In John 14:1-4, Jesus gives us some precise instructions on how to react in times like these, in times when trouble strikes. Let's look at that together.
Jesus said:
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." John 14:1-4
In this passage, Jesus instructs us not to get stuck on being overwhelmed at the trouble around us. He teaches us instead to look at the everlasting promise of eternal life. The everlasting promise of an eternal home void of trouble, sickness, sorrow, or pain! In John 16:33, Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trouble); but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Jesus never says we are going to live a life devoid of tribulation or trouble. On the contrary, He says tribulation and trouble will occur and then tells us to not let our hearts be troubled when it happens.
For many, the last few years have been good. Now all of a sudden, the tide has turned, and trouble has hit us like a sledgehammer. We have to remember as God's children that he is still God, He is still in control, and He is not surprised by what is happening around the world in this pandemic.
At this moment, God is not scurrying around, trying to figure out how to respond! He has already given His people the answer, and they are in His Word. "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." and "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." If we do those things, we will see God's response to our childlike faith and simple trust in His faithfulness.
That doesn't mean everything is going to change around us.
- It does mean things will change inside of us!
- It does mean He will give us the spiritual power and peace to walk through it with heavenly confidence born out of our faith and trust in God.
- It also means we can pass that on to others around us that don't have the answer. We can spread peace and hope to those overwhelmed by fear and defeat!
In times like these, we must listen carefully and respond accordingly to the directions Jesus gave us ahead of time. He knew there would be times like these, and we would need His inspiration! He knew we would need His promises to lean on!
There have been times like these throughout history. There have been times much, much worse than anything we are going through right now. So let's take a deep spiritual breath and remember that our God is not only the great God of the past. He is also the God of the present, and God of the future, and if he is telling us to not let our hearts be troubled but to keep believing, then that is what we need to do!
Jesus knows what's on the other side of this trouble and tells us to "be of good cheer." Good cheer is far greater than just struggling through; it is seeing by faith that God has the answer and will implement it in our lives as we trust in Him!
- His words are eternally inspirational and never change in meaning, power, or influence!
- His promises are yay and amen, and we can't forget that in times like these!
I encourage you right now to take a few moments and meditate on the eternal promises of God. Meditate on one the Holy Spirit puts on your heart or on one that we just read in this devotional.
God bless you, and may God protect you with His healing power and grace and provide your every need according to His riches in glory!
Brian
www.sharegodshope.com