John 16:29-33
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 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 tribulations. But take heart: I have overcome the world.”
Reflection – Doug Bradle
The picture of John 16 is Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure from this world. He knows that the disciples will experience tremendous sorrow and distress when His crucifixion and death take place. He foretells of their falling away and hiding in their homes. Yet, He tells them that He will not be alone in His ordeal; that God the Father is with Him. As the Father is with Him, so He will give peace to His disciples who abide in Him. Clearly, He tells them that they will have troubles in this world but to take heart in His promise that He has overcome this world.
When I read Scriptures I have to remind myself that Jesus is speaking to me! I am one of His disciples. There is an old saying: God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. To me it means that I cannot wait for the stars to be perfectly aligned or for my character to be presentable to follow my Savior. I step out in faith, knowing deep in my heart that He has truly overcome the troubles of this world. If I abide in Him, like the branch within the vine, I can be used by Him and bear fruit for Him and have joy and peace in my life right now! The future never comes, all I have is this present day with all the moments to walk through. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be glad and rejoice in it. How wonderful that we have a Savior who lives and who loves us and who will impart the strength we need to go through anything that the world throws at us! Today I chose to surrender my petty concerns and to let my Savior lead me. What a relief!