Read: John 14:18-31
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (v. 27)
Do you ever feel like your life is a game of Chutes and Ladders? The excitement of climbing the ladder (a happy family, a good job, healthy relationships, good grades) is overtaken by setbacks or failure. Disappointment, rejections, grief, and tragedies can overshadow our accomplishments, success, and happiness.
In his humanity, Jesus faced these moments of instability and uncertainty too. He was rejected by his own (John 1:11), became a refugee in Egypt (Matt. 2:14), was betrayed and denied by his disciples (Matt. 26:48, 74), and then abandoned by God the Father (Matt. 27:46). Paul summed Jesus up this way: “Who, . . . did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he made himself nothing . . . he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:6-8 NIV).
Jesus demonstrated how he faced adversity. He continually spent time alone with God (Matt. 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12). And before he left his disciples and returned to heaven, he promised them the Holy Spirit, who would guide and encourage them (John 14:26), and the promise of a life to come that could never be taken away. We cannot escape the challenges of our lives, but we have the resources to overcome them and remain positive and productive.
As you pray, ask God to guide you into his presence and fill you with wisdom and strength for today.
About the Author
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
