If you have lived long enough (which I think all who read this blog have!), you have learned that though many mysteries of Christ have been revealed to us through His words and actions, at times life seems to contradict what Jesus said.
Now, before you hang me up by my toenails for that statement, give me a minute to explain.
I do believe that every word Jesus spoke was and is Truth. But after experiencing battles in my life, seemingly unanswered prayers, and defeat in my own eyes, I have had to go to the Lord and sit with Him and ask Him to help me understand what He meant.
I am learning in this process that I may ask Him a question months earlier before the answer is revealed. So, if you take heed to what I am proposing today, or if you have petitioned for the Lord to bring revelation concerning a scripture, and it hasn’t been revealed the second or even the next day after you spoke with Him, be patient. His answer will be revealed in time.
Months ago I asked the Lord what He meant by His words, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
I have asked, “Lord, (moan…) oh Lord…. what does it mean that you have overcome the world? There is still sickness, still death, and people aren’t always healed. Our prayers aren’t always answered with a dancing musical celebration. It looks like defeat to me. What did you mean?”
Remember, I asked this months ago. The question has lingered in my spirit, but Jesus did not forget my question. It must have lingered with Him too. Perhaps He had to wait for me to be ready for His answer.
I’m not sure when I even came across the text, but the other day I began reading John 16. As I got to the end of the chapter I read verse 33: I have told you these things, so that in me YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. There it was in red and white!
I had memorized only one piece of the scripture. Really, only the second half of this scripture is quoted by so many. Oh, but how important is the first part! It’s the key.
I could hear Jesus explaining it to me. “My victory at this time is the incomprehensible peace I give you in the midst of trouble. Sickness and death will no longer be a part of you when I come back to finish what I started. Until then I give you my peace.”
Have you experienced His peace?
I know you experience the trouble of this world. None of us are immune.
But my prayer for all of us today is to take this gift. The gift of peace.
How do you get it?
Ask for it!
Ask for a greater filling of His Holy Spirit of peace today. Recognize His goodness. Pray to Trust Him. Because no matter what happens…there is Jesus. And that thought brings me peace.
I hope it brings you peace today too. Sit with Him. Dialogue with Him. Let Him speak through the Scriptures to you. Ask Him for revelation when you don’t understand.
My next question is: “Lord, what did you mean when you said, I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete. (John 16:23)?
I’m going to let it linger in my spirit for awhile. I know He’ll reveal the answer in due time. Until then…I have His peace. I pray you do too.
Much love,
andy
ps. I wrote this post last November. I don’t have the answer yet, but I know Jesus has not forgotten.
