Have God As Your Reason For Your Confidence
Rev. Enoch Thompson | July 18, 2024 | John 14:1-4
KEY VERSE:
”Do not let your hearts be troubled. (You) Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The lesson from yesterday’s devotional was to choose the path of not being troubled by the things that trouble us. But the question must be asked and answered, “On what basis can I remain calm, collected and unshaken when there is so much to cause anxiety, fear and hopelessness?”
The Lord Jesus Christ gives us the basis for Christian fortitude in the face of the negative forces that war against our peace; “(You) Trust in God; trust also in me.” The Kingdom citizen’s greatest possession is that we have God, and God has us! The hymn writer catches this sentiment in the words, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine.” In a sweeping statement, the Lord Jesus Christ affirms His deity as He calls upon the immediate disciples to trust in Him as they trusted in God, (that is, the Father).
To rise above the terrors of life requires being conquered by God, possessed by God and possessing God! The Bible teaches us a level of relationship with God which goes beyond mere formality and religious performance to becoming children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. It takes us on the path of living a life filled with and directed by the Holy Spirit, and by that, we become custodians of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Trusting in God makes us eat of the body of Christ and drink of His blood, in essence, we become inseparably connected to Him, His image in us revealed. Trusting in the Lord ushers us into a new life where we know that whether we live or die, God has got our best interest at heart, and will take care of us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you trusted Jesus for the salvation of your souls, by His shed blood, and His resurrection power? Embrace God and believe in His revealed word as reliable truth with power backing it. Trust in God, come what may, and live the victorious life.
PRAYER:
Oh Lord, what a word, what a word! I am grateful for the reliable assurance that God is for me and that I can be sure that you will take care of me. Please open our eyes so that we might see these things. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: TRUST
The Greek word for "trust" in John 14:1 is "πιστεύετε" (pisteuete), which comes from the root "πιστεύω" (pisteuō). It means to believe in, have faith in, or trust in. This term carries connotations of reliance, confidence, and assurance in the one believed in. Trusting in Jesus is portrayed as a foundation for peace and confidence amid uncertainty. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true peace and stability come from faith in God (Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3-4). Having God as your reason for confidence means placing your trust and faith in His character, promises, and power. This kind of trust provides a firm foundation that withstands life's uncertainties and challenges. When Jesus calls His disciples to trust in Him and in God, He is inviting them into a relationship that brings peace, security, and assurance, transcending their immediate circumstances. Reflections: Trust in God's plans and purposes, reinforcing that reliance on Him is the key to overcoming life's anxieties and fears. How can you deepen your trust in God and Jesus so that your confidence in life is rooted not in circumstances or personal strength but in their unchanging nature and promises?
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