In this world of difficulties and uncertainties, faithfulness to God can be challenging. When difficulties arise, we are tempted to waver in our faithfulness to God, questioning His goodness and His timing. The truth is, even in the difficulties and heartaches that arise, we can remain faithful. You see, this world is full of unknowns and pain, but we know the end of the story. We know that Jesus has overcome the world and that He is coming again.
During our Bible study this week, we have seen how Mary remained faithful to God and His calling throughout her life despite the fear that threatened to arise and the heartache she faced. How did she remain faithful? She remained faithful because she held on to the promise that Gabriel gave her in Luke 1 when he announced that she would give birth to Jesus. When he spoke to her, he explained that Jesus "will reign over Israel forever; His kingdom will never end" (Verse 33). She knew that, regardless of the pain or heartache that she would face during her life, Jesus' kingdom would remain forever and ever. This was the hope she must have held on to as she saw Jesus mistreated, beaten, mocked, killed, and ultimately raised from the dead.
During His ministry on Earth, Jesus issued a promise to His disciples that He will reign forever. In John 16, He explained that one day, He would leave Earth and return to heaven. Amidst the bleak news, Jesus gave a promise. He said to them, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (verse 33). The disciples needed this encouragement. They were about to see Jesus beaten and arrested. They would also face persecution. Amidst it all, they could hold on to the truth that Jesus has overcome the world. It has already been done. In the end, He will reign forever.
What was true for Jesus' disciples is true for you and me today. This world is full of heartache and pain, but that is not the end of the story. We know how the story ends. Jesus has overcome. His kingdom will reign. Because of this, we can have hope even in the most difficult times. I urge you, friend, to keep following Him! He will never fail you!
The truth that we know the end of the story is truly something to celebrate! Make plans this weekend to worship with us at one of our weekend services, praising Christ for what He has done and for the hope we have in Him. We can’t wait to see you there!
16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
25 “I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. 26 Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.[a] 28 Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.”
29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
