John 16

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2016&version=TNIV

Jesus continues to tell the disciples that following him will cause them trouble. In fact, he tells them that they will be killed because of their faith and the people who pursue them will think they are doing the right thing.

Jesus never said being a Christian would be easy. In fact, he states very clearly the opposite: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) But we are to “take heart” because this world is not eternal. Because Jesus died on the cross he “has overcome the world” and we do not have to fear this life. No matter what happens to us in this life, it is fleeting. It doesn’t always feel that way, but whatever pain we feel in this life will be healed in eternity, for eternity.

We sometimes wonder why God lets painful/horrible things happen to us. It is hard for us to look at the horizon when we are so immersed in the pain of a specific event. But God has gone above and beyond for us. The greatest miracle that God ever did for each of us was the miracle of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. Because of that miracle,we have hope. Because of that miracle, we know that we will be resurrected to live in eternal joy with our God.

Where in your life do you need to take a longer view? What pain and suffering in your life can you give over to God who has conquored all the pain and suffering of this world?

Father God, help ease our suffering where we have painful memories. Heal us of our sorrows and our losses. Give us the perspective of an eternity with you to offset the sufferings of this life. Amen.
CS