02.09.12 “Ups and Downs”

Scripture Reading: John 16:29-33

29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

31 “You believe at last!” Jesus answered. 32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Reflection Questions

We have already highlighted several portions, but if you have the time this week, read through the entirety of John chapters 13 − 17. Jesus goes to great length to offer words of instruction, hope and affirmation for his disciples. In these verses, we find the disciples finally “getting it” and yet Jesus seems aware of the fact that “a time is coming” when they will regress in their understanding and belief in him.

• The life of faith is filled with ups and downs. For every moment we experience a breakthrough it seems we can also point to another moment where we stumbled. We release control. We take it back. Yet, we never give up. Jesus has overcome. He can do the same in us as well.
• Is there a person, a situation, or circumstance that you need to again release your desire to control?

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at
a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.