Today’s Reading: John 16:26-33
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
* * * * *
The hour had come for the fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 13:7. The sheep were scattered, and the shepherd left alone. But Jesus knew he could face this ordeal because his Father in heaven was with him.
Jesus, based on his own experiences, was able to assure that you’d have peace—the abiding feeling that all is well with your soul—regardless of the circumstances surrounding you.
He told his disciples that in this world, they would experience tribulation. Not one is immune. There are no exemptions.
Jesus doesn’t want anyone to think that if they follow him they will never experience trials, conflicts, difficulties, or challenges. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. His followers must share in his sufferings.
In fact, you are warned that trials will increase when you follow Jesus. How can this be?
First, because you are a follower, the enemy will target you more viciously. You are a threat to the enemy’s kingdom of darkness. He will increase and intensify his temptations and attacks upon your soul.
Second, the world will hate you. It hated Jesus; it will hate you as well. Your kingdom values now stand contrary to what the world holds dear. The world despises Jesus’ message. Consequently, it will try to hurt the messenger.
Third, you will experience more intense battles with your flesh. The flesh is your fallen human nature. It yearns for self to be exalted above all. When the Spirit resides in you, the flesh and Spirit are contrary to one another. The more influential the Spirit becomes, the greater the pushback from the flesh. The crucifixion of your flesh becomes a daily battle where you must choose who sits on the throne of your heart: flesh or the Spirit.
But don’t forget: Jesus said he has overcome the world. You can too. So take heart. Be filled with courage. The Spirit in you is greater than he who lives in the world.
Jesus stands victorious over all the powers of the world, the flesh, and the devil. All have been defeated by his resurrection. And as a believer, that power now lives in you. His strength in you will enable you to overcome all things.
Because he lives, you can face anything. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because he was victorious, you can be too. Your present, temporary troubles are light and small in comparison to the glory that awaits you. It will greatly outweigh what you’ve gone through. Plus, it will last forever.
You are now more than a conqueror through him who loves you.
Live today in that victorious and conquering power.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]