We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Bruce Sampson.
Bible Reading:
John 14:15-18
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Word:
I remember coming back from my first leadership weekend at FAITH RXD and meeting so many amazing people who loved CrossFit and Jesus just like me. I remember the mountaintop God experiences we had together in friendship though worship, nature walks, and sand volleyball. I also remember the tears we expressed for each other as we resisted saying our goodbyes.
In those experiences, I always had the most faith. I felt so close to God and had so much love for the people I was with. What happens, though, when we get down from the mountain top experience and come back to the reality of life we’re living in at home? How do have perseverance when we feel alone and out of touch with God?
Jesus’ disciples faced a similar dilemma as they too had to say goodbye. After the three long years they spent investing deeply into their relationship with Jesus, now he is on his way to Jerusalem where they knew there were people out there that wanted to take his life away. Little did they know that he was going to give it away.
It’s why as a result of his death and later resurrection he says confidently that he will give them “another advocate”. The word for “advocate” literally translates to a Helper. He is one who would stand on their behalf and never leave their side. His disciple will recognize him much like the three year experience they had with Jesus because it is Jesus’ very Spirit, the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our ever present help in our time of need. Wherever we have experienced God move before, the Holy Spirit is the same God then moving in us now. We are never alone when we have the Holy Spirit. God gives us the ability to persevere through hard seasons of fear and longing by reminding us that wherever we are in need there is help.
Prayer:
Thank you God for your promise of the Holy Spirit. When I feel like alone, remind me that your attention is on me and that I can call on you for help. Give me the perseverance today to move forward knowing that you are with me to the very end. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Skillwork:
Write down or recall some memories where you felt the closest to God and people around you. How can you create reminders or connect with the same people today to show you that God is still near in your life?
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