Why God? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do they happen to us? I'm sure we've all asked this question in our lives.
I have a friend that has cancer. (Actually, I have many friends who have cancer right now; I hate that.) No treatment has worked so far on John, so they are in the process of a stem cell infusion. The procedure is painful, and he is isolated from his family for the next 30 days. He carries the weight of his wife being both Mom and Dad for the next month.
John is a wonderful man of God. He adores his wife, dotes on his kids and dogs, and generally loves his life. His body is broken, his mind is exhausted and his soul is bruised. While John's faith has been tested, he knows where to find the peace he needs.
We've all had those moments, haven't we? Moments where we grab on to the gloom the world offers with both hands because at least we understand that. We believe we have faith, but then that crisis hits and we find our faith fragile. How do we find faith when we are on a journey we don't want?
Jesus knows what it's like to take an unwanted journey. (Matthew 26:36-44) But because He walked the road to Calvary, because He chose the unwanted journey, it's easier for us to walk up that hill of difficulty. It's so comforting to know that Jesus understands our unwanted journeys!
It's so comforting to know that Jesus understands our unwanted journeys!
The disciples' faith was tested as well. (John 16:25-33) They understood who Jesus was. They answered His questions of faith positively. But Jesus knew their faith was vulnerable. Right now, all is calm and safe. But soon they will forget their frail faith and run for their lives.
Oh, how Jesus loves the disciples! He gives them the tools they need to get through this crisis they will soon face. "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.” John 16:33
Jesus loves us so much! These very words are for us too. He offers us the peace that only He can give. Not a peace that is serene or the absence of crisis, but a peace we get from knowing Jesus, knowing the Truth.
When He says "take heart!" He is prompting us to be courageous. No matter how hard the world tries to beat us up, we have the Savior on our side. He has overcome the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death! When we know Jesus, we know that this world is not our home and that our eternity is secure. (Romans 6:23)
When we know Jesus, we know that this world is not our home and that our eternity is secure.
Our eternal home is a place where we will walk with God. (Revelation 21:1-4) There will be no more pain, no more tears, and no more death! The challenges of this world will pass away. We can only imagine today, but one day, we will live it every day.
If you are facing challenges and can't find the peace I am talking about. I would love to discuss it with you. nitawilkinson1@gmail.com
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