AWAS!!! (John 16:1-4) 220607
Life can be really tough. I am not qualify to speak from experience, for I dare not say that I have had a tough life. But I think life can be tough when we are through it, all alone and without any expectation of it.
Apostle John had kindly recorded for us warning by our Lord Jesus in this passage (John 16:1-4). Jesus had never painted for us a bed of roses if we are to be His disciples. In fact, He gave us the reality. He warned His disciples that there will be obstacles, there will be oppositions, there will be tough times and there will rejections (v2). But the good news is that there is also Jesus our Lord and His words to be with us (v4).
Perhaps you may be experiencing rough moments in your life now. Perhaps you are going through life transition. You may have been just become a parent, you may have just started a new job or appointment, you may have just stepped into the cruel working world, or you may have difficulties adjusting to the demand of your new relationship. This is life. I have no easy solution to any of these problems, as I am also struggling in adjusting my life constantly. But one thing I know and find it helpful, that is to anticipate these issues ahead.
I am not suggesting us to be super paranoid and become worry about every single thing. I am simply proposing that we take warning seriously, and rehearse through in our heart and mind how we might handle the situation, committing these to the hand of our Lord in advance. By no means that this will eliminate our stresses and difficulties when we face tough times, but I am sure that this will give us hope and maybe a different perspective as in how we are going to handle the situation. Because God is control.
This is what Jesus was trying to say to us: take heed of His words, so that we may be kept from stumbling (v1). What about His words that are to take heed? Read the John 15: Abide in Christ. Nothing beats having an intimate relationship with Christ. Nothing worth more than our time spend with our Lord in prayer and adoring His words. Nothing can be more refreshing and empowering than dwelling and resting in His presence.
I have just refreshed myself in the Lord. Maybe you need to find this refreshment too. Maybe you are tired with your work and demands for your employer, take time to rest in the Lord. Maybe you are going through major life transition, like being a new parent or changing new job, take time to rest in the Lord. Maybe you are seeking for direction for your future and you seem to be at a lost, take time to rest in the Lord. Your situation be not be any better, but your time with the Lord will be able to strengthen you and refresh you to stay on course to steer through this storm of life. When you look back in the future, you will say: it is worth taking time to rest in the Lord.
So take this warning seriously.
