In a world where it's perceived better to believe in your own flesh instead of the God who made us, everyday is hard.
John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Sometimes, it's easier to doubt God's promises than believe in what He has told us in His Word, and even through the Holy Spirit. It's human nature.
In this passage Jesus is explaining this to his disciples - His closest followers - during His time on the earth. These twelve men were literally Jesus' besties, as translates in 2018 terms, and they were very confused by what Jesus was saying, as well as why He was leaving them on the earth alone. They asked Him question after question trying to understand.
John 16:22 - Now you're in a painful situation. But I will see you again. Then you will be happy, and no one will take that happiness away from you.
However, they endured. After speaking with Jesus, it was clear He was leaving them in the physical for awhile, but would always be with them. Jesus wanted the men to speak of Him and spread the God News by dwelling in His presence, while the earth wasn't.
He foreshadowed the trials the world would bring those living in it, but promised He wouldn't ever leave them.
They believed.
John 16:30 - Now we know that you know everything. You don't need to wait for questions to be asked. Because of this, we believe that you have come from God.
We all have our own problems and addictions we're too scared to speak outloud, or even acknowledge ourselves. Everybody is struggling, but stand your ground. Hold your morals in a time where it's normal to not have any, but love everyone. It has never been our place to judge others who don't hold similar beliefs to our own.
Matthew 7:1 - Stop judging others so that you will not be judged. Otherwise, you will be judged by the same standard you use to judge others. The standards you use will be applied to you.
God commands us to follow His word, and let Him convict those who don't. Judging is not a right of passage in this world, even though it has become a normality in our culture.
God is so good, and is working in the lives of everyone around us in a way we'll never understand. We were never guaranteed joy in this world, but promised a joy to turn to.
John 16:32 - The time is coming, and is already here, when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go your own way and leave me all alone. Yet, I'm not all alone, because the Father is with me.
Take some time today to read John 16, and talk with Jesus about your troubles.
I promise, he'll listen. He was one of us before, remember?
