“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”—John 14:1
Jesus was at the height of popularity. His teaching and preaching drew massive crowds who were encouraged by the power of His words. The miracles He performed documented that Jesus was no ordinary man. Only days ago, He had been welcomed into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus and the disciples had just celebrated the Passover, the highlight of the Jewish calendar. Seemingly, the future looked bright for Jesus and His disciples.
Then Jesus drops three bombshells on the disciples in John 13:21-38: One of the Twelve was about to betray Him; He was going away to a place where they could not follow; and Peter, the boldest of the Twelve, would deny Him that very night. At a moment that should be full of celebration and bright expectations, Jesus issues heartbreaking, paralyzing and unfathomably horrific news. These revelations not only alarm the disciples’ present, they create uncertainty about the future.
John 14 begins by providing the courage the disciples need to face their uncertain future. Jesus challenges the disciples to stand on what they know is true: “If you trust the sovereignty, grace, and mercy of God, trust me also, even in the midst of what is happening!” Jesus does not wipe away the reality of what is occurring: a betrayal, a denial and a departure. Instead, Jesus gives an affirmation—that He has a plan for their future, beyond anything they could ever imagine. Jesus never allows us to face a situation without providing us a solution—to trust Him even when we are surrounded by heartbreak and uncertainty.
Some situations are designed to invoke fear, agitation, and uncertainty in our lives. The solution is clear, always accept counsel from your faith, never from your fears. Jesus tells the disciples to allow no trouble to overrule His words nor their faith. His words remind us that our God in heaven will give good things to those who ask (Matthew 7:11). His words encourage us to be anxious for nothing but with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, give our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). His word asks, if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31), and declares we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
Whatever situation you face today, stand on the Word of God as you believe and trust in God to be true to the Word that has been spoken about and over you. Don’t let your heart be troubled—trust God, trust Jesus.
Lesson to Remember: Together, God’s Word and our faith are an unconquerable force.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”—Joshua 1:9
What a wonderful message. God is with us, in our daily walk.