John 16:1-4
Jesus continues to teach His disciples, “I have told you these things so that you won’t fall away.”
“For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing God a service.”
“This is because they have never known the Father or Me.”
“Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember I warned you. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.”
Jesus will always prepare us for what He has for our lives. He promised to never leave us and will never forsake us. We are victorious in Christ. But we will face persecution and we will experience opposition from those who reject Him. We must never fear what people may say or do to us to try to keep us from serving and obeying God. God will come to our defense and He will keep His hand upon us. He may not deliver us from the persecution, opposition and attacks, but He will deliver us through them for His glory. We are never to try to protect our own life, as our life belongs to Him and He will give us His peace for whatever He calls us to do. As Jesus here prepares His disciples for what was ahead of them, so He also prepares us. As we stay in God’s word, pray, and stay in fellowship with other committed believers in Christ, we will be strengthened and will be able to stand against any attack or resistance we may receive for being Jesus’ disciples. This world is not our home, but our home is with Jesus even while we walk in this world. Grace and peace are ours daily in Christ. He will give us His grace to get us through any trial and He will guide us by His peace as we walk with Him through the trial. He will strengthen us and prepare us for to do His will.
Heavenly Father;
Thank You for Your love and grace which keeps us close to Your heart. Thank You for Your peace which guides us and reminds us that we belong to You. Thank You that You always prepare us before hand for whatever You have for us to do. Thank You for Your word that teaches us more about You and that speaks into our lives so that we may be more like Jesus. Thank You that Jesus lives and that He prays for us. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who helps us to obey You and to follow Jesus. Thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit in our lives who teaches us to love You and to love one another. Please help our pastors to be filled and led by Your Holy Spirit that Your church may grow in You. Please do a mighty work in our fellowship. Please help us to pray more and to trust in You with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Please help us to always be reminded of Your love and presence in our lives. We belong to You and You love us. May our lives reflect Your love and may we love You completely.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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