CIRCUMSTANCES ROSS SMITH 18122014
This week whilst sitting with the Lord I heard Him say, “You are presently controlled by your circumstances, but My intention is that you rule IN your circumstances.”
Obviously this caused some intrigue that warranted investigation to prove that the exhortation lined up with scripture and to see if there were other men who had undergone a similar instruction, and from whom I could learn.
My first reaction however was to review what I could comprehend from this statement so that I could then navigate through scripture for directions as how to achieve this result. The Apostle Paul frequently comes to my rescue with such clarity and experience that assists in achieving focus.
“Ruling the Circumstance” does not necessarily suggest that we can change the circumstance, but that we understand it is totally in God’s control, it hasn’t happened by accident, and so we are able to live in Fathers dominance, and maybe change our attitude. In the following verse there are 2 terms relevant, “circumstance” and “conquest” and I have suggested their inclusion for clarity sake.
2 Corinthians 4:8-12 We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], (circumstance) but not cramped or crushed; (conquest) we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, (circumstance) but not driven to despair; (conquest)We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), (circumstance) but not deserted [to stand alone]; (conquest) we are struck down to the ground, (circumstance) but never struck out and destroyed; (conquest) Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. For we who live are constantly [experiencing] (facing circumstance) being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced through our flesh which is liable to death. Thus death is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that our] life [may be actively at work] in you. (not just conquest but absolute victory)
Part of the reason we are controlled by circumstance is because we accept the circumstance instead of seeking the solution. We can call this “unacceptable acceptance”, or “if we acquiesce then we accept.”
This seems to echo the sentiment contained in the cliché, “all that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”.
The Apostle Paul set a pattern for us in circumstances that were far more unpalatable than anything we have been called to face and whilst also recognising the inconvenience of the circumstance, he realised the significance that would result as an outcome of overcoming, or “ruling in the circumstance.”
I know someone is going to attempt to excuse frailties in this respect by quoting Scripture which says: –
Philippians 4:11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) IN whatever state I am.
Notice this little word “IN”, which is very different to the little word “WITH”. The “IN” indicates that Paul recognised there were things happening around about him with which he had to deal, but if he had said “WITH WHATSOEVER STATE” it would suggest that he had accepted that the circumstances were controlling his situation.
The contentment is not about the circumstance we are in but is about the “state” we are in, and when walking in the spirit there is great contentment brought about by that “state”, not by the circumstance. This does not mean that we are passive, indolent or ambivalent, it means we know that “the circumstance” is not the controlling factor but is for us to demonstrate we are walking in the spirit as overcomers of the circumstance
1 Timothy 6:6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) (despite outward evidences .. comments mine) is GREAT AND ABUNDANT GAIN.
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] PEACE AND CONFIDENCE. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; BUT be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (and gives us the resources to rule in the circumstances … comments mine)
“Peace and Confidence” are soul mates and in opposition to “fatalistic acceptance”.
So we need some guidance as to how we can achieve domination over our circumstances.
John 14:1 DO NOT LET your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). (This is the opposite of “Peace and Confidence. Generally this is a direct result of our contemplating the circumstance, instead of “Contemplating our God” … comments mine) You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. (In other words, it requires a change of attitude/heart)
Romans 12:21 DO NOT LET yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
We intrinsically know what is “GOOD” and if we still revert to “Letting Ourselves” then we are, according to JAMES 4:17, committing sin. So instead of “acquiesce” we need “application”.
Notice in both occasions the responsibility lies with us and is double barreled, firstly we must “NOT LET OURSELVES” in both cases, and secondly the outcome will result in “good”. The apostle Paul goes on to enlarge upon this principle: –
Romans 6:12-13 LET NOT sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. DO NOT continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. (In other words, purify your motives so that the circumstances do not get a moment of consideration) But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead (or “appreciate the opportunity” … comments mine) to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.
The “DO NOT LET YOURSELF” acquires further credibility as we revert to that highly instructive missive of PROVERBS.
Proverbs 25:28 He who has no rule over his own spirit (or “lets himself” … comments mine) is like a city that is broken down and without walls. (or is vulnerable .. comments mine)
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the decision is wholly of the Lord [even the events (insert “circumstances”) that seem accidental are really ordered by Him].
When we can come to the conclusion recorded by Proverbs 16:33 then we will view the circumstances we face from a completely different perspective, not reacting or ranting but luxuriating in the sense of contentment that Father is in control and consequently I need to be acutely aware of how to respond so that I can take control rather than “lose it”.
You will recall from 2 Peter 1: 6 we had some precise instructions to enable us to achieve those characteristics which will enable us to participate in the promises of verse four.
2 Peter all 1:6 And in [exercising] knowledge (first step is to know the Word of God, this is “knowledge” .. comments mine) [DEVELOP] SELF-CONTROL, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), (transformation taking place)
Verse 4 (b) “and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.” Could we hope for a better outcome than this?
Should we have time and space to explore all the “incidents” in the life of Jesus, we would never find one occasion where he was not in control, even to Calvary where he went in obedience to the Fathers will, to provide the enabling for us emulate His example, and to procure the wherewithal so that when we stand before him we will have no “becauses”. When we are able to begin to glimpse His “Inconceivable Greatness” then we will be ready to “rule in our circumstance.”
Zechariah 3:7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: IF you will walk in My ways and keep My charge, THEN also you shall rule My house and have charge of My courts, and I will give you access [to My presence] and places to walk among these who stand here.
One little “IF” ……. One huge benefit “THEN”
I am always encouraged by the old Patriarch Caleb, who at eighty years of age is reported in Joshua 14 as telling Moses “Give me my mountain”. Not even the circumstance of age could deter a man who knew His God, was strong and was used to doing exploits (DANIEL 11:32). He also conveyed this attitude to the people.
Numbers 13:30 Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; WE ARE WELL ABLE TO CONQUER IT.
The spies had just returned and brought their report, there was good fruit, good timber, and really great country, BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE POOR …. SOME GIANTS. But Caleb in his inimitable fashion says, “I’m not going to be ruled by circumstances, LETS GO!!!!”
There is an air of confidence exuded by the Apostle Paul when he evaluated the exigencies of life and demonstrated that when we know that the circumstances are not the important issue, but that we have contemplated our God in His “Inconceivable Greatness” and understand that “in Him” we are invincible.
1Corinthians 6:12 Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, BUT I WILL NOT BECOME THE SLAVE OF ANYTHING OR BE BROUGHT UNDER ITS POWER.
The “EVERYTHINGS” constitute circumstances, the “ANYTHING” constitutes “ruling IN the circumstance”.
Negative emotions are one of the most debilitating activities we can engage in, that’s why the Word says, and gives us an important key:-
Philippians 4:8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
This means that we change our attitude from accepting the “status quo” that the world nominates, and eliminate those negatives associated with the circumstance, and “contemplate our God”.
It is when we begin to ponder the inappropriate that our resolve weakens, it seems to overturn what we know to be true, but have neglected to prove it. The Word we have in our hands, but we have to have it “in our heart” or our attitude. That does not leave room for negativity, but provides us with those resources for inevitable success and victory through Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
Romans 8:37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, YOUR GOD REIGNS!
Ross Smith 