Remember What I Told You

Have you ever struggled with giving up something or someone you love? Has your blessing been taken away? Or like Abraham have you been asked to give it back? Have you ever said to yourself I know all things work together for good for those that love the Lord but what good could possibly come from this? What could God be up to?  It reminds me of how the disciples must have felt the night Jesus was taken away. How lost and alone they must have felt. Can you imagine what Jesus’ followers felt as He hung dying on the cross. The disciples who left families, homes, jobs, who risked ridicule, persecution even death to follow this man they came to know and love as Savior. Why Him, they must have thought, He never hurt anyone. On the contrary, He went about loving and healing those in need, offering salvation. What good could possibly come of this. Why kill Him? Why? What were they to do now? What were they to do next?  Jesus had been trying to prepare them of course but they didn’t completely understand how this would all work. But God did. He had the bigger picture in mind. Even Jesus had moments when He struggled with the method and He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God! But He surrendered to the will of the Father trusting in His plan. The loss they felt that night must have been excruciating, the confusion and uncertainty absolutely paralyzing. The reason for His dying didn’t make them feel any better in that moment. Their pain was real…mine is… and yours is too. But God had things firmly in hand just as He does now. Thanks to the Bible we have the gift of hindsight when learning of Christ’s sacrifice but just like the disciples and followers of Jesus we can sometimes wonder what God is up to when we go through difficult situations or are asked to give up the good God has given us to receive the best. We don’t have the advantage of hindsight when we are in the moment nor can we peer into the future. Much like the disciples that night we have to trust God and the bigger picture. Their discomfort, confusion or sorrow didn’t stop or alter the plan. And it didn’t stop the pain….the pain was real…for them and for Jesus…no getting around it….and there is no getting around what you and I have to go through…. sometimes it is all in God’s plan that we just go through it. He is not waiting on the other side of our trouble, trials and tribulations. He is in it with us.

After Jesus rose from the dead He was real. He was alive. He could walk and talk, eat and drink. He was flesh and bone. When He appeared to the disciples, they were reeling from the crucifixion. They were confused and scared out of their minds. Ever been there? Yea, me too. When they saw Jesus instead of being relieved they were petrified. They couldn’t or wouldn’t believe what they were seeing! The first thing Jesus said to them was “Peace be unto you” (see Luke 24:36). Then starting in verse 38 He says:

Luke 24:38-39 NLT

“Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.”

This scripture says to me why are you frightened? Why do you have doubts? After everything we have been through, after everything we have shared ….don’t be scared, you can trust me…I am real….be at peace…I know the end from the beginning…trust me and be at peace.

Jesus goes on to remind the disciples of what He told them:

Luke 24:44 NLT

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

This is what this scripture speaks to me. “I told you this would happen. I told you that you would have trials and tribulations but to be of good cheer because I have overcome the world, I told you they would surely gather together but it would not be from me and that no weapon formed against you shall prosper….I told you if you were to follow me you would have to deny yourself and take up your cross….I told you if they persecuted me they would persecute you….I told you for my sake you would have to lose your life to find your life…..I also told you I will be with you always even until the end of the world…. Remember when I told you these things Beloved? I warned you, I explained it all to you. Remember?   Yes Lord, now I remember. “Then why when these things happen are you surprised and rattled?….Remember all that I have told you in my word and be encouraged…. trust, relax….and be at peace”. I found the next verse very interesting.

Luke 24:45 NLT

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Even though Jesus had told them what would happen, even though it had been prophesied, even though they were aware of who He was and why He came He still had to open their minds to understanding the scriptures. Even though we walk with Jesus and talk with Jesus there are some circumstances where we have to trust Him and wait for Him to open our minds to understanding and that is okay. Pry your fingers off what was, let go of what might have been and lay hold of the new that God is trying to do. Surrender like Jesus…..trust like the disciples.  And through all trials, tests and trouble always remember:

Psalms 23:1-6 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

God Bless You.

Love, Ms. Wanda, GAC