Expect Trouble

Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone.Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “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.” John 16:29-33

When my wife and I brought home our first child, a mentor of mine shared with me some wise advice. He said, “It won’t be easy, but trust me, it will be good.” There was nothing that could prepare me for the years following and no way I could even grasp the meaning. I had no first-hand experience and only my mentor’s word to trust. He was a man who had raised kids and saw all the struggle as well as the joy in doing so. I remember during those first few years how I kept reminding myself to expect a challenge and a reward. It was on the word of a trusted man I put my hope.

How much more can we put our hope in the perfect man? Consider that Jesus became like us, so we have a tangible example of who to trust. He experienced life as a man with all its trouble, clearly promising His men that they indeed would face plenty of trouble to come. Jesus also promised peace and victory. The exclamation point on His statement came through His death and resurrection. He is the object of our belief, and His Word is what we trust during trouble.

DO THIS TODAY: Remind yourself of the trustworthy person of Jesus.