Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
March 8, 2022
Read John 16:25-33
25 “I’ve been using figures of speech with you. The time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in such analogies. Instead, I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I’m not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believed that I came from God. 28 I left the Father and came into the world. I tell you again: I am leaving the world and returning to the Father.” 29 His disciples said, “See! Now you speak plainly; you aren’t using figures of speech. 30 Now we know that you know everything and you don’t need anyone to ask you. Because of this, we believe you have come from God.” 31 Jesus replied, “Now you believe? 32 Look! A time is coming—and is here!—when each of you will be scattered to your own homes and you will leave me alone. I’m not really alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”
Good Morning! No challenge is too big, Jesus has conquered the world!
For the past two days, but especially, yesterday the wind has been noticeably present as it howled and pushed through our neighborhoods. As I walked outside this morning, the quietness, the stillness was deafening. My mind wandered to a time when Elijah was hiding in fear of persecution. While he awaited God, there was fire, mighty winds, and an earthquake, but God was not in these things. Finally, in the stillness that followed a still, small voice spoke to Elijah and told him what he was to do. This morning I felt engulfed in God’s love as I embraced the quietness.
Elijah, a servant of God, faced many struggles in his life, but he remained steadfast in his faith and in his calling. As we do, he had moments when he was overwhelmed by all that life was throwing at him, but in his times of despair, he called to God. God promises to be with us always, and Jesus reaffirmed this promise with his disciples many times, but especially in this passage as he prepares his followers for the coming days. The disciples are not aware of the chaos that will follow as Christ is arrested, tortured, and crucified.
In verse 31, I sense Christ chuckling to himself as he says, Oh, now you believe! He’s not mad, but he is amused by what the disciples think they suddenly know. Christ knows that we will have times of doubt and times when we deny our Lord. Despite our frailty, in verses 32-33, Jesus speaks of a day when we will be tested and challenged as followers of Christ. He promises that no matter what troubles we face that he is with us. But take heart! I have conquered the world.”
As we see throughout the Bible, God’s faithful have times of struggle: Moses, Elijah, David. We read these stories so that we may grow and mature in our faith. Do we falter? Yes! Would we ever deny our Lord, as Peter did? Yes! The blessed promise of Jesus is that by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us and who intercedes on our behalf we are saved.
All who claim their Lord and follow Jesus are promised peace, even when our faith is weak. Jesus promises victory to all who claim his Holy Name because, through His resurrection, the world is forever changed. As we mature in our faith we will gain glimpses of God’s wisdom and understanding as we seek truth and work to follow our callings in faith. Our world is not ready for this and we will be challenged in our efforts as followers of Christ. Jesus shares these promises to His disciple as he shares them with you and me today so that we will be encouraged and strengthened each step of our journey of faith.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. We work to understand, but we are hindered by our doubts and distracted by earthly ideas. We are blessed by your promises and we try to remain faithful. Thank you for always loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: The struggles I face can make me stronger and draw me closer to God.
Stand Up and Bless the Lord! Pastor Liz
Thought for the Day hits my heart. Thank you Liz!