Dear Explorer,
Read John 16:28-33
It's fascinating to me to know that Jesus, even though He knows that His death is imminent -- still shows His compassion and understanding of our fickleness. He knows there are times when we feel passionate in our faith and our commitment. And He knows that sometimes when we are attacked by Satan, all our passion just oozes out like melted butter. He understands that. I'm so glad!
Now, I don't want my life to be characterized by ups and downs. James describes that in James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (ESV). The picture is of a piece of driftwood being pushed back and forth, up and down at the ocean's edge. I don't want that in my life. The remedy for tossing and turning is found in Psalm 1:1-6. When we put our roots down deep into His Word, we get grounded and solid so that the seasons of life can't toss us around.
We need to have deep roots into God's Word to keep us grounded. But there are storms in life that throw us for a loop. Paul reports the following in his life: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NASB
So many of these battles happen in our minds and hearts. Satan strikes at our belief system and questions our faith. Paul writes: "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16. NASB
How do we protect ourselves against this enemy that attacks from outside and from within, trying to destroy our faith?
We can't! We must ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us. But then we must obey His instructions in order to be protected!
Paul gives us this poetic way of looking at God's protection.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; in addition to all, taking up the Shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Ephesians 6:13-18 NASB
What are some pieces of this armor that you need to add to your life?
Jesus says in John 16:33 that He's told us all these things so that we can have peace.
Where does peace come from?
From the Holy Spirit living inside of us – it's a fruit (or result) of the Holy Spirit.
What do you think Jesus meant by His last statement in John 16:33?
Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” To me it means that the world (empty people and Satan) tried to get Him to sin, but He made it – He won! He successfully navigated the human experience and never once gave in to SELF. Because of that, He says that we should be encouraged.
Make sure you understand that I am NOT saying: if you invite Jesus into your God-shaped vacuum then you will not experience troubles! In fact, followers of Jesus may encounter more troubles and sorrows because we stand opposed to Satan. But the promise of John 16:33 stands – we can have courage and peace because with Jesus' help, we too can overcome the world.
In His service, dale
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