or stir up any trouble. But trouble has a way of finding them.

I don’t mean to imply that their life is full of trouble, but is hasn’t been trouble-free, either. They are the proud parents of five children, and that is where tragedy has hit the hardest. Their youngest son was killed in a car accident on his eighteenth birthday. Their middle daughter died unexpectedly of complications from an illness. Their oldest son was murdered at home in bed.

Those who have suffered the loss of a child know that it is one of the most painful experiences one could ever undergo, even if that child is an adult. It has caused many a parent to lose their faith in God, turn cold and bitter toward the world, and exchange their hope and joy for a spirit of heaviness and mourning. Not Henry and Alice. Yes, they suffered and grieved at the loss of each child. It hurt deeply. The blows were crushing. Yes, they questioned why. But though they were struck down, they were not destroyed. Their faith in God remains strong. Their joy remains full. Their love for the Lord is secure.

What is it about people like Henry and Alice that helps them to overcome adversity and stand strong through the trials of life? Perhaps the prophet Habakkuk can help begin answering that question.

The Perplexed Prophet

Habakkuk lived in Judah about 600 years before Christ during a very difficult time. Things had gotten so bad that he wondered if God had turned His back on them. As he looked around all he could see was violence, oppression, and injustice. The first four verses of his book give us insight into what he was feeling.

"O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ and You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds." (Hab. 1:1-4)

No wonder he was called the Perplexed Prophet. He was confused about what he saw going on all around him. To read this passage is almost like reading today’s newspaper. The prophet is talking about the same things that are happening in our world today – violence, iniquity, trouble, plundering, strife, contention. All of these things are going on all around us. I wonder how surprised Habakkuk would be if he could get a glimpse into the 21st century. He would see war, terrorism, drug trafficking, pornography, homosexuality, abortion, divorce, child abuse, and so much more that is going on today. Perhaps you feel a little bit like he did.

Surrounded by so much corruption and evil, Habakkuk cried out to God, Lord, I am calling out to You, but You are not listening. The underlying question he was asking is really ‘Why?’ – Why is all of this happening? Why aren’t You doing anything about it? Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer? Why, Lord? Why?

Have you ever found yourself asking why? Life just doesn’t make sense sometimes.

It was a lucky day when my neighbor won the lottery. He purchased the property around his house and made plans to build 3 houses, one for each of his children. Then he came down with cancer and shortly afterward died. A few years later the lots are still empty. Why? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people? Why do the good die young? Why do some people seem to have all the luck? It is an infinite and perplexing question. Why?

The answer Habakkuk received is almost as perplexing as the question. In verses 5-11 God responds to the prophet’s cry in a way that he could never have imagined. God’s answer to Habakkuk’s complaint is that He is going to send the Chaldean army to invade the land. He then describes this army as terrible and dreadful, swift and fierce, one who comes with violence to gather the captives. This was not exactly the answer Habakkuk was looking for. Instead of making things better, they were going to get a lot worse.

How many times have you cried out to God about a situation and it seemed to get worse? It is not an uncommon experience. However, if you walk with God for any length of time you will soon discover that His ways are not our ways. Nevertheless, His ways are always the right ways.

The Just Shall Live By Faith

As the story unfolds, we come to a verse that has left its imprint upon all of history. In fact, it is at the heart of the gospel, and the foundation for the Christian life. At the end of Habakkuk 2:4 God proclaims, the just shall live by his faith. So important is this verse to our walk with God that it is repeated three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). The Christian life is a life of faith. Without faith you cannot be a Christian. Without faith you cannot please God (Heb. 11:6).

God’s answers to our questions don’t always make sense to our natural minds. Many times His way of doing things seems contrary to our way, or the world’s way. That is why it is so important not to look at our circumstances too closely. We need to focus our sights upon the Word of God. It is through the Word that our faith will increase and be made strong, and that is essential if we want to live a victorious Christian life.

All of the great men and women of God in the Bible lived by faith. Abraham left his homeland in search of a land promised by God. His journey was a walk of faith. Along the way his faith was tested many times. He believed God for the birth of his son, Isaac, even though it was physically impossible. Later, he trusted God when asked to offer him as a sacrifice. Each time God proved faithful.

It was by faith that Moses returned to Egypt to lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land. Because of his faith and obedience to God, the Red Sea was opened and the people crossed over on dry land. When they were thirsty he brought water from a rock. He led them on a faith journey for forty years. They never lacked food or water, and their clothes and sandals never wore out.

Joshua followed Moses as the leader of Israel and led them into the Promised Land by faith. Just as they began their journey crossing the Red Sea on dry land, they ended it by crossing the Jordan River on dry land. By faith they marched around the city of Jericho for seven days until the walls fell down. As long as they obeyed God and walked by faith they were able to take possession of the land.

The Bible is a book of faith, but we can look beyond it to the history of the church and find great examples, too. George Mueller fed and housed hundreds of orphans for many years on faith alone. Hudson Taylor went as a missionary to China believing God for his total support. Smith Wigglesworth saw the sick healed and the dead raised back to life because of his faith. Great things have been accomplished throughout the ages because men and women have dared to trust God. It is no different today.

Habakkuk’s Song of Faith

Look at Habakkuk once again. After hearing God’s call to live by faith, his attitude changed completely. He learned that he could trust God in spite of his circumstances. As a result, he bursts out in a great song of faith in chapter 3:17-18 – Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

What is he saying? He is mentioning the things that supplied the basic needs of his day. They were shepherds and farmers who lived off the produce of the land. He might as well have said, Though I don’t have any work, and I don’t have any food; and though I am all out of money and have lost everything I own; and even though the economy has failed and there is no hope for me in this world, yet I will rejoice in the victory I have in the Lord, and I will dance for joy in the God of my salvation.

Notice again, he is not rejoicing in his circumstances. They had not changed. In fact, they were going to get worse before they got better. We certainly need these words today. As I write, the whole world is going through a financial crisis. Banks are closing. People are losing their jobs and their homes. The stock market has fallen, and retirement accounts have lost thousands of dollars. It is a trying time for many, and there is no positive outlook for the near future. We need to learn the lesson of this ancient prophet. Habakkuk had learned that he could trust in God in spite of his circumstances. From the human perspective he had every reason to fear, and every right to complain. But, he is now looking through the eyes of faith which see things from a different dimension. Our natural eyes see from an earthly perspective. Our spiritual eyes see from a heavenly point of view, and things look a whole lot different from above.

See Things from God’s Perspective

As I drove to the airport to catch my flight the weather was terrible. The wind was blowing. It was raining cats and dogs. There were flash flood warnings. It was dark and dreary. But after taking off, 38,000 feet above the earth and the clouds, it was calm, light, and peaceful. So it is when we learn to see things from God’s perspective instead of ours. That is what Habakkuk learned. That is what we must learn, too.

We may never get an answer to our questions. We may never find out the reason why something happened the way it did. The question that really needs answering is not why, but who? Who is in control of your life? Who are you depending on to help you out? Who can bring something good out of your bad situation?

When we learn to trust in a loving, wise God, things take on a heavenly point of view. As we see things from above, we will begin to experience the peace that goes beyond understanding. Instead of getting fearful and weary, we can see our circumstances from a position of strength and victory. It is through trusting that we triumph and, like Habakkuk, we too can dance for joy.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord Jesus, You know every detail of our lives. You know what the situation is for everyone who is reading this book. You know that there are times when things are hard to understand. Sometimes we will get an answer. Many times we will not. In those times, help us not to focus so much on the question why, but to focus on who is with us. Help us to learn to live by faith so that we can dance for joy in the good work you are doing in our lives. In your precious name we pray. Amen.

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Discussion Guide

1. Share an experience when you had a hard time trusting God.

2. How did that experience end?

3. Did you learn anything from it?

4. Share a scripture verse that has helped