But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. The Work of the Holy Spirit “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:4-7

Have you ever heard the phrase, “this is for your good?”

I lost track of counting how many times I heard mentors of mine tell me that someday I would understand. Sometimes it would be my father, other times a pastor or a friend with extensive life experience. That logic always accompanied some objection I made to a situation. Something would be hard, and I did not want to do it. Countless chores my father would explain to me as being “good for me.” At the moment I hardly agreed, but out of respect and trust, I went along with it. Then one day I discovered he was right.

The disciples had a moment with Jesus just like that. They objected, and He explained that there would be a future advantage. They didn’t like the thought of Jesus leaving them, but He understood something that they did not. It is possible for Jesus to know something we cannot fully grasp, yet find objectionable. There is a gap between trusting someone who knows more fully and coming to a full understanding. In that gap, we have to both obey and believe if we are to see the joy on the other side. Realize the advantage of the Holy Spirit by believing He is present to you.

DO THIS TODAY: Find one small way to think and act on Jesus’ teaching.