Victory Over the World

Read John 16:29-33

John 16:31-32 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 The time is coming, and is already here, when all of you will be scattered, each one to his own home, and I will be left all alone.”

HOW’S your faith? The disciples had just expressed to Jesus that they understood who he is, that he had come from God. They expressed a great faith in him.
    But Jesus wanted them to be sure they truly believed in him. They were able to speak their faith, but soon they would have to act on their faith. They would have to make decisions about what to do as they watched their Savior persecuted and killed.
    Jesus knew they would scatter, and he would be left alone to face his death. He knew they would become terribly afraid and uncertain. He knew they would be unfaithful to their own confessions.
    Thus, he urges them to hold onto their knowledge of him and their faith in. They would need to rely on the Father as Jesus had done, to stay focused on the Son, to be faithfully united in him.
    All who confess, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior.” must confront their faith in critical circumstances. At times we face much fear and turmoil in our lives. We easily lose sight of Jesus to seek “solutions” in the world. So how do we trust our Lord? How do we rely on him when life challenges the Word of Life?
    Jesus has shown us that prayer is the source of strength and intimacy with the Father. As we speak of our fears, we are to listening to his replies. We will know what he says, as we regularly read the Bible, God’s Word, and hear God’s Word taught and preached.
    Often, I have gone to him in desperation, wondering what will happen regarding a circumstance to discover strength and peace as I sit with him. Being quiet with the Lord will cancel the world’s noise to amplify God’s presence.
    The Bible is God’s story of promise and comfort.  I urge you to go there daily to grow your faith. II pray you will see, hear and know your Lord’s strength. Let your heart receive his Word, and you will know his message is personally for you. Jesus has defeated the world through his resurrection. You and I will feel the power of his resurrection when we focus on him and his will for our lives.
   
Resurrection Truth: Jesus offers himself. Faithfully receive him.