IN YOUR FACE

By Reno I Johnson

Did you know that some of the most influential people in the world come from the most humble beginnings? Or that God specializes in making successes out of people whom others deem least likely to succeed?

Job was “insignificant” when he started out, yet God promised his ending would “increase greatly” (Job 8:7). Kin

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fresh Touch Publishing
• Release date: May 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781735063638

Book preview

PREFACE

THE BOOK , I N Your Face , represents a conglomerate of biblical research, personal experiences, and the stories of others as it relates to the awesomeness of God as manifested in and through His children. The words on these pages come alive when reading. It is an easy read, as the writing is about issues with which we all can identify. The stories are so powerful and the promises of God so clear that the book is appropriate for a variety of age groups, including teenagers. The material owes its existence to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, many hours of reading and rereading the Bible, and many conversations and collaborations with Christian friends, teachers, and small group discussions.

The inspiration for writing In Your Face came from the Holy Spirit, and I give all glory to God for this accomplishment. I also wish to thank my wife, Shandaly, and my two lovely daughters, Ranaé and Reishonda Johnson, for their love and support.

INTRODUCTION

IN Y OUR F ACE is designed from the beginning to the end to encourage and motivate the readers to go beyond the norm of the average believer and to experience the all-powerful, all-wise, and majestic God. Throughout the book there are constant reminders that good will prevail against evil and that once we surrender to the will of God, we are destined for success. The very name of the book evokes a feeling of victory for the reader, as it claims a celebration for the children of God right in the face of the enemy. The central theme is that our lives are undergirded with purpose and, as such, God will direct us in paths which at times are uncomfortable and unfamiliar; but know for sure that these same paths will lead to the ultimate actualization.

While our current disposition can have some effect on the future, it does not determine our final outcome. However, many people confuse the current rejections and frustrations with the future plans of God. Despite humanity’s limitations on our future, God will take us beyond human imaginations. There is a mysterious element in life that allows persons of low esteem to rise above the precepts and expectations of the prophets of doom.

Over the years this mysterious selection and promotion by the Divine has caused many to be left bewildered, pondering how could this be so? Some of the most influential people in the world would testify that they came from very humble beginnings; perhaps many were counted as least likely to succeed for economic, social, or spiritual reasons. One of the greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln, has a history that, when told, makes people wonder how someone with so many challenges could ever become president. Oprah Winfrey, one of the wealthiest African Americans, wrote a book which outlines her childhood struggles with abuse. Paula White, one of America’s most popular televangelists, testifies of how she was on welfare, living on the streets. Our very own Dr. Myles Munroe, an internationally renowned teacher and bestselling author, came from the backseat of a small church to the world’s stadium. The list of examples can go on and on, for there are countless men and women who came from humble beginnings. In this book you will discover how God takes delight in preparing a table before you in the face (presence) of your enemies.

As you continue to read this book, you will discover the many ways God takes the rejects of society—those disdained, scorned, and overlooked by others—and makes them shine like the noonday sun in the face of the enemy. In the sentiments of Daniel, we make our plans but it is God that commands. (See Daniel 2:20–21; 4:17.) In your face!

CHAPTER 1

A TEMPORARY SETBACK

THE ENEMY WOULD have us to believe that the problems or adverse situations we might have found ourselves in yesterday (or today) can prevent us from operating in tomorrow’s blessings. Rather, God has equipped us in such a way that these temporary dispositions serve merely to mature us to function in a godly manner once we embrace the rich promises of God. According to The Free Dictionary , setback is defined as an unanticipated or sudden check in progress; a change from better to worse. ¹ Throughout life we are faced with various unplanned events that can either break us or make us. Our response to such unforeseen events will determine the difference between success and failure. Like Tommy Lasorda said, The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. ² You must be determined to press through whatever you run into.

God has placed within us the ability to survive whatever obstacles come in our pathway; we just need to obey His instructions. As stated in Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (NIV). In most cases if it had not been for divine delay we would have been like a hot-headed teenager who upon receiving the keys to his/her first car gets into an accident. When scolded by the father for reckless driving exclaims, No big deal; it’s only a car. Thus, the temporary setback allows us the time to reflect and learn to appreciate the reprimands and/or gifts given by our heavenly Father.

BUT FOR THE MERCIES OF GOD

God takes delight in spreading a table before us in the presence of our enemies, not because of our worthiness but for His glory. The psalmist said in chapter 37: Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious. . . Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Ps. 37:1, 4). All this needless worrying about the seemingly prosperity of the enemy and fretting about the threat they pose to us is useless. Instead of giving so much attention to our enemies, God desires that we delight ourselves in Him.

Have you ever stopped to listen to the testimonies and prayers of some folks? More times than necessary Christians glorify the problems. Their prayers are usually a retelling of the problem, and even the testimonies recite the hidden anger for the evildoers as opposed to praising God for His provisions. Too often Christians are too busy chasing after the devil to recognize or acknowledge the blessings of God. Yes, the enemy is real; but God is using the enemy to throw you a banquet.

Just because God has made us the honored guests in the presence of the enemy doesn’t give us the authority to become haughty or lord over others. The favor of God upon our lives is an unmerited (undeserved) gift. We must use it for His glory. Moreover, the table that God is about to spread is one that should move us to live out the passage of scripture that says, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink (Rom. 12:20, nkjv). Most of us can rejoice at the thought of being at the head table, but it is hard to go beyond this point to allow our bowels of mercy to reach the onlookers (in this case the enemy). God’s mercy is not merely to be placed on a shelf to gather dust; it is to be shared with others.

Despite the Christian’s spiritual endeavors, there is not one person who can boast of deserving God’s mercy. We are reminded that all our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). It is but for the mercy of God and not any goodness of our own. We read in John 8:1–11 about the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. The entire town gathered with stones to slay her. However, Jesus made one statement that silenced the entire crowd; He said, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (v. 7). One by one they left until she stood alone. People can be quick to point out the shortcomings of others while overlooking their own faults. If you were to allow the accusations or