God Is Not Your Enemy

When life takes an unexpected turn, who do we blame?

When the health report isn't what we hoped for.
When relationships break down.
When doors close, prayers seem unanswered, or life feels unfair.

One of the most common questions people ask is:
"Why is God doing this to me?"
But what if that question is based on a misunderstanding of who God really is?

In this episode, we explore a truth that has the power to completely change the way we view difficult seasons: God is not the source of the suffering, pain, or hardship you may be facing.

So who is God when life feels overwhelming?
• Is He the One causing the storm—or the One carrying you through it?
• Why do we often blame God for things He never intended for us?
• And when life falls apart, will we choose to bless God or blame Him?

The Bible describes God as a loving Father—one whose love for us is unconditional and unwavering.
If even earthly fathers desire to protect and care for their children, how much more does our Heavenly Father care for us?

2 Chronicles 16:9 NASB1995
For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

God isn't looking for ways to punish you.
He's looking for opportunities to strengthen you, help you, and walk beside you.
And while no one enjoys seasons of testing, Bible reminds us that growth often happens in the hardest places. After all, it takes tremendous pressure, time, and refinement for a diamond to be formed.

So what if the difficult season you're facing today isn't evidence that God has abandoned you?
What if it's an opportunity to discover His faithfulness in a deeper way?

If you're navigating disappointment, suffering, temptation, unanswered questions, or a season where your faith feels stretched, this episode offers a biblical perspective on God's character, His promises, and His unwavering love for you.
Because sometimes the breakthrough begins when we stop asking, "Why is God doing this to me?" and start asking, "What does God want me to know about Him in the middle of this?"
If this message encourages you, subscribe, share it with someone walking through a difficult season, and leave a review. We'd love to know which part of the message spoke to you most.

Transcript

A Misconception About God

SPEAKER_01 0:13

Hallelujah. This beautiful morning, I want to get straight into the word of God. And I want to clear a misconception that some people have, some of you might have, some of us might have about God. And uh I'm gonna get straight into it as I said, and I'm gonna read to you from the Bible. And pay attention this morning because I believe this morning is uh going to be a very important aspect and a very important change for each and every one of us once you understand this beautiful word.

James On Temptation And Desire

SPEAKER_01 0:49

And I'm reading to you from the book of James, the first chapter, 13th and 14th verse. James, the first chapter, the 13th and 14th verse. And the Bible says, Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he himself tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Hallelujah. I'm reading it again. Let no one say, When he is tempted, I am tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he himself tempt anyone. But each of you is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Hallelujah. It's the word of God, and I want to tell you this beautiful morning that you know if you're going through something, and you know, while our time on this planet, I do believe that all of us go through something at different points of time, irrespective of what area of life it might be in. And I want to tell you that you know, today if you're going through something, this word is for you, and that's why I started with that. That if you think God is tempting you, I want to show you this morning through the word of God from the book of James that God is not the one who's tempting you, nor is he the one who tempts anyone for that matter. The Bible says it very clearly. So, you know, I started with saying that I want to clear this misconception, and most of us think, you know, there are times when you go through something and you're like, why is God doing this to me? I want to tell you this morning, God is not the one who does it to you. But I want to give an example to you this beautiful morning, and uh, you know, that's uh as I said, I start with clearing any misconceptions you might have in your head that God is the one who does this to you because he's not. And as I said, in any avenue of life, if you think you're being stretched and pulled, you know, from one side to the other, or you think you're really at that place where you cannot take anymore, and you're thinking, why is this thorn constantly lingering for so long? This is for you. And I'll give you an example. As I said, all my answers will only come to you from the word of God, so you don't have to take my word for it, take his instead.

Job’s Life Before The Storm

SPEAKER_01 3:23

And I'm gonna start with the book of Job from the story in the time of the life of Job. And I'm gonna get straight into it, Job, and pay attention because you know you might relate to this story today, and I think most of you will, and you'll understand what I'm trying to tell you through the word of God. That is the Bible says in Job 1.1, there was a man in the land of Ooze, is the name of the place, whose name was Job. And the Bible says he was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. Hallelujah. So, this is how the Bible actually describes and introduces Job. It says he was a man who was blameless and upright, he feared God, and he shunned evil. And the Bible goes on to talk about his family, and he has seven sons and three daughters, and the Bible mentions a large amount of cattle, ox, and camels, and sheep, and donkeys. And the Bible says he had a very large household. So much that the Bible says that he was the greatest of all the people of the East. Hallelujah. So the Bible is calling out Job as somebody who is blameless and upright, somebody who fears God and shuns evil, and somebody who has a wonderful family, seven sons, three daughters, a large amount of cattle, oxen and camels and sheep and donkeys, with a large household, so much so that no one is as great as him in the whole of the east. Hallelujah. Blameless and upright, and shunned evil and feared God. In fact, the Bible even says that he used to offer burnt offerings to God, rising early in the morning at appointed times. And I can tell you that Job was blessed, and that's just a brief about Job. And some of you know the story, some of you don't, but you know it's a beautiful one that, as I said, I come here this morning to change your perspective on things through the word of God. And now here comes the interesting

The Spiritual Challenge Over Job

SPEAKER_01 5:49

part. The Bible says in the book of Job itself that there's a day when the sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan is also among them. So the Bible says there's a day when the sons of God come to present themselves to before the Lord, and Satan is amongst them. Hallelujah. Those of you who missed it, this means that Satan has to report to God. Hallelujah. Now Satan is in this line reporting to God, giving his roll call, if you want to call it that. And now listen to what happens next. And for some of you who have an imagination, uh I'd like to think of it as a day when you know the spiritual world and the keepers are updating God of what's happening. And in that line is also Satan because he has to report to God. Hallelujah. And the Bible says in Job 1:7, and the Lord said to Satan, From where do you come? And he answered and said, From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. So I want to tell you this morning that God is taking an accounting of Satan and he has to report to him. And as I want to tell you that, you know, he's he's already a defeated foe since then, until now. Don't miss that. And then the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth? A blameless, an upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil. So you see, Satan is telling God that I've been roaming back and forth on the planet. And while there's this discussion going on between the devil and God, God is putting out a name in front of him, and he said, Have you considered my servant Job? And listen to the next bit of conversation between the two of them. And as I said, some of you have a, you know, you have an imagination and you should go with it. There's a discussion going on in the spirituals between God and the defeated foe. But it gives you a clear indication, and I told you many times that this battle is not a real one, it's a spiritual one, and this is exactly what's happening in the background in the spirituals. So Satan goes ahead and answers the Lord. Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. These are the words of Satan to God when he's asking him, You're roaming to and fro on the earth. Have you considered my servant Job? And Satan now is telling God, you think Job doesn't fear you for nothing? You've put a hedge of protection around him, you've blessed him on all sides. You've blessed the work of his hands, he's a rich man, you've increased his land. And now just put forth your hand on him and touch him, and he will curse you to your face. Oh, there's a challenge on the table now, isn't there? So here's the thing: Satan is roaming the earth, God is telling him, Have you considered Job? Satan is answering and saying, Haven't you protected Job? And now there's a challenge on the table. And I want to tell you that God is being taped, is being taunted by Satan saying that, you know, haven't you just saved this guy constantly? Haven't you blessed him constantly? And there's a bet on the table. Touch him and all that he has, and he will curse you to your face. There's a challenge on the table. And I want to tell you, God is putting his money on Job, as the world would call it. God is putting down his ace, he's laying his bets on Job. And listen to what happens next. Job 112. And the Lord said to Satan, this is Job 1.12, Behold, all that he has is in your power only that you do not lay a hand on his person. So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Oh, he's given him permission now. So the Lord has given Satan permission, saying, Behold, all he has is in your power, only you cannot lay a hand on his person, which means God is saying, Okay, challenge accepted. Everything that he has, everything that Job has, I leave to you. Only you cannot touch him. And the Bible says Satan went away from the presence of the Lord. And I want to tell you what happens next with Job. You know, the next few things that happen are not fun at all. And maybe some of you might relate to it and some of you might not. But it'll give you a clear perspective of what can happen in a situation like this. And as I said, it can give you a clear perspective of what can happen in the background of the spirituals when that spiritual warfare happens for you and me. And as I said before, you know, the Bible says that Job would make an offering to God at a particular time, appointed time. And the Bible says that it's that time of the year, or rather, it's that time when Job and his children actually meet together, and the brothers would host each other with their sisters in their respective homes, and they would feast and drink, the Bible says. And it is after that that Job would make an offering to God.

Loss After Loss In Minutes

SPEAKER_01 12:47

And the Bible says that it is that time again when his children are feasting and drinking. And Job has made an offering to God. And here's what happens: a messenger comes to Job to tell him that he was in the field when someone raided them and took all the oxen and the donkeys and killed all the other servants. And he was the only one who escaped to tell Job. And before I get into the next few events, I want you to understand what's happening right now. And I want you to put yourself in the feet of uh, you know, uh into the shoes of Job and understand the situation. So the first messenger comes to him and says that, you know, we were raided in the fields. Someone came and took everything and killed all the servants, and they took all the oxen and the donkey. And the Bible says, while he was speaking, while he was speaking, another one comes in and he says, The fire of God fell upon the sheep and the servants, and alone he had escaped to tell Job. So, in some other part, there's fire that's come down, and by the way, according to the servant, God has sent a fire upon them. But we all know where it's come from now. That I've given you the prelude to the story, and I've given you the prelude to every story that ever happens on our life on this planet, for you to understand very clearly where it comes from. Anyway, coming back, while he was speaking, the other one comes and says, Lord, fire uh great uh master, fire came from God upon the sheep and the servants and burnt and killed them all. And I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you. And the Bible says again, while he was speaking, another comes in to report that another clan from a group came and raided the camels and killed all their servants, and he alone has escaped to tell Job. And while he was still speaking, another one has come in, and he has said, Oh master, your sons and daughters were feasting, and suddenly a great wind came, and it struck the house, and it fell on the young people, and they're all dead, and I alone have come and escaped to tell you. I started with telling you that Job was a rich man, he had seven sons and three daughters, and he was loaded. He was blameless and upright and shunned evil. And this is what happened to Job. Everything has gone in a split of two minutes of me narrating the story to you. Can you imagine Job's life has turned on its head and everything is gone? And the Bible says that Job arose, he tore his clothes, he shaved his head, he fell on the ground. And you have to listen to what he says

Job’s Response Under Pressure

SPEAKER_01 16:22

next. In Job 21, I'm sorry, Job 1 21-22. He says, Naked I come from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. And in all these things Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrong. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I understand. Now, what God said when Job, when he called Job as somebody who was upright and who shunned evil, he has lost everything, including his seven sons and three daughters, and oxen and camels and donkeys and servants and everything. Once he has lost his family, I think he's lost everything. But yet this man goes on the ground and he says, I've come from my mother's womb naked, and I shall return naked. The Lord has given, the Lord has taken. Blessed be the name of the Lord. This guy was made of a different material. Job.

God’s Eyes Search To Strengthen

SPEAKER_01 17:55

And I want to tell you, and I want to give you a perspective this morning. While this discussion is going on, I started with telling you the book of Job says Satan goes to and fro on the earth, walking back and forth. And let me tell you what the book of Chronicles says. God's eyes. God's eyes are running to and fro all over the earth to show himself strong. Hallelujah. For those of you who understood what I'm trying to tell you, this beautiful morning, the book of Job talks about Satan going to and fro on the earth, walking back and forth. And the book of Chronicles says God's eyes are running to and fro all over the earth to show himself strong. Hallelujah. I want to put these two books together. And when Satan goes to God in the book of Job, he tells him, Have you considered my servant Job? Hallelujah. To show himself strong. It's in 2 Chronicles 16:9, in case you want to note it, and I'm reading it to you from the Word of God, 2nd Chronicles 16:9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and frout throughout the whole earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him. Hallelujah. I want to tell you this beautiful morning. You should mark it down. Oh, he knew Job would not cease to worship him, nor say anything against him, nor turn away from him, nor sin against his name. In fact, there's a time when all of this happens. Do you know Job's wife comes to him and says, Curse God and die? His wife actually comes and tells him, Job, curse God and die. But that's not Job's heart because his heart is, I have come naked from the from my mother's womb, I will go back the same way. The Lord has given, the Lord has taken, and I bless his name. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. And I want to tell you, just as this beautiful, beautiful passage of scripture and chronicle says, for those whose heart is loyal to him, hallelujah. I want to tell you this morning, God does not bring calamity to you. And that's what I started with telling you because that's a misconception. You know, most often than not. When you in those in those situations, when you are in that, you know, that cold dump, everyone turns around and says, Why is God doing this to me? No, he's not the one who does it to you. I want to assure you this morning through the word of God, don't take my assurity. Take the word of God. It is not God who does this to you. He just does not do it. He cannot do it. Please understand that. Which father I want to tell you today brings calamity onto their child. Do you know any father who does that? I do not know anyone who would do that to their child. And I have many friends, many acquaintances who all have fathers and parents. But I would I I know for a fact that none of them would bring this kind of calamity onto their children. So don't be mistaken or misled this beautiful morning. In fact, I want to tell you, and that's why I have this story to share with you this morning, that he vouches for you, for he knows that you will stand strong in him. Hallelujah. He vouches for you, or he knows that you will stand strong in him. And I know it's a difficult one. I know it's a difficult one to digest. I know it's a difficult one for it to settle down into your system, into your head. But it is the way it is because I've always told you the Bible says we battle not with flesh and blood. It's a spiritual battle. And I want to tell you something this morning, and I'll give you a perspective.

Refined Like A Diamond

SPEAKER_01 22:34

But before I get into that, I want to tell you Psalm 6610 says you have refined us. And just as the devil has searched the planet, I'm telling you, God has searched and picked out your name to show himself strong. And I know I I said it's easy, it's not easy to digest. But it's because he knows that you will pass that test. Hallelujah. I want to tell you the most precious stone on the planet is a diamond. And it's expensive. But I want to tell you the diamond is not just formed by the snapping of fingers. It takes years in the making, it takes years. And it takes tremendous amounts of pressure and tremendous amounts of heat and temperature exposures. And only then and only then is a diamond form. And similarly, I believe this beautiful morning when I release this message from the Word of God. That's how God works in making you a diamond. But the Lord tests the heart. But the Lord tests the hearts. Hallelujah. Stand firm in Jesus this beautiful day. I want to tell you it's just a phase. It's a spiritual battle to refine you. I want to give you a perspective this morning because I want to tell you that you know, um uh actually let me let me just finish the story of Job. But again, this morning, before I finish it, I want to tell you stand firm in Jesus. It is a phase, it's a spiritual battle to refine you. And let me tell you, God has taken up you as a challenge because he knows you will not fail him, he knows your heart, and that's why he has let that situation that he may make you stronger and better and bigger and so much more.

Restoration And Being Called By Name

SPEAKER_01 25:47

And I want to tell you, God restored everything back to Job. The Bible says, twice as much as what he had. Hallelujah. God restored back to Joseph, Job, I'm sorry, everything that he had twice over. In fact, the Bible says he was a very wealthy man. He had seven sons and three daughters, don't miss it, seven sons and three daughters, and none as pretty of them in the whole land. Hallelujah! And the Bible says he had grandchildren and four generations, and he died at the age of 140 years. Oh, hallelujah! But what if Job did curse God? It's just a question mark I want to leave you with this morning. Of course, God knew he wouldn't, which is why he said, Have you considered my servant Job? And this is something I want to share with you this morning that was given to me as a revelation, that while this was happening, while the the sons of God and Satan were coming and reporting to God, that means that something happening in the spirituals, and I want to tell you this beautiful morning that when those guys are reporting to God in the spiritual world, God calls out Job's name, hallelujah. As someone who he knew would run that test in the spiritual world, let me tell you, they know your name. Hallelujah.

SPEAKER_00 27:35

That means if you are going through something, I want to tell you that that challenge has been taken up by God and He's called out your name in the spirituals, the spiritual world knows you by name. Hallelujah.

SPEAKER_01 27:51

He has called out your name in the spirituals, and that entire world knows of you because he knows he has searched you, he's gone to and fro, and he knows you will withstand this test. Hallelujah. And I want to leave you with this beautiful passage of scripture and let it sink into your system. Meditate on this beautiful passage, and you will understand your father this beautiful morning and know through this word that God is not the one who brings calamity on you, God is not the one that brings tests on you. He's just someone who wants to take you to the next level. And as I said, I don't make the rules, I can just tell you of what I understand of them, and this is it. Hallelujah.

Fortified City Promise From Jeremiah

SPEAKER_01 28:42

Jeremiah 1, 18 and 19, and you should understand this beautiful scripture. Jeremiah 1, 18 and 19 says, For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar. Amen. And bronze walls against the whole land. Hallelujah. Hear it again. Somebody needs to listen to this. For behold, I have made you today a fortified city and an iron pillar and bronze walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. That means against everyone, this beautiful morning. God has made you a fortified city. He's made you an iron pillar with bronze walls against the whole land. Amen. And listen to this, they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you. Amen. Amen. In this beautiful day, when we are on this planet and you go through these situations, I want to tell you that they happen in the spirituals, but they manifest in this real world. And for this real world is a scripture. An iron pillar. For those of you who don't know what's an iron pillar, it's something that is indestructible. With bronze walls against the whole land, and anyone might come against you. May it be kings, princes, priests, and any people of the land. They will fight against you, this word says, and they will not prevail. Hallelujah. For he is your God and he will deliver you. Amen.

Prayer For Deliverance And Double

SPEAKER_01 30:41

I'd like to pray. Dear Lord, I thank you for this beautiful time. I thank you for your beautiful presence. I thank you, Lord, for your presence. Some people can feel right now, all over. Because you are their father. I thank you, Lord, for some of the situations that you've taken complete control of.

SPEAKER_00 31:10

Thank you, Lord, for your beautiful word. Thank you, Lord. That you've gone to and fro. And you have called out our names, that our hearts may be refined and we can show you strong.

SPEAKER_01 31:33

Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus, for your beautiful presence upon people. Thank you, Jesus, for your beautiful presence upon some of those situations that you've already changed. Thank you, Lord, that no matter who comes against us, align to your word in Jeremiah 1.18. May it be priests, kings, princes, or any people of the land. You have made us a fortified city, an iron pillar with bronze walls, and nothing will come through. They will fight against us, Lord, but they will not prevail, as you are our victory. Oh, thank you, Lord, for this beautiful time. Thank you for this beautiful presence that people can feel. Thank you, Lord. We leave all our situations at your feet. For your word that says a smoldering wick you will not snuff out because you are in control until you bring the situation to justice.

SPEAKER_00 32:36

Thank you, Jesus, for your beautiful presence.

SPEAKER_01 32:38

Thank you, Jesus, for taking over some of these situations where your people have had enough and they have proved you strong. Hallelujah. For some of you, just as he did for Job, he's changed the situation and he's giving you twice over. Amen. So much so that the land will look at you and know who is your father. Hallelujah.

SPEAKER_00 33:07

Of glory and honor and praise to our Father. I join in all the angels and sing holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Hallelujah. Jesus' name I pray. Amen.