Sometimes it is the little things in life that trip me up. For example, I admit to being spoiled by the tap on my debit card. Tapping the machine with my card makes paying for purchases fast and hassle-free. However, after getting a new credit card, the tap was not working, and I needed to insert my card and follow directions. It was no big deal, but it sure seemed to reinforce how comfortable it is to simply tap. Yet, it might be better if it wasn’t so easy for me to buy stuff.
I have a troubled relationship with my computer and those who expect me to use it like I know what I am doing. I can find myself needing to stop and read and find out what I need to do to get past a problem. It is no fun to admit that I still have a lot to learn about using my computer. Likewise, I do not thoroughly understand how God's love gets us through difficult situations that we cannot change.
Many are like me because we like the easy situations and are not eager to face challenges that force us beyond what is comfortable. However, life will not leave us without challenges and difficulties. Loved ones may help us when we struggle, but no one can live our life for us.
Life happens, and we are left to face what we cannot change. Jesus tried to prepare his disciples so they would be ready when he was no longer with them. His disciples tried to avoid thinking about going up to Jerusalem, where Jesus would die, and how their lives would continue without Jesus. For encouragement, Jesus promised they would have help in the Advocate or Holy Spirit when he was no longer with them.
Jesus prepared his disciples with these words, “When the Counselor (Advocate) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.” (John 15:26-27) Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that his leaving them meant He would be sending them help. The Spirit of truth would come so they would not be alone and powerless as they testified of Jesus. The disciples needed to witness about Jesus when he was gone because they had lived and worked alongside him. The Holy Spirit would affirm the truth of the disciples’ witness concerning Jesus.
Jesus did not want the disciples to stumble when their lives would become filled with opposition and dangers for witnessing about Him. He wanted them to remember that the Holy Spirit would comfort and strengthen them in their difficult days, and the Holy Spirit would guide them into a further understanding of what Jesus had taught them. The Spirit would confirm to them all that Jesus had said and did.
The truth is that Jesus loved his disciples and all people enough to die for their sins. Life is about believing the truth of God and his love for all. God loves you and has biblical instructions for you to read. Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm this as truth to you.
