Today’s Reading: John 14:1-7
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?…I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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When difficulties come your way, don’t let your heart be troubled. It’s your choice whether to worry about a problem or not. You can choose to focus on either the size of your problems or the size of your God.
How can you stop worrying? Choose to believe in the Father. It’s a command. He created and controls all. There’s nothing he doesn’t oversee. Everything you’re worried about is under the heavenly Father’s control and care. So why worry?
Believe also in the Son. Believe that he came from heaven to earth to die for your sins. Believe death is not the end for you. Believe that heaven is your home. Believe that nothing can separate you from Jesus’ love. Believe he is stronger than your problems.
In the Father’s house are many dwelling places, where you’ll live forever. Jesus is now there, preparing a place for you. If this weren’t true, why would he have told you? No falsehood can be uttered from his lips. You can trust what he says.
Jesus is the way to the Father. He alone grants access to him. There is no other name in heaven and on earth by which you can be saved.
Jesus is the truth. His teachings are true—including what he promised about eternal life. Unlike the enemy, who is the father of lies, Jesus cannot lie. Every word he speaks is truth because he is the truth.
Jesus is the life. Only he can confer eternal life on those who believe in him. It happens the moment you are birthed into his kingdom. He also gives you abundant life now.
Here is another of Jesus’ “I am” statements in John’s Gospel. Once again, he gives a clear claim to deity. It may be his most significant “I am” statement of all. It claims exclusivity for salvation.
Yes, that claim is offensive to some. But when people object to it, don’t become defensive. Simply point them back to Jesus himself. It wasn’t your idea. He made the claim, not you. They are offended with him, not you.
Difficulties will come. But don’t let your heart be troubled. Rest peacefully in the Lord. He is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge and fortress in times of trouble. Though troubles come, the Lord will rescue you each time. He is your hiding place; he is your strong arm each and every day you live. He is close to those who trust him.
Choose to have faith in the heavenly Father and the Son. Believe that your earthly troubles won’t last very long and are producing a heavenly glory that far outweighs anything you are facing today.
With Jesus’ help, you can persevere. And you can be certain your heavenly home is secure.
Jesus wouldn’t lie to you about something so important.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]