RE: [TruthTalk] John 16:13 fg. - Perhaps it's focus is WHO not so much WHAT

[ShieldsFamily]

So as children of God, we're chastened but we're never under his wrath. In other words, one can tell if one is a child of God or if one is outside by whether we're experiencing chastening or wrath.   Now, I'm sure everyone on TT has experienced God's chastening. So will quite a few who do not call themselves Christians.   Anyway, how do you know it's God you're hearing and not Satan whipping you to steal your joy, to destroy your relationship with God or to make you hate yourself? We love others out of the love we receive from God. We can't generate goodness, love or life from within. If Satan can foster poison that, he will.     Caroline,    I love your questions and hope you keep them coming.  First of all I’d like to hear your answers to your own questions, as you must have some.  IMO, not all difficulties that God sends/allows into the life of the Believer are “chastenings”.  Sometimes they are just allowed for a greater good, such as strengthening us, teaching us a spiritual truth, or bringing glory to God, or bringing a blessing to someone else (which we may never even realize).  Sometimes it is for the purpose of teaching us to take authority over darkness and rebuke it.  That is why I pray and seek discernment when difficulties arise.    But the first thing I check (because it’s the easiest to rule out) is for sin in my own life that has made an opening for the evil one.  If I have been oblivious to some sin in my life God will certainly, in His faithfulness, bring it to my attention.  God does use satan to “steal my joy” if sin is in my life.  This kind of difficulty is the easiest, also, to deal with—by repentance.  As Bill correctly states, I confess my sin to God, receive His cleansing Blood, and seek His wisdom on how to correct it on my end.  Perhaps an apology is in order, or just a change of attitude, or whatever.  The comfort I receive from doing this is evidence of the fact that this was the problem.    The wrath of God is something I hope to never experience.  It is what those who are separated from God will experience on That Day.  I do remember what it felt like to live a life separated from God, prior to knowing Him—a big hole in my soul that left me feeling hollow and worthless.  My self-hatred was all I could feel.  I felt like a nobody walking around in a body.  That was a life I hope never to forget, as it helps me remember where the lost are, and to appreciate that Presence which has given me Hope and Joy, even in the midst of trials and difficulties.   Izzy   John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:  but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.