Our lives often feel like a confused mix of challenge and disaster, gifts and blessing. Sometimes it seems the stress of the challenges overshadows everything else. Jesus had a long talk with his disciples toward the end of his ministry. He reassured them of His love and the Father’s love. He prepared them for trials to come so that they wouldn’t be surprised. Then he said the following words:
“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.” John 16:33
Jesus never promised an easy life. In fact He promised that there would be trouble in this world! Isn’t that just great? It doesn’t sound great. I would prefer a promise including the words “trouble free” in it, wouldn’t you? But where’s the miracle in that? It’s not so difficult to experience peace in the absence of strife. Jesus wanted more for His disciples. He wants more for us. He wants to give us something that will spontaneously cause us to praise Him, realizing that He could be the only source.
Yes, He actually wants us to live through trouble with peace in our hearts, knowing that He has won the battle already! I don’t want to miss the chance to live a full life of peace and joy and strength until I really go home. I have experienced the wonder of that peace gift through hard times, knowing that it could have come only from Him. Choose today to let Jesus’ promise liberate you and let your life shine like the sun!
Oh child, precious one
Let your life shine like the sun
But you say “How long ’til I can come home
‘Til I can rest in your arms again”
And I say “Not long but don’t miss this life and I’ll be
Waiting ’til then”
Live with the wonder of a child
Pray with your arms thrown open wide
Love with a love that has no end
Until I see you again
Oh child, precious one
With each breath know you are loved
But you say “How long ’til I can come home
‘Til I can rest in your arms again”
And I say “Not long but don’t miss this life and I’ll be
Waiting ’til then”
-from “Until I see you again” by Mark Shultz.
shared with my three jewels 1/12/2009
I really like this post. It reminds me that no matter how much I may wish sometimes for an easy day or an easy week, ultimately, that’s really not what I want. I have to remind myself that only on a tough day can I fully experience the wonder of God’s peace. It’s on those days that I have to depend on God the most, and also those days that I praise Him the most because I know that peace and strength could only come from Him. That song is one of my favorites too. I can’t wait for Jesus to come and take me home, but I don’t have to wait until then to live an amazing life for Him.
Love you!
Kayla