3 Glorious Truths

How are we to cope with stress? What is the secret path to joy that Paul talks about time and time again? I believe Jesus gives us a very applicable blueprint in John 14. "Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me" (v 1). 

Keep in mind, this blueprint occurs directly after Jesus reveals four devastating truths to his disciples.

          #1: I am going to be crucified (12:32-33)

          #2: Some people will never believe (12:39)

          #3: Judas is a betrayer (13:26)

          #4: Simon Peter will deny me three times (13:38)

In the midst of this, Jesus has the audacity to tell his disciples "Let not your hearts be troubled". The next sentence is very important. "Believe in God, believe also in me".  Following this command are 3 glorious truths that Jesus intends for us to set our minds on daily. He desires that we set our minds on these daily so that we might glorify him by having his joy overflowing in us. No believer can be unaffected or unmoved by these 3 glorious truths. The burden of this passage is to believe. You must believe not only on an academic level but also on a heart level. You need your heart, soul and mind all to be engaged in order to believe these truths. This word "believe" ought to be synonymous with "trust" or "eat" or "follow".

Glorious truth #1

- Jesus is taking you to heaven

"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am  you may be also" (vv 2-3)

Most of our stress comes from being overly-attached to the things of this world. The implication of believing in our heavenly destination will cause us to detach our source of joy from the things of this world and find our joy in being co-heirs with Christ. Are you worried about living situations? Jesus has prepared a place for you in heaven. Are you worried about relationships? Jesus wants to be with you in heaven. Are you concerned about your academic performance? Jesus has given you his perfect righteousness. The list goes on but the truth stays the same. You are meant for life with Jesus in God's heavenly kingdom.

Glorious Truth #2

- Jesus knows where he is going

"Thomas said to him, Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way? Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (vv 5-6)

A lot of our stress comes from uncertainty about the future. The implication of believing this promise is trusting the Holy Spirit to lead you into your God-ordained future. Even in times of uncertainty we need to believe that God has a definite plan for our lives. He knows the way. Therefore, let us follow him. Jesus makes three claims in verse 6. He claims to be the only way to God, the ultimate standard for truth and the only source of true life. Therefore, although you may not know what the future has in store, Jesus does, and he is taking you there. In the midst of your confusion and anxiety he quietly whispers, "Do not be anxious about tomorrow" (Matt 6:34)

Glorious Truth #3

- Jesus plans to use you for great and mighty things

"Truly truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son." (vv 12-13)

Stress can be caused by the feeling of worthlessness. Or perhaps you regularly feel bored. If so, what you are feeling is the beginning of something incredible. You were not created to sit on the bench and watch life pass you by. God has carefully crafted you in his image. Go out and live! Find a passion like Nehemiah did and surrender your life to it! God has personally given certain spiritual gifts specifically for you. He wants you to use them in ways to glorify him. Herein lies the best part, you will never feel more alive than when you are operating out of one of your spiritual giftings. We ought to spend much time in prayer asking the Father to reveal to us what his passion for our life is. I pray that you would have the joy of Christ at all times and in all circumstances.

He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it.