The Seasons When the Demon of Discouragement Strikes the Most

The Seasons When the Demon of Discouragement Strikes the Most

By  Dr Joel Dabbas 

There are moments in life when everything feels dark, uncertain, and still. You might find yourself caught in seasons of discouragement, where the weight of the world seems unbearable. These seasons come uninvited, unexpected, and often, in the most challenging of times. But I want you to understand this: every season has its purpose. And though it may seem like discouragement reigns, it is in these very moments of trial that the strength of your character, your faith, and your resolve are forged.

In the spiritual walk, we must understand that life is made up of seasons—some seasons of fruitfulness, others of pruning, and some that are defined by waiting and uncertainty. The seasons where discouragement strikes are not the end of your journey, but rather, they are a proving ground for your growth and your destiny. Today, let us explore these seasons, and see how they are not meant to destroy us, but to build us into who we are meant to be.

The Season of Beginning:

It is often at the start of a new season, a new chapter, that we feel the most hopeful. The excitement of new opportunities, new dreams, and fresh starts can ignite within us a fire. However, the enemy knows that hope is the strongest force you possess. And so, he strikes in these early moments, seeking to discourage you before you even gain traction. The first steps are always the hardest, and sometimes, discouragement comes in the form of doubts. "Can I really do this?" "What if I fail?" "What if it doesn’t work out?" These questions will rise, but I urge you—do not be moved. It is in the beginning that you must solidify your faith and your resolve. Remember, the beginning is never about perfection; it is about commitment. If you stay steadfast, even when the path seems unclear, you will discover that God's grace is there to guide you through.

The Middle of the Season:

Now, here comes the most perilous part of any journey—the middle. At this point, you’ve been working, praying, believing, and yet it seems like there’s still no breakthrough. The work feels endless, and progress appears slow. This is when the enemy’s whispers grow louder. You might ask yourself, "Is this worth it?" The weight of discouragement is heavy, and the finish line seems farther than ever. But the middle is not the place to quit—it is the place of endurance. Do not allow fatigue to rob you of your purpose. The Bible says in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Your harvest will come, but only if you remain faithful in the process. The middle is where your faith is tested, where your resolve is built. It is the season where you learn the most about yourself, and where God molds your character for the future He has in store.

The End of the Season:

The end of a season can often be a place of reflection. You’ve been through the highs and lows, and now you are standing at the crossroads of closure and new beginnings. But as the season comes to a close, there may be feelings of disappointment, confusion, or even resentment. You look back and realize that the expectations you had were not met. You may have hoped for something different, something greater, and yet, what you’ve received seems far from it. But, my friends, not every season is meant to bring the results you envision. Sometimes, God allows you to go through seasons not for the fruit you expect, but for the preparation it brings for the next level of your life. The end of a season may feel like loss, but it is often the birth of a new season of growth, new dreams, and new revelations. Do not mourn what you’ve lost; instead, look forward to what God has prepared for you in the next season.

The Seasons of Waiting:

Ah, waiting—the one season none of us want, yet all of us must experience. It’s in this season that we are most vulnerable to discouragement. Waiting often feels like a dead end. We know there’s something ahead, but it feels like we’re stuck in place, unable to move. The promises God has spoken to us seem distant, and we find ourselves wondering, “Why is this taking so long?” It’s in this season that patience is perfected. God is not just preparing what He has for you; He is preparing you for what He has. Trust in the process. Trust in the silence. For in the waiting, He is working on your heart, building your trust, and molding your character. If you allow the waiting to refine you, it will not be wasted time. Instead, it will be a time of deep preparation for what is coming.

The Seasons of Overwhelming Questions:

There are times when it feels like questions are the only thing that flood our hearts and minds. Why is this happening? Why hasn’t God answered? Why does it feel like everything is falling apart? In the seasons of overwhelming questions, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in confusion. The answers don’t come, and the silence can be deafening. But I tell you this: God is not absent in your questions. He is present, even when you can’t see or feel Him. In the book of Job, we see a man overwhelmed by loss, grief, and confusion. He questioned everything, but God did not leave him. In fact, Job’s questions led him to a deeper revelation of God’s power and sovereignty. Your questions may not have answers now, but they will eventually lead you to a place of greater understanding, greater faith, and greater intimacy with God.

The Seasons of Betrayal and Invalidation:

There are few things more painful than betrayal—the feeling that those you trusted the most have turned their backs on you. Whether it’s friends, family, or people you thought would never hurt you, betrayal cuts deep. And in those moments, the enemy whispers, “See, no one cares. No one is with you. You’re alone.” But let me tell you this—God is closer to you in betrayal than in any other season. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). When you are in a season of betrayal, turn to Him. He is your refuge, your safe place. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And though people may abandon you, you must remember that God’s love for you is unconditional, unshakeable, and unfailing.

The Seasons of Unmet Expectations:

When life doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned, when your plans crumble, and your dreams feel deferred, the heart can grow sick (Proverbs 13:12). Unmet expectations can lead to discouragement and disappointment. You wonder, “What went wrong?” But often, what we think is a setback is actually God redirecting our paths toward something greater. We must trust that His plans for us are far better than our own. While our expectations may not always be met in the way we imagined, God’s timing and purpose are perfect. Trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). The season of unmet expectations may be one of the most painful, but it is also the season where you grow the most in trusting God’s sovereignty.

The Seasons of Heartbreak:

Heartbreak, in whatever form it comes—whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a dream, or an opportunity—can leave you feeling shattered. But remember this: even in heartbreak, God is near. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” When your heart breaks, His presence draws close to heal, restore, and comfort. Heartbreak may feel like the end of the world, but in reality, it is the beginning of a new chapter, where God will rebuild you stronger, wiser, and more grounded in His love.

Conclusion:

Each of these seasons serves a purpose. None of them are accidents. The times of discouragement, waiting, betrayal, heartbreak—they all have a role in shaping us into who God has destined us to be. The key is not to be moved by the seasons themselves, but to remain rooted in the truth that God is with you through it all. When you endure, when you stand firm in faith, you emerge from these seasons not weaker, but stronger, more refined, and closer to the person God intends for you to become. So, when the demon of discouragement strikes, don’t allow it to define your journey. Instead, use it as a tool for your growth, for your greater glory, and for the fulfillment of God’s perfect purpose for your life.

The Fullness of Time: A Divine Mystery

The Fullness of Time: A Divine Mystery

From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

Galatians 4:4 (KJV) – "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law."

The mystery of time is one of the most profound realities that Christians need to ponder. Time is not just a sequence of events or the ticking of a clock. Time, from God’s perspective, is a masterful orchestration of events, a canvas on which God is painting His redemptive story. But why did God wait? Why the long silence after the fall of man? Why the generations of waiting, and why now, at this appointed moment, did God send His Son?

The Mystery of Time from God’s Perspective

God is eternal, the Ancient of Days, dwelling outside of time and space. To Him, a thousand years are but as a day (2 Peter 3:8). He is not confined to the linear progression of time that we experience. His perspective is not bound by yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but rather His reality is the eternal now. This means that what we perceive as delays or waiting are part of a divine plan that is unfolding according to a perfect blueprint.

The apostle Paul, in Galatians 4:4, speaks of “the fullness of time.” This phrase is profound because it signifies a moment that was preordained by God. The fullness of time wasn’t just a random set of circumstances; it was a precise moment when all things were aligned according to God’s eternal purposes. The moment when the Savior, Jesus Christ, would enter the world. God, who created time, has perfect timing. He knows when the right time has come for every event, every plan, and every promise.

The Fullness of Time: The Birth of God’s Incubated Desire

The "fullness of time" is not merely a point on the calendar. It signifies the moment when God's long-awaited plan, desire, and will are birthed into the world. It’s the precise time when everything God has been preparing in the unseen realms, throughout history and in the hearts of people, is ready to be revealed.

Just like a baby that has been developing in the womb for months, God’s divine purpose was incubating over generations. His desire to redeem humanity, which began even before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 1:4), was being prepared step by step. For generations, the earth was in anticipation of this moment—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

This "fullness" represents the perfect alignment of God’s will with the world’s condition. It was the time when humanity’s desperation for salvation had reached its peak, when the political and cultural climate of the Roman Empire made the spread of the gospel possible, and when the Jewish people were primed to recognize their Messiah.

It was the appointed moment when God's wisdom, will, and plan for salvation could no longer be contained in the realm of the unseen but was made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ.

God and the Wisdom of Timelines

God is the God of timelines. His wisdom is communicated to us little by little, revealing Himself in increments. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). The way He reveals His will and wisdom to humanity is often through the unfolding of time. In this process, God’s wisdom is not given in a rush, but gradually, so that we can effectively grasp His ways.

It takes time for us to understand God’s will and purpose for our lives. We may not immediately see the full picture of His plan, just as the Israelites didn’t understand the fullness of their deliverance until after Christ came. The Bible says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Before we could ever love Him, He loved us first (1 John 4:19). This reveals that God’s actions often precede our understanding, and it takes time for us to fully comprehend what God is seeing and doing.

Why Did God Wait?

God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to allow humanity to wait. This waiting period between the fall of Adam and the birth of Christ was not a time of divine silence but a time of preparation. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God began to set in motion a plan that would culminate in the birth of Jesus. But why wait thousands of years? Why not immediately send the Savior after Adam and Eve’s fall?

The waiting was not a delay but a preparation. God allowed humanity to experience the consequences of sin, the futility of human effort, and the longing for redemption. Through the years, God raised prophets, delivered His people from bondage, and gave the Law to point to the coming of the Messiah. But humanity needed to be in a position where it could truly understand its need for a Savior. God was preparing the world, the cultures, and the hearts of men to be ready for the coming of the Christ. The brokenness of the human condition, the wars, the oppression, the lawlessness—all of this was leading to one moment in history: the arrival of God in human flesh.

Why did God wait? Because the timing was everything. The world needed to be ripe for the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Jewish people, through their history of exile and oppression, had a deep hunger for a deliverer. The Roman Empire, with its vast roads and relative peace, would enable the message of Christ to spread quickly after His death and resurrection. And more than anything, human hearts needed to be prepared to receive the Savior. It was the fullness of time because the fullness of the world’s need for salvation had come.

The Significance of the Fullness of Time in Christ's Birth

When the fullness of time came, God did not send a king in royal robes or a general in shining armor. He sent a child, born in a manger, in humble circumstances. This is the beauty of God’s wisdom. The timing of Jesus' birth was the perfect moment in history for the Savior to appear. Jesus entered a world steeped in sin, brokenness, and longing. His birth was the answer to every prophecy, every prayer, every sacrifice made throughout the Old Testament.

Jesus was born when the time was “full” — when the world had reached its highest point of need. At that moment, humanity could no longer save itself. The fullness of time was not just a moment of historical significance, but a moment when God’s grace would be revealed in the most profound way. The birth of Christ was not just the beginning of a new era, but the fulfillment of everything that had been promised throughout the ages.

Lessons for Us Today

1. God’s Timing is Perfect: Just as God waited for the fullness of time to send Jesus, He has a perfect timing for every season of our lives. If you’re in a season of waiting, know that God is never late. His timing is not just about the moment that will come, but about what He is doing in you as you wait.

2. God Prepares Us for His Purpose: The waiting periods in our lives are times of preparation. They are moments when God is aligning us with His divine purpose. Don’t despise the waiting. It is a process of refinement, of molding us into vessels that can carry His glory.

3. The Fulfillment of God’s Promise: The fullness of time speaks to the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises. Every promise He has made to you will come to pass, in His perfect time. You may not see it yet, but trust in His timing.

4. The Global Scope of God’s Redemption: Jesus was born into a world that needed Him. Today, the world still needs the message of Christ. The birth of Christ wasn’t just a historical event; it is the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for all nations. We are now part of the continuing story of salvation, commissioned to carry this message of hope to a hurting world.

Conclusion: The Perfect Moment

The fullness of time reveals the depth of God’s wisdom. It shows that God does not rush His plan, but rather unfolds it with precision and beauty. Jesus Christ’s birth was not just a historical event; it was the apex of God’s redemptive plan, perfectly timed for humanity’s salvation. In this, we see the sovereignty of God over time, and we are reminded that His plans for us are always good, and His timing is always right.

As we reflect on the fullness of time, let us learn to trust God’s timing in our own lives. He has already marked the appointed time for our breakthroughs, our victories, and our purpose to unfold.

It is not about the delay, but about being ready when that appointed moment arrives. The fullness of time is a reminder that God is never late, and He is always on time.

CHRISTMAS – THE BIRTH OF JESUS AND THE INTENTIONALITY OF GOD

CHRISTMAS – THE BIRTH OF JESUS AND THE INTENTIONALITY OF GOD

From the Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

Introduction

When we think of Christmas, many of us often associate it with family gatherings, gifts, food, and celebrations. But beyond all of this, Christmas is the moment when eternity touched time. It is the day that God made a deliberate, intentional move towards humanity. The birth of Jesus Christ is not just a historic event; it is the revelation of the heart of God – His intentionality. Christmas is God saying, "I have a plan. I have a purpose, and I will go to any length to fulfill it."

Scriptural Foundation of God's Intentionality

The Bible offers clear definitions of God's intentionality:

1. Purposeful Planning:

   • Isaiah 46:10 declares, "Declaring the end from the beginning..." This verse reveals that God does not react to circumstances; He orchestrates them. His plan is both eternal and deliberate, and He speaks the end from the very start. There is nothing random about His actions; everything has been planned out in the blueprint of eternity.

2. Deliberate Action:

   • Ephesians 1:11 tells us that "we have obtained an inheritance... according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will." This verse unveils the precision of God's will. He is not haphazard in His dealings with creation. Every action, every step is meticulously aligned with His divine purpose.

3. Unwavering Focus:

   • In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you... thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God's thoughts are not scattered; He has a clear, focused intention for each of us. His purpose is good, and it leads to the fulfillment of His promises.

How Christmas Demonstrated God's Intentionality

Now, let’s look at the birth of Jesus. It was not a spontaneous event, but a deliberate act of God’s love and power.

I. God is Intentional with Man

Psalm 8:4 asks, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Why would an infinite, holy God choose to pay attention to such fragile, fallen beings? The truth is, He made a deliberate choice to engage with us. In Genesis 3:15, God promises a Savior after the fall of man, and throughout the Scriptures, we see His intentional pursuit of humanity. He formed us with purpose, and even when we sinned, He sought after us. Psalm 139:13-16 reminds us that our lives are intricately woven by His hands. God is not a distant observer but a hands-on Creator, involved in every detail of our existence.

II. God is Intentional About Relationship

In Genesis 3:8-9, after Adam and Eve sinned, God didn’t wait for them to come to Him. He sought them out, calling, "Where are you?" This is the heart of God’s relational nature. He is intentional about reaching out, drawing us into fellowship with Him. The birth of Jesus Christ in John 1:14 is the ultimate expression of this. Jesus became "Emmanuel," which means "God with us." He came to dwell among us, not as an abstract idea, but as a real person with whom we could have a relationship.

III. God is Intentional About Love

John 3:16 reveals that God’s love for humanity is not abstract or passive. His love is purposeful and sacrificial: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son..." God didn’t love us just in words, He acted. The birth of Jesus is a manifestation of His love—He gave His Son, and Jesus came into the world with a clear mission: to die for the sins of mankind. God’s love is not just an emotion; it is a willful, action-oriented love that pursues the best for us, even at great cost.

IV. God is Intentional About Salvation

God’s plan of salvation didn’t happen by chance. It was deliberate, chosen before the foundation of the world. Acts 4:12 says, "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Jesus’ birth was not just about a child born in a manger. It was about God bringing His plan of salvation to fruition. As Ephesians 1:4-5 points out, God predestined this plan, choosing us before the foundation of the world to be saved by the sacrifice of Christ.

V. God is Intentional About Breaking Bondage

Jesus came to break the chains that bound humanity. Luke 4:18-19 reveals Jesus’ mission: "He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind..." This is God’s deliberate intention: to set us free. In Galatians 4:4-5, it says, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son..." The "fullness of time" wasn’t an accident. It was God's precise moment in history to bring freedom through Christ.

VI. God is Intentional About Raising Sons and Daughters

Romans 8:29 tells us that God predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. His intent is not just to save us, but to transform us into His children, part of His family. Ephesians 1:12 says this adoption is for "the praise of His glory." God is intentional about us being raised as sons and daughters, not as slaves or strangers, but as heirs of His kingdom. This is the heart of God—He wants us to share in His divine nature.

VII. God is Intentional About His Word

The Word of God is not just a book; it is the voice of the Almighty. Isaiah 55:11 says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God’s Word is powerful, and He has spoken with purpose. Every word He has spoken is a seed of divine intentionality, meant to accomplish His will in our lives and the world around us.

VIII. God is Intentional About His Presence

God did not create us to live apart from His presence. Exodus 33:14 says, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." God’s presence is not optional—it is essential. Matthew 28:20 affirms that Jesus’ presence is with us always, even to the end of the age. But beyond just being with us, God intends that we would carry His presence. He does not just want to be near us; He wants us to be a vessel of His presence to a lost world.

IX. God is Intentional About Redemption History

History is not a series of random events. From the very beginning, God was unfolding His redemption plan, and every moment was designed to lead to the cross. Acts 13:26-33 and Revelation 13:8 show us that the Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world. God’s redemptive plan was intentional, and every moment in history, including the birth of Jesus, is part of that divine unfolding.

Conclusion:

The intentionality of God is not just a theological concept; it is a living, breathing reality that has touched every aspect of our lives. Christmas is the ultimate manifestation of God’s deliberate and purposeful plan for humanity. It’s not just the birth of a child, it’s the birth of a Savior who came with purpose—to restore, to redeem, and to bring us into the family of God. The same God who planned the redemption of mankind from the foundation of the world is the same God who is with us today. Christmas is a reminder that God is intentional about us. He came that we might have life—and have it more abundantly.

The Mystery of the Birth of Jesus — A Prophetic Blueprint for New Beginnings

From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

The birth of Jesus remains one of the greatest eternal mysteries — a masterstroke by God that confounded the wisdom of darkness. It was divinity veiled in humanity, eternity entering time, and a move so strategic that even Satan couldn’t decode it. What looked like a helpless baby in a manger was actually God’s weapon of eternal victory.

I. The Prophetic Recall to Ancestral Roots (Luke 2:1–4)

The decree that forced Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem was more than a political census—it was a prophetic alignment. God was orchestrating a return to origin. Every genuine birth in the Spirit takes you back to your root—not in the flesh, but in divine purpose.  

Bethlehem means “House of Bread”—Jesus, the Bread of Life, had to be born where bread was made.  The Bread of life was born in the house of bread so that by the multiplicity of His bread mankind can have the Bread of life.

So when God wants to birth something new in your life, He will draw you back to the original coordinates of your destiny—back to prayer, back to obedience, back to the altar of consecration.

II. No Room in the Inn: A Picture of Rejected Grace (Luke 2:7)

The Bible says “there was no room in the inn." This is deeply symbolic. The King of glory knocked, and humanity shut the door. Even in her most vulnerable moment—Mary heavy with child—humanity had no space for divinity.  

This is a picture of how men still reject Christ today—not out of ignorance alone, but due to selfishness, busyness, and spiritual blindness.  

Even today, He knocks (Revelation 3:20), but many inns—hearts, systems, nations—remain full.

III. Born in the Night: The Pattern of Divine Interruptions (Luke 2:8–9)

He came at night—not just physically, but prophetically. Night represents uncertainty, spiritual ignorance, and unpredictability.

His birth is a shadow of His second coming: as a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2).  

When God steps into your life with destiny moments, He rarely comes on your schedule. That is why spiritual sensitivity is non-negotiable.

IV. Born in a Manger: The Food for the Hungry (Luke 2:7)

The manger was not just a location—it was a message. A manger is where livestock feed.  

Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), was laid where food was served to beasts, showing that those hungry in spirit—regardless of background—can come and feed.  

This is why we feast on His Word, His presence, His body.

He was born on a feeding platform —meaning He came to satisfy the deep hunger of humanity.

V. Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes: A Symbol of His Death and Mission (Luke 2:12)

Swaddling clothes are burial-like wrappings. His life began with the shadow of His death.  

Even in infancy, He was wrapped like one prepared for the grave. Why? Because He was born to die.  

This teaches us that destiny often carries death with it—death to self, to comfort, to worldly glory.  

If you are truly born for something eternal, you must embrace the cost as early as the call.

Final Charge: 

Jesus’ birth was not just a historic event—it is a blueprint for spiritual rebirth. In it, we see:  

- Prophetic alignment to origin  

- Rejection and the blindness of men

- The mystery of divine interruption

- Satisfaction for the hungry 

- The cost of redemption 

As it was with Him, so it shall be with you—birth always comes through alignment, rejection, mystery, surrender, and sacrifice. 

May your life echo the pattern of His birth.  

In Jesus’ name.

For a deeper exploration on the mysteries of the birth of Jesus read The Star That Appeared To Wisemen 

The Star That Appeared to the Wise Men: The Grace That Appeared to All Men

The Star That Appeared to the Wise Men: The Grace That Appeared to All Men

From The Teaching Ministry of Dr Joel Dabbas 

“And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” — Matthew 2:10

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men...” — Titus 2:11

There is no coincidence in the Spirit. Everything in the life of Jesus was prophetic—every sign, every symbol, every appearance, every silence. When the star appeared to the wise men, it was not merely astronomical—it was deeply prophetic.

That star was not just a celestial light—it was a divine signal, an invitation into redemptive grace. It was heaven’s way of announcing, “A door has opened in the Spirit.”

In Titus 2:11, Paul reveals another kind of appearance: grace—not a doctrine, not an idea, but a person. Jesus is grace personified (John 1:14). The appearance of the star and the appearance of grace are not just parallels; they are two sides of one prophetic manifestation. The star marked the revelation; grace became the access.

The wise men were not Jews. They were Gentiles, outsiders, considered unworthy by Jewish standards. And yet, it was to them that the star appeared. Why? Because grace transcends culture, background, and pedigree. The appearing of the star was God’s prophetic announcement that “those who were far off"—as Paul said in Ephesians 2:12-13—

"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."

The star taught them direction.  

Grace teaches us transformation.  

The star led them to the King.  

Grace conforms us into His image.  

The Star said, “Come.”  

Grace says, “Become.”

And notice: it was wise men who saw the star. Not everyone sees divine appearances. It takes discernment and hunger. In every generation, God still causes "stars" to appear—moments, encounters, messages, men, and portals—that signal the movement of God. The question is: will you see it?

Just as the wise men traveled through nations to meet Jesus, many today are traveling from religion to revelation, from sin to salvation, from darkness to light, following the drawing of grace.

I declare over you today:  

“Your star has appeared! Grace has found you! The limitations of Gentile distance are broken. You are now an heir of salvation!”

For a deeper exploration and insight on the mysteries of the birth of Jesus read 

The Mystery of the Birth of Jesus — A Prophetic Blueprint for New Beginnings

 The Prophetic Meaning of Christ’s Birth: Understanding His Life, Death, and Sacrifice

The Mystery of Taxation in the Life of Jesus: How God Uses Earthly Systems to Fulfill His Divine Purposes

The Mystery of Taxation in the Life of Jesus: How God Uses Earthly Systems to Fulfill His Divine Purposes

By Dr Joel Dabbas 

Beloved, I want you to open your spirit to a profound mystery today—the mystery of taxation in the life of Jesus. When you look at the stories of taxes, you might think they're just mundane, earthly matters we have to deal with. But there’s a deeper, divine narrative hidden in these very earthly systems that speaks directly to how God works in and through the systems of the world to fulfill His purposes. I pray that as we examine the life of Jesus and His interactions with taxes, your understanding of God’s sovereignty over the earth will be revolutionized.

1. The Birth of Jesus and Caesar Augustus's Decree

In Luke 2:1-7, we encounter a moment in history that is much more than a simple census—it is the sovereign plan of God being fulfilled through the decrees of a pagan emperor. Caesar Augustus, the most powerful man in the Roman Empire, decreed that all the world should be taxed. This simple political move forced Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, the city where the Messiah had to be born according to prophecy in Micah 5:2.

Listen carefully, this is where the mystery begins—God allowed a pagan king’s decree to fulfill a divine prophecy. This decree, designed purely for worldly and political purposes, was actually used to accomplish God’s eternal plan. Augustus, in all his imperial might, did not know that his actions were being used by God to bring about the birth of the Savior of the world.

Here’s what I want you to understand: God is never taken by surprise by earthly governments or political systems. He is sovereign over all, and He works in ways that transcend human understanding. This was no ordinary tax decree—it was the vehicle God chose to fulfill His plan for the salvation of mankind. When you look at this, I want you to see that God is not just working in spite of earthly systems—He is using them to bring His purposes to pass! Even taxes—something many despise—become a channel through which God's will is accomplished.

2. Jesus and the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27)

Now, let’s move to another moment in the life of Jesus, one that highlights His relationship with earthly authority. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus is approached with a question about paying the temple tax. Jesus, the Son of God, the King of the Kingdom of Heaven, did not owe this tax. The temple belonged to Him, yet He still chose to submit to the system. This is a powerful moment of humility and wisdom.

Notice, He didn’t resist or reject the tax. He didn’t demand His exemption—He submitted to the system to make a profound point. Jesus is not bound by the systems of the world, yet He chooses to engage with them. And in this very submission, He reveals the higher authority that governs all systems.

Here’s the deep revelation: Jesus was not a rebel against the systems of the world; He came to show us how to transcend them. His submission was not a denial of His authority but a demonstration that even in submitting to earthly authority, He remained the King of all creation. The miracle of the coin in the fish’s mouth wasn’t just a provision for the tax—it was a declaration that even the laws of nature and creation must bow to God’s will.

Jesus didn't need the coin to pay the tax; He didn’t need to submit to earthly rules. But He did it, so that the purposes of God would not be hindered by temporary, earthly systems. This is the wisdom of the Kingdom—you can engage with earthly systems without being controlled by them. He showed us how to honor earthly systems without being enslaved to them.

Connecting the Two: A Deeper Mystery

When you look at both of these events—the taxation at Jesus’ birth and the temple tax—what you are seeing is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty over earthly authorities and systems. These events are not disconnected; they reveal something deeper about the Kingdom of God:

• God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Systems: In both instances, God used secular authorities—whether it was Caesar Augustus or the temple leaders—to fulfill His eternal plan. What looks like a worldly maneuver, a political decree, or a tax obligation, is actually part of God’s grand design. This should remind you, beloved, that God’s purpose will always prevail, no matter how it appears on the surface. The authorities and systems of this world, though temporary, are still subject to the will of God.

• Jesus, the King Who Submits: The most profound truth here is the paradox of Jesus' kingship. He is the King of all, yet He humbly submits to the systems of this world. His submission is not weakness; it is a strategic demonstration of His true authority. Submission in the Kingdom of God does not equate to weakness—it is a position of power. When Jesus submits to the tax, He is showing that even in submission, His dominion is unshaken. He is the King of a different Kingdom, but He chooses to engage with the world’s systems in a way that reveals His sovereignty.

God Uses Governments to Fulfill His Will

I want you to understand something profound, beloved—God is not limited by earthly governments. He works through them, even in ways that don’t make sense to us. Whether it's through an empire like Rome or the religious systems of Israel, God uses governments and earthly policies to fulfill His will. In the Old Testament, God used kings like Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His purposes. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul used the Roman legal system to advance the gospel. God’s hand is not bound by any earthly authority, and He can use every system to bring His Kingdom to pass.

The Psalm 2 revelation is clear—the kings of the earth may rage against God, but God will laugh at their attempts to stop His plan. Why? Because no earthly system, no matter how strong, can thwart God’s eternal purposes. In the same way, the taxes that seemed so political, so mundane, were part of God’s design to fulfill His divine mission. God is using even the systems we think are against us to bring about His greater purposes.

Trust and Responsibility

Now, hear this—God is in control of all things, even the governments and systems of the earth. This brings comfort and challenge. The comfort is this: God is sovereign, and even when it seems like the world is spinning out of control, He is in control. But the challenge is this: We are called to engage with the world, not to withdraw from it. You are in the world, but not of it. You are called to interact with the systems of this world in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God. You are called to partner with God’s sovereign plan, to be His agent in the earth, to work in the midst of systems that may seem contrary to His will, but to do so with the confidence that God is still working through them to fulfill His eternal purposes.

Beloved, God is always working. Even when you don’t see it, even when it feels like earthly systems are failing, God is working through them. Taxes, laws, and governments are all part of His divine orchestration. Trust Him, submit to His wisdom, and know that His purposes will always prevail. He is the King of all, and He rules over every system, every power. His Kingdom will come, and His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

For a deeper exploration of how God uses earthly systems, including taxes, in His eternal plan, check out God’s Playbook: The Divine Purpose of Taxes

 

God's Playbook: The Divine Purpose of Taxes – How God Uses Earthly Systems to Fulfill His Eternal Plan

God's Playbook: The Divine Purpose of Taxes – How God Uses Earthly Systems to Fulfill His Eternal Plan

By Dr Joel Dabbas 

Introduction

Taxes are often viewed as burdensome or oppressive in the natural world, but in God's Eternal Playbook, they serve a much deeper purpose. From the taxation decree of Caesar Augustus that led to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, to the temple tax Jesus paid through a miraculous provision, the concept of tax reveals profound spiritual truths about God's sovereignty, His ability to work through earthly systems, and His provision for His people. In this article, we will uncover how God uses even the most mundane and seemingly secular systems, like taxes, to fulfill His divine will, demonstrate His authority, and provide for His people. Whether you’re wrestling with financial obligations or seeking to understand God's role in earthly governance, this exploration of taxes in the Kingdom of God will challenge and inspire you to see your relationship with the world’s systems in a whole new light.

The concept of tax, when viewed through the lens of God's Eternal Playbook, offers a profound and often overlooked revelation about divine sovereignty, authority, and provision in the world. Taxes, in their most basic earthly sense, are systems of governance, economic exchange, and societal obligation. But in the Eternal Playbook of God, taxes are more than just a means of worldly control—they become symbolic instruments through which God fulfills His eternal purposes, establishes His Kingdom, and reveals His power over all earthly systems.

Let’s break down the concept of tax in the Eternal Playbook of God and uncover how it aligns with His sovereign plan for the world.

1. Taxation as a Symbol of Sovereignty

In the Kingdom of God, everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Taxes, as we know them on earth, represent a claim over ownership and authority. Earthly governments tax citizens because they claim the right to govern and direct the use of resources.

But here’s the divine mystery—God uses the concept of taxation to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over all things. He is the ultimate King who is not just in control of a nation, but of all creation. Even though He doesn’t need anything from us—because all is His—He still calls for us to give back in recognition of His ownership.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 22:21, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This shows that, while earthly authorities may have a claim on certain material goods, everything ultimately belongs to God. Taxes, in a spiritual sense, symbolize the acknowledgment of God’s reign over the earth. Even when we pay taxes to a government, we are reminded of the eternal reality that God is the supreme authority over all.

2. Taxes in the Context of Prophetic Fulfillment

As we see in the birth of Jesus, taxes in God’s Eternal Playbook are not simply utilitarian—they serve prophetic purposes. Take, for example, the taxation decree by Caesar Augustus in Luke 2:1-7. A pagan emperor orders a census, which, in the natural, is nothing more than a political maneuver. Yet, through this very decree, God fulfills His prophetic word about where the Messiah would be born, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Savior would come from Bethlehem.

This shows us that God works through earthly systems, even the seemingly secular or worldly ones, to bring about His redemptive plan. Taxes, in this context, are not just financial obligations but tools through which God’s promises are set into motion. The decree that caused Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem was a tax-related event, but in the Eternal Playbook, it was a divine strategy to ensure that God’s plan of salvation would unfold exactly as He had promised.

3. God's Provision in the Midst of Taxes

One of the most powerful revelations in the Eternal Playbook concerning taxes is how God provides for His people to meet their obligations, even in the most unexpected ways. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus is asked to pay the temple tax, and despite being the King of Kings who owes no tax, He instructs Peter to catch a fish, inside which he finds a coin to pay the tax.

This moment is filled with profound significance. Jesus demonstrates that God’s provision transcends the systems of this world. He didn’t rely on earthly wealth, nor did He demand an exemption from the tax because of His divine nature. Instead, He submits to the system and, through a miracle, provides what is needed. This serves as a model of faith for us—that even in a world governed by taxes, debts, and obligations, God is the ultimate provider. He can make a way where there seems to be no way, even in the midst of what appears to be a mundane, secular system.

This is a vital aspect of the Eternal Playbook: God provides for His people, even in the systems of the world that seem to oppose or restrict them. When we find ourselves under pressure, feeling the weight of earthly taxes, debts, or obligations, we are called to trust in God’s ability to provide supernaturally. The taxes that Jesus paid and the tax He instructed Peter to pay were reminders that God’s provision is not bound by earthly systems, and He can provide in ways that we can never predict or understand.

4. Taxation as a Test of Faith and Submission

The Eternal Playbook also shows us that taxes can be a test of faith and submission to God’s sovereignty. When Jesus submitted to paying the temple tax, He wasn’t just fulfilling a legal requirement; He was demonstrating a greater principle of submission to God’s greater plan, even when it seems to conflict with the world’s system.

In the world’s system, taxes are often seen as oppressive, burdensome, or unjust. But in the Kingdom of God, taxes can be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate our submission to the higher authority of God. Just as Jesus submitted to paying the temple tax, even though He was above the law, we too are called to submit to earthly authorities as a way of acknowledging that God is ultimately in control of everything.

This brings a deep spiritual perspective to the way we approach earthly systems. When we pay taxes or comply with government requirements, we are not simply submitting to human authority—we are submitting to God’s authority. Even the most unjust or oppressive systems cannot thwart God’s purposes. Just as God used Caesar Augustus to fulfill His prophetic word in the birth of Jesus, He can use even the hardest and most difficult situations to bring about His will.

5. Taxation and the Future Kingdom

Finally, taxes in the Eternal Playbook point to the future Kingdom of God. In the age to come, when God’s Kingdom is fully realized on earth, there will be no need for taxes, because the King will reign in His fullness, and His rule will be just and righteous. Revelation 21:4 tells us that there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. In God’s eternal Kingdom, there will be no earthly taxes or burdens—only the perfect peace and provision of God.

But even now, as we submit to the taxes and systems of this world, we are participating in a greater prophetic picture. We are called to live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, understanding that while we honor the earthly systems, our ultimate allegiance is to God’s eternal Kingdom, where justice, righteousness, and peace reign forever.

Conclusion: Aligning with God's Eternal Playbook

The concept of tax in the Eternal Playbook invites us to see beyond the material and political. Taxes are a symbol of God's sovereignty, a tool through which His will is fulfilled, and a reminder of His provision in all things. They point to the eternal truth that God is in control of all systems and that He will use even the things of this world—no matter how mundane or oppressive they seem—to bring about His ultimate plan.

As believers, we must remember that even in the realm of earthly taxes, we are called to honor God’s authority, trust His provision, and live as citizens of His eternal Kingdom. When we do this, we participate in the divine strategy of God’s plan—a plan that transcends this world and will be fully realized when His Kingdom comes in glory.

If you’re curious about how taxes specifically played a role in Jesus’ life, explore The Mystery of Taxation in the Life of Jesus for more insights