Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
Joy Amidst Trials
In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. He assures them of the guidance of the Holy Spirit and warns them of the trials and tribulations that lie ahead. Jesus also offers encouragement and wisdom that extends beyond their immediate circumstances while emphasizing faith, hope, and God's promise to be a strong presence amid life's challenges.
Jesus leads a discussion with the disciples regarding how crucial it is for believers to depend on the Holy Spirit as their guide toward truth. Just as His disciples were guaranteed support from the Holy Spirit, we too, can place our trust in Him. Beloved, having this understanding, we must put our faith into action and call out to the Lord for wisdom and discernment through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel as the Holy Spirit works to guide us.
If you don't already own a copy of the book Life in the Spirit by Robertson McQuilkin, I encourage you to get one to strengthen your understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Let's now look a bit further in John 16: Jesus acknowledges that the disciples may suffer trials and tribulations but assures them of the joy that follows. Similarly, we face challenges that cause us pain, but through faith in Christ, we find hope and joy. Accepting this truth and knowing that God's laws bring great happiness helps us to endure suffering.
Furthermore, Jesus cautions of persecution and hurdles that believers will encounter. These challenges may materialize in various ways, ranging from opposition to our convictions to personal hardships or social pressures. In these situations, may we be reminded of Christ's instruction to stand firm in our faith, as the Holy Spirit gives us strength to triumph over these tribulations.
We should be encouraged by this passage and its emphasis on the importance of upholding one's faith and trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance amid suffering. John 16 encourages individuals to focus on the promise of joy extended by Christ despite trials and tribulations. Let us be thankful for the reassurance found in these verses, that regardless of the trials we face in life, God's presence and promises help us through them.
Heavenly Father, we give praise and express our love to You, Jesus. Lord, we thank You for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the knowledge that that no matter what we face we can trust You to get us through trials and tribulations. Lord, we praise You for the comfort and hope we have in Jesus. We are mindful that we are never alone because of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Lord, may your Holy Spirit be free to work in our lives and empower us to stand firm for Jesus today. We are blessed and grateful for Your work in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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