John 16: 33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Dear God,
I am very grateful to You, God for answering my urgent cries for peace, every time I lost the peace You gave my mind and body a few years ago You restored it again. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to a change in health status and it all loomed often in my mind, with “how can this be happening to me, the one who tries to be healthy.” But of course it can, that is how life is on the earth!
I drew on the promise found in Psalm 31: 24 “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen Your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” My mind and emotions were strengthened, to do what was required. Always I feel Your love and compassion as I pray and open my heart and mind to You.
The disciples had no idea what was ahead of them, as their beloved Master was apparently not going to proclaim himself as king of Israel and overthrow the hated Romans, and instead was apparently going to allow Himself to put to death as the sacrifice to pay the sin price for all sinners. Thereby for all time overcoming Satan, sin and death, and consolidating His place as King of Kings, in heaven. Jesus because of His love had been preparing His disciples for His death. At first He had spoken in ‘figurative language’ which they did not understand, but He now speaks in plain language, which they say they understand. John 16: 29 followed in V30 “Now we are sure that You know all things and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”
They were convicted about the divinity of Jesus, but when the events leading up to and during His crucifixion they were found to have a faith in Jesus that was not fully able to carry them through- out, and every-man fled from the side of their beloved Master. And so it is so often with myself and others; when new and troublesome times come, we may find that our knowledge of Your divinity is not enough, and as yet our faith has not developed sufficiently to carry us through in assurance and peace. It is so good to know that we do not have to stop there, for in Jesus we may face tribulation and disquiet, which will test and let us know the weaknesses in our faith; to be strengthened through Jesus. We have no need to be down hearted about them, for we have a strong helper in the Holy Spirit and Advocate in heaven, which is Jesus Christ Himself.
It is so encouraging to read on in Acts, of how the disciples later had now become humble, fearless and full of faith, representatives of Jesus, their risen Lord. Their belief and faith were new, born out of the total surrender, of their heart and life direction, to the cleansing and redirection, through the Holy Spirit. Even while going through tribulation! Their tribulations were just beginning, but in joy they proclaimed the gospel story in every place they could.
Their experience and the promises of Jesus are not limited to them, I am sure, and as we surrender to Jesus in all situations, we will have a new belief and faith each day, which will grow through each difficulty and tribulation.
Thank You God for hearing my prayers, and giving me a new heart, strength and commitment.
Amen