“2020” is Here! How do I Face it? (Part II)

In John Chapter 16, Jesus is speaking to his followers and he is preparing them for the following; his ascension into heaven, the arrival of “The Comforter” which is the Holy Spirit, and to come with difficult times that they would face in the future. It is very fitting therefore to end with verse 33. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Imagine Jesus told his disciples, that they will be killed by persons who think they are doing a good thing? Then He continues to speak stating “And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor me”.
Wait a minute, Lord, just one minute! Are you saying that in addition to all the trouble in this world, I can be persecuted for believing that you are indeed the Son of God? Trust me, Jesus, I really need you to show me how to live knowing that persecution can come my way. God is always wiling and ready to do just that, to show us how.
Permit me to flip back to John Chapter 15. I find this chapter to be a practical section that truly provides advice on how we can live a joy-sustained life. So, here are a few tips from John 15.
⦁ Regularly read and listen to the Word of God with the intention to receive guidance, lessons or warnings that can be applied to your life.
⦁ Prayerfully seek help from the Holy Spirit to implement the changes you need to make. Keep striving towards that change, no matter how long it takes.
⦁ Stay with Christ by sticking to what he shows you in his word as “right”, walk away from what he shows you in his word to be “wrong”. Seek to do good to every man or woman you meet; love every one.
⦁ As you grow in Christ, share your experiences with others. Share verses that have helped you to overcome or become more like Christ – bear fruit.
I wish to note that I have never seen a verse in the bible where we are told that everything will be easy, or a walk-over, free from challenges or difficult times, never. Sometimes, these challenges come from every direction and it feels like there is no breathing space. Our mental health becomes a cause for concern as our mind and our body continuously battles the bad relationships, the criminal activities around us, the enemies within and without, death and sickness. It is no easy fix and yet before Christ returned to heaven he left such comforting words for those who would believe. Even more comforting that these words are the fact that He, Jesus (God in human flesh) is believable, in other words, He is for real. He cannot lie. Placing “2020” into His hands would make all the sense in this world.