Intro: “I don’t understand!” Surprisingly, I hear myself saying that phrase quite frequently. Sometimes, my frame of reference, experience, or my fund of existing knowledge is just not sufficient. Therefore, I need supernatural help understanding the circumstances before me. I don’t have a problem acknowledging things that do not make sense to my natural mind. However, I know it means I must press in for greater wisdom and understanding from my Lord who has promised to equip me for life with him.
In our passage today, the disciples are struggling to understand the words of Christ. Jesus tells them he’s leaving, but will be returning. Huh? They know their present level of understanding is inadequate. Jesus knows this as well; so he promises the disciples the ability to ask for more understanding soon.
The disciples realize later on, Jesus has been telling them he is going to die, but in the resurrection he will be returning in power and authority. Because of Christ’s resurrection and the impartation and power of the Holy Spirit, every believer can now enjoy divine guidance. Believers can have the wisdom we need, pray for understanding, and know Christ intercedes for us with the Father to release God’s plan.
Maybe you find yourself not understanding certain things in your life right now, but do not despair because the greater One—the Spirit of Christ—lives within you. When you need help to know the Truth, all you need to do is pray and ask; your prayer will be successful. Confusion is not from God; it is from the world under Satan’s influence. Rejoice and rise above all the confusion and chaos by listening to the Voice of the Lord who guides your life into all Truth. Trust and wait…you will receive.
John 16:16-24 NLT Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy
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.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us wisdom and understanding. We need both and you are the living Lord who provides for us. Please continue to help us rise above the confusing things that are plaguing the world; we know your Voice and we will not follow a stranger. We will ask in the name of Jesus knowing we have a connection to the Father. Being filled with your Spirit beings us great joy; so Lord fill us to overflowing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.