We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Travis Pate.
Bible Reading:
John 16:25-33
“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “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.”
Word:
How much time do you spend worrying about some uncertain outcome to a situation you are faced with? Maybe you’ve just taken a leap of faith and left a job to start a new career or a new business and you’re not sure how it’s going to go. There are so many situations like this that we face in life that have uncertain outcomes.
There is some good news, however, the outcome of our life as believers is already decided. God has declared victory through the blood of Jesus Christ! Jesus tells us in our verses today that he has overcome the world! The end result is eternal life in heaven!
So if we know the outcome, what now? We can’t just leave this world and move into eternity. We have to live out our life in this world. And Jesus tells us that while we are here we are going to face trying times. Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t say that life was going to easy as a believer. In fact, he tells his disciples that they should expect to suffer because of what he (Jesus) did.
Until we reach the end of our days we have to persevere. James tells us that we should even consider it “pure joy” when we face trials because God uses trials to develop our faith and make us more mature believers. One day we can be like Paul who said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you that our eternity as a believer is secured with you. We thank you for the sacrifice that Jesus made to make this possible. Now walk with us as we walk in the world each day. Help us to love others and to stay the course and finish the race. Amen.
Skillwork:
What are some ways that you can prepare in advance for the trials you may face? Scripture memorization is a great way to help you persevere through trials. Start with our verse of the day, “In this world you will have troubles. But take heart: I have overcome the world.”
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