Many of us are in a season where it feels as if the walls of trouble are closing in on us. Perhaps depression has settled in and it seems as if it has no plans to leave anytime soon. What do we do when feeling overwhelmed by trouble? I have some good news to share with you.
Jesus had you in mind, before you had trouble on your mind. In John 16, we find this careful consideration of Jesus for the disciples then and us now. Jesus, days out from the cross, leverages a teaching moment to prepare them and us for the days ahead. He opens chapter 16 with these words, “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.” What things did He say? Well, go back and read chapter 15 where he defines our relationship with one another and with the world. It is a rather perplexing relationship to say the least. On one hand we are deeply loved and the other we are deeply hated. Then he continues in chapter 16 to share the bright future of those that follow Him. In summary, we are promised rejection, relief, and rejoicing.
We will be rejected by those that think they are doing the very will of God. Yet, we will be provided relief by the Holy Spirit but this will lead to even more rejection. Ouch! Yet, this will all lead to rejoicing after His crucifixion and resurrection. Do you see the tension we are called to live in? One moment we are discouraged while the next we are encouraged. That is the life of the Christ follower. We live in the God is good, but things are so bad.
Jesus ends with this comfort which is where I really wanted to go. In John 16:33 He says, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” We see that Jesus does not promise to keep us from trouble, but He does promise to keep us during trouble. That is good news for you and I right here and right now. Jesus promises us that He is capable of making trouble feel troubled. The Gospel is great news because it provides even a prescription for trouble. Here is the paradox…the Gospel works best during times of trouble.
