DAILY READING
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REFLECTION
A Reason for My Hope
by Judy Webb
"And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. but you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17)
There is so much happening in these five verses for today. A big shake up was looming in the background and Jesus was preparing his disciples to continue without His physical presence:
· He taught them how to continue the work on earth
· He encouraged them to continue to believe, and to ask (pray) Him for what they need
· Jesus assured them that He would be with them – He would be only a prayer away
· Jesus promoted them from students of His Word to Sharers of the Good News
· He encouraged them to trust in, rely on, and to cling to Him in faith
So much was yet to happen, and Jesus wanted to reinforce all he had taught them to this point.
Every bullet point here applies to us as well. Our world is also spinning out of control. So much is happening, and most likely our own personal worlds are experiencing turmoil. It is more important than ever that we too embrace these promises and share with one another the hope they give.
The pandemic was a most recent situation that we had to learn to trust God with. The social ramifications we all experienced were huge, and our children may never recover fully from that two-year period. But, as with all things that challenge, there is opportunity for growth - personal and spiritual. Now with more conflict seemingly just round the corner, this Hope we cling to is more important than ever.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Just as Jesus prepared the disciples for what was coming next on their faith journey, he does the same for us. What comfort to know that nothing we encounter or experience in this life was/is a surprise to God. He knew it all long before it became a reality, and he has prepared us to survive anything life throws at us if we only turn to His Word for Truth and Direction and Hope.
Dear Jesus,
We want to feel secure and safe, but sometimes that is difficult. Help me to turn to you every time I feel week, or dejected, or alone. There is such comfort and community in your Word. Give me eyes to see this and a tongue to proclaim this truth.
Good morning, Judy.
Your blog today is so relevant to dealing with the turmoil facing those suffering from injustice. The Ukrainian people are suffering an immense blow to their homeland, to family, to their culture, their economic well being and their future. The one thing that we can see on TV is their resolve not to give up as they reach out to the world for help in combating this evil perpetrated by Vladimir Putin. I looked up the percentage of the Ukrainian population that is reportedly Christian.--73%! Your second, third and fifth bullet points reflect a hope they all must be clinging to at this moment. "Vengeance is Mine says the Lord". We will ultimately see the good Go…