There is peace even through chaotic times

Watch out! There are rough patches ahead!

John 16:1-3 (MSG) I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them.

In the 16^th Chapter of John, Jesus is preparing the disciples for the day when He will return to the Father. Jesus knows that the disciples’ hearts are troubled because He’s going away (v. 5). He tells them again that He is not going to just leave Bethem high-and-dry. He will be sending them a Helper. But the Helper can only come if Jesus goes.

The Helper will not only help the believer, he will help the non-believer as well. He (the Holy Spirit) will lead them into all truth. Jesus had so much more to say to his disciples but they weren’t ready to hear it. It was too much for them to handle at that moment. Isn’t that an awesome thought? God cares so much about us that He gives us only what we can handle – one thing at a time.

In our lives when things get chaotic, it’s easy to let stress overwhelm us. But don’t let it.  Psalm 48:14 (NASB) ensures us “God is our God forever and ever and he will guide our paths until death.” He’s got our lives and each and every circumstance in His hand. God will guide us by the Holy Spirit living inside us. The Spirit leads us in ALL truth. Jesus spokes these words over 2,000 years ago to His disciples and they are still true for us today.

Isn’t that comforting?

John 16:33 (MSG) I’ve told you all this so that trusting me (emphasis mine), you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace (emphasis mine).  In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

I am so thankful to know that Jesus tells us we can have peace… but did you notice something else in that verse? Jesus tells his disciples in this verse they would have trouble too. GREAT…  just when we thought it was safe to go outside. But catch the last few words of verse 33… “But take heart! I h have conquered the world!” Jesus knew his time was coming soon. He knew he was going to die, but death would not hold Him. He would defeat death and the grave and rise again, conquering our sin once and for all.

So be brave dear friends. Jesus has “…told you these things to keep you from giving up.” (NCV) What circumstance do you have in your life right now that you need to be brave and stand firm? Are you giving up or are you relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth?

Be brave! Don’t give up!