John 16:16-22…
Sorrow into joy…
A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me. We may wonder why this was so confusing to the disciples. Yet, in reading this passage, we have to remember that we have the advantage of the whole picture. We know that Jesus would soon go to the cross, that He would rise from the dead, and that He would ascend to the Father in heaven. But the disciples weren’t just reading about it. They were in the midst of the experience, and what’s more they are expecting a Messiah that will soon be reigning, not dying and departing.
Sometimes, as we are going through something, others may be able to read the situation like a book. But that doesn’t mean we will understand it for ourselves, even when they try and tell us. This is why we need to look to the right sources. Some can diagnose us but they can’t direct us. Even if we know what to do or think it can be tough. Just because something goes like clockwork doesn’t mean we enjoy being on the clock.
The truth is that Jesus, the One who IS Truth, is always the right source. That means His Word is where we need to be finding our answers. The Bible doesn’t tell or teach us that we will be free from all trials, tribulations, and troubles. It’s quite the opposite. Yet through all the sorrow, God will lead us into peace and joy. The world laughs at what Christians cling to, but in the end, all of their answers will fall to the ground, and Christ, the solid rock, will stand (Deuteronomy 32:4 / Isaiah 40:8 / Matthew 7:24-25 / 1 Corinthians 10:4).
Great spiritual growth often happens in the wake of great sufferings. Jesus may seem absent for a while, and there may be much pain involved, but He will show up, and He will turn your temporary sorrow into everlasting joy. The old saying rings true; happiness is the result of happenings, whereas joy is the result of Jesus.
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The old saying rings true; happiness is the result of happenings, whereas joy is the result of Jesus.
Joy is so much better than happiness. I'll take eternal over temporal any day. We can experience eternal joy even while we live in this temporal body. Hallelujah!
Amen!
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