Published 2/11/20
Read John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Reflect
How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus has overcome the trials of this world?
No matter how difficult the trial you may go through, you can expect that the Lord will ever guide you with His eye; will support you by His guardian hand; and will keep you from all evil. "The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10 NIV).
Seek the face of God in the midst of trouble. When was the last time you looked for Jesus in the midst of a pressing problem? Often we say, "Lord, fix this. Change this problem. Do something about this mess I'm in!" That's okay, yet there's a real difference in praying the life-transforming prayer, "Lord, I don't understand this situation and I seem powerless to change it. But I want to see You and encounter You. Would You teach me what You want me to know about You? Would you draw me near and show me what special life lessons and revelations of Your grace You want me to experience?"
As I think about the challenges or struggles where I've grown the most, the turning point was most often when my focus moved from the problem or troubling situation to asking, seeking, and being open to something the Lord wanted to reveal to me about Himself. Translation: having a fresh vision of Jesus that focuses on His character and His sufficiency--who He is instead of how I wanted things to change--made all the difference.
Pray
Lord Jesus, help me to trust that You will restore me. Amen.
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