Exodus 1-2, Job 31, 1 Peter 5

What God said to me – Your adversary, the devil, means for suffering to discourage you from following Me.  Look at Job – he is the prime example of this.  So you must constantly be on the alert especially during times of difficulty and suffering.  Resist the temptation to complain and to feel discouraged and turn away from Me because that is to fall into his trap.  Realize that you are not alone.  “I AM” with you always, using everything you experience to grow you and to accomplish My purpose in your life.  I use these times to grow you in ways that can only come as you walk through these trials.  Look at Israel when they were oppressed by the Egyptians – the more they suffered, the more they increased.  When you experience suffering remember “I AM” at work so seek Me to learn what “I AM” doing in your life.  Remember it’s only for a short time and then you will experience My eternal glory.

Genesis 49-50, Job 30, 1 Peter 3:17-22, 4

What God said to me – There is no question that some point in your life you will suffer because of the consequences of your actions.  The question is – will this suffering be a consequence of your own sin or a consequence of your refusal to sin?  There is a world of difference between the two.  When you suffer as a consequence of your own sin the purpose of your suffering is for judgment and to bring you to a renewed and restored relationship with Me.  When your suffering is the result of persecution because you refuse to sin or is the result of someone else’s sin, you must turn to Me in trust and believe that “I AM” doing a work in your life that will be for your good and My glory.  You can know that when you suffer this way and respond this way that “I AM’ well pleased with you, My child.

Genesis 47-48, Job 29, 1 Peter 3

What God said to me – No matter what season of life you find yourself in, there is never a bad time to reflect – to look at where you are – not just physically, but spiritually.  Use this time of reflection to honestly assess your life and goals and direction.  Seek Me and let My Spirit show you and teach you.  As He reveals to you where you have been and where you are, seek His direction as to where I want you to go and changes I want you to make. Your walk with Me should never be static.  You never “arrive”.  You never mature completely or arrive at perfection.  There are untold depths to Me and our relationship and you will spend eternity discovering My glory.