Author: astherainandsnow

“For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him,
    that we should come to trial together.
 There is no arbiter between us,
    who might lay his hand on us both.”

“Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
    yet I will argue my ways to his face.”

“Men have gaped at me with their mouth;
    they have struck me insolently on the cheek;
    they mass themselves together against me…
My face is red with weeping,
    and on my eyelids is deep darkness,
although there is no violence in my hands,
    and my prayer is pure.

“O earth, cover not my blood,
    and let my cry find no resting place.
Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
    and he who testifies for me is on high.
My friends scorn me;
    my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God.” Job 9:32-33; 13:15; 16:10,16-21a

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you… Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 1:9; 8:33-34

When Job finds himself under the penalty of pain and in the shackles of loss and misery, he camps in the courtroom of heaven. The Lord is his only hope. His wife sneers, his friends condemn, yet taking his complaint and tears to God, he is safe. His only comfort is in knowing the Advocate, his only plea is His mercy. (Job 2:9)

Surely for our whole life, there is only One from whom we receive no condemnation, only One who saves to the uttermost. Once sealed by grace when we believe in Him, we are secure forever. Yet daily our adversary roams and takes his nips and swipes. He accuses our motives, pesters our affections, teases our flesh with doubt and self-loathing. He inflicts wound after grievous wound, exacerbating physical and emotional pain with cruelty and constancy. How can we escape? Where can we flee? To the only One able to save. (John 6:68; John 8:44; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 5:8)

Not only does our Savior stand as our permanent Intercessor, the greatest truth is He has already plead our case and won. He is both witness to truth, and the perfect penalty-bearer. Our sin has been atoned for, and eternally we are free, though for this life we will endure troubles stemming from its fallout. For this day, He pleads our case knowing our predicaments and temptations. He sees, understands, and redeems our pain. (John 16:33; 19:30; Hebrews 4:16)

To whom do we go when in trouble? Would we come honestly to our Witness and Advocate, confessing known sin, taking the blame, accepting responsibility for thought and action against the Almighty? And would we then trust that He who hears our arguments stands in the gap for them? He holds both our tears and our hope.

Father, help me trust You with my complaints as my truthful witness before the Father. May I in return be a bold witness to Your life-changing gospel truth.

“To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11

“Be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

Elimination of pride. Dependence on the Lord. Sufficient grace. The power of Christ. The everlasting presence of God. All make up the content of contentment, its bubbling spring and source. Contentment, while commanded, is not something we stir up in ourselves or resolve to feel. It is an attitude borne of confidence and hope in who the Lord is and how He cares for us. It blooms continually and strong from gratitude for His marvelous ways and the hope of our heavenly future. It flourishes under the triune blessing of God’s love, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

So why are so many discontent? Because we’ve become conceited, thinking too highly of ourselves and claiming entitlement to all things pleasant and easy. Because we chafe against thorns as unfair and fight off their bleed, instead of welcoming them as God’s tools for our holiness and recognition of His grace. Because we insist on ordering our circumstances instead of accepting those God has ordained for our good. We don’t like whatever situations, and avoid them instead of learning what we can in them.

All of our kicking and resistance make it hard to get our minds off of ourselves. We are consumed with what we have that we don’t want, or what we wish we had or could do that we do not. But if we desire true contentment, and tie it to Jesus, all can be well with our souls whether we have abundance or dearth. We will find that in godliness, in the fear of the Lord today and the hope of seeing His likeness one day, there is deep and satisfying contentment like nothing else. (Psalm 17:15; Proverbs 19:23; 1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Where do we look for satisfaction? What do we treasure most, and where do we attach our longings? Are we currently in a state of angst, fretting, negativity, or discontent, and what circumstances or attitudes got us there? Contentment teaches us to rejoice in trials because they produce endurance, character, and assurance of a reward in heaven. Contentment in Christ Jesus secures our treasure and our longings for the present and future. (Matthew 5:11-12; 6:21; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 3:20)

Lord Jesus, keep me blooming in that place of full contentment, where Your spring wells up, and I delight in You day and night, and am never thirsty forever. (Psalm 1:1-3; John 4:14)

“Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him…

“When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and Hittites and Perizzites and Canaanites, the Hivites and Jebusites, and I blot them out,  you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces. You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water… I will fulfill the number of your days. I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.  And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites from before you.  I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out, until you have increased and possess the land. And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates, for I will give the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you…  They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Exodus 23:20-21,23-31,33

When God Almighty foretold Israel’s conquest of Canaan, He promised His angel would go before to guard and lead. But He also set expectations: I send My angel, obey him and all shall be well, in time, and in My way. However, ensnare yourselves with their gods, entertain strange allegiances, and the deal is off.

How sweet is the Lord’s promise of direction and protection! As we embark on every day, we can watch for the angel of His presence- indications from His word and Spirit that lead us. He does not abandon us in query, nor fail to make our paths straight when we come un-ensnared to acknowledge and trust Him. He keeps on as Companion when the road is hard and pests ensue, to dispel the hornets and bring us through. His promised way is not guaranteed easy, but it is sure, not always understood by us, but known by Him and blessed with His peace. (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 16:33)

The Lord’s voice must not be one of many, but our sole Guide in the midst of worldly clamor. He is our wisdom, He our Captain. We can’t pick and choose from His word, nor embark on our own plans and expect His blessing. When foreign voices tease and taunt, we can hold high the knowledge of God. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

When faced with choices and conquests in work, spiritual life, or relationships, to whom do we pay most careful attention, and obey? What offerings of the world easily distract from focus and devotion to God? Before stepping out anew, would we pause to behold Him?

Lord, cause me to trust Your hand to guide me daily.

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.  The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world...

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’  So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’  He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘”Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said…

“’I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,  even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ 

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.’

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’” John 1:6-9,19-23,26-27,29-36

John the Baptist was single-minded, on mission from God and hidden behind Him. His identity, life purpose, and drive were bound up in the One he was sent to announce. He drew no attention to self but deflected at every opportunity to Jesus. Day after day, as His witness, he shed light on Jesus and spoke only truth about Him, highlighting His unique glory and refusing any for himself. (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11; Colossians 3:3-4)

John was sold out to his ordained mission, and no worldly allure would detract him from it. From birth he knew he was stamped as one sent- a forerunner, a herald- and he stayed focused until death on that call. Jesus commended him, not he himself. (Matthew 11:7-14; 14:3-11; Luke 1:11-17)

Is Jesus so much my life that I am hidden in Him? How can those around me recognize Jesus in my countenance, speech, and manner of living? What about the atmosphere around me indicates His grace, radiates His peace, identifies His Lordship? How clear and bold and attractive is my witness of the Worthy One, that others are drawn to His hope of glory? (1 Chronicles 29:11; Colossians 1:27-29; 1 Timothy 4:12)

Father, in every effort, may my life and words point to, exemplify, and exalt You alone.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time… Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.  For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.  Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-11

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

“I thank… Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy… and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy.., that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe.” 1 Timothy 1:12-16

Paul knew it was all of grace that God had arrested his violent rebellion and transformed him into a new creature. Suddenly blinded to former charms, he received spiritual sight, with new beliefs, desire, and purpose. God’s amazing grace to him would not lie fallow. By the very nature of that vibrant, energizing grace that turned an enemy into a friend, Paul bounded ahead for the Lord’s purpose and glory. (Acts 9:3-20; Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.” ~John Newton (1779)

Do we continually marvel at God’s grace to us in the life and death of Christ? That gift would be in vain were we not to offer our lives back to Him. How is so great a love compelling us? In what ways does it refine our outlook toward others, and energize our use of resources? How are we yielding our time and emotions to the movement of His grace through our words and actions? (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

May we never treat in vain what to God was so costly. Would we take a moment each day to reflect on the marvelous grace lavished on and entrusted to us, surrender to its sweet and powerful sway, and ask how we can extend and proclaim that grace to others?

Father, may I daily access Your grace in order to stand, serve, speak, and rejoice unto Your glory. (Romans 5:2)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” “Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 4:12; 12:1

The clear pale of long moments before dawn was suddenly distinguished by almost imperceptible rays of a sun yet unseen. Gaze, gaze, gaze longer and see the pin dot of planet, suspended and bright, between the trees, soon to disappear in the light of morning. Watching on the stop and still discovers wonders otherwise concealed.

It takes time to visually define the reach of rays. It takes time to outline the edges of planets. It takes time to hear still small voices well, and gladly. The more quickly we cruise through moments, the more cursory our glance, the brighter we let cares and urgencies burn, the more we miss what is revealed in the dark. Skimming into and along our days fades sin’s pinpricks from our eyes, though they still work their insidious destruction. The devil would blind us from seeing and dealing with his handiwork. (1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 12:37b)

One way to investigate enemy footholds is to immerse ourselves in the holy Scriptures, honestly undergoing the microscope of God’s righteous standard. His word, like a searchlight, exposes habits and attitudes we would rather keep hidden, and washes them in bright, healing grace. Conviction is always worth the truth about our sin and Christ’s mercy that sets us free. (Psalm 119:130; John 8:31-32; 16:8; Ephesians 5:13-14; 1 John 1:5-9)

Another way is to take committed time- with no timer ticking- to bow before the Almighty in confession. Begin with worship of His highness and perfection. This exalts our sights and fills us with light that then shows up how and where we fall short. Name the rebellion, the lust, the secret activities and mental entertainment. Speak the jealousies and sloth and uncharitable thoughts and snippy responses. We cannot skim over this important work of confession if we are to be wholehearted in our devotion to Christ Jesus. Genuine repentance is the key to a healthy spiritual compass-reset and direction forward. (Psalm 32:5; 51:2; Proverbs 28:13; Micah 7:18-19; Hebrews 10:22)

Do we prefer superficial spirituality where we relish sunshine but never see the exquisite details of God’s intent? What causes us to miss identifying the foreign planets that orbit and affect our souls, and prevents us from soaking in the open-armed rays of God’s cleansing? When will we make and take time to allow God to zoom in to shine in and on us? (Numbers 6:24-26)

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Lord, search deeply my innermost heart, and permeate the whole sphere of my life so I reflect Your righteousness and glory.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42

These sisters, along with their brother Lazarus, offered Jesus a warm place of easy fellowship and comfort as oases during His ministry. They lived just outside the hum of Jerusalem in Bethany, and shared with their friend deep mutual love and interest. Martha was quick to welcome Him, but then just as quickly turned her back to return to busyness. The busyness of much serving that brewed fretting, stewing, a stomp here and a jerked-stir there resentment that boiled over into whining. In contrast, Mary lingered, and listened, sitting quietly at His feet. (John 11:5; 12:2-3)

It is not wrong that either woman served her friend (and Savior) in her particular way. Hosting gifts vary and complement each other. But motive and attitude matter. Jesus, who knew all that was in a person, detected their heart thrum and wanted to put the errant mindset aright. To prepare and present a needed meal is a gracious service that honors the guest, but distraction to the point of anxiety, huffiness, and bitter complaining dishonors the Lord. Tasks can trip us up when they are neither offered unto Jesus nor performed wholeheartedly. (John 2:24-25; Ephesians 6:7; Philippians 2:14; Colossians 3:23-24; Hebrews 12:15)

What attitudes need adjusting in my day to day interactions, with strangers and those I love? When I feel ‘put-upon,’ harried, or exasperated, would I pause to remember all Christ bore on my behalf willingly and without a word? Would I turn a rising grumble borne of a stingy spirit to high praise as I serve with generosity? (Psalm 100:1-2; Isaiah 53:4,7; 61:3)

How do we express devotion to the Savior? Surely we have different gifts that are needed and complementary in the Body, but do they ever overshadow the One who gave them? The tyranny of the urgent distracts from focus on Him as recipient and aim of all our efforts. Frenzied serving robs us of soaking in the instruction, help, and grace the Lord extends. Where has Jesus invited us away from the press of busy to quiet devotion with Him? Are we choosing to accept?And when we are occupied with much service, is it halfhearted with a rub, or wholehearted for Jesus? (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lord, may I welcome You daily with the hospitality You deserve. Help me always choose the good portion of listening and serving with cheerful, reverent gratitude. And may I welcome others into my life and days without grumbling, and with much grace, to Your honor. (1 Peter 4:9-10)

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.”‘

“In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.  This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take… according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’”  And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less.  But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’  But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.” Exodus 16:11-21

The Lord was definitive with Moses about His miraculous provision of manna for the masses. And He followed through exactly, supplying ample sustenance each morning as He’d promised. “But when the sun grew hot, it melted.” As long as they did as instructed, and gathered early in the morning, they would be satisfied for that day. If they delayed, or out of distrust hoarded some, it either dissolved or rotted into uselessness.

For a number of reasons, we suffer melted manna too. We might laze a while, turning in our beds until the opportunity to gather what the Lord has prepared is missed. We may choose to focus on other things until we get ‘a better time,’ and by then, the sun is too hot. We might give other priorities first place, thinking we’ll make time later, and the heat of the days hypnotizes us into a siesta. We might also think we can glut one day, or have Sunday carry us through the week, but manna doesn’t store or sustain that way. The rotation of busyness and days around hot sun spoils that plan.

We may not always be hungry, or particularly like the taste of God’s food, but it’s vital to our spiritual nourishment and growth that we partake, regularly. His heavenly nutrients satisfy in ways we may not even today understand, but will be called upon later when needed for specific wisdom, a sense of direction, or a test of strength.

How disciplined are we to taste and savor daily that He is good and enough? When He supplies, are we faithful to receive? (Psalm 34:8; Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19)

Father, feed me early, and sustain me with Your heavenly daily bread for all You have for me to do.

“Moses was afraid, and… fled from Pharaoh [to] the land of Midian…

“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ He said, “But I will be with you…”

“Moses said, ‘If I [say] to the people.., “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said,.. ‘I am has sent me to you…’ But he said, ‘Oh, my Lord, please send someone else…’

“Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people go…

“At the end of 430 years, on that very day,.. the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts… Then Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day in which you came out… of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out…’

“The Egyptians pursued them,.. and overtook them encamped at the sea… When… the people of Israel lifted up their eyes,.. they feared greatly… And Moses said, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you…’ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back… and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided…

“The Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians… Israel saw the great power the Lord used.., and they believed in [him] and his servant Moses.” Exodus 2:14-15; 3:11-14; 4:13; 11:10; 12:41,51; 13:3; 14:9-10,13-14,21,30-31

“By faith [Moses] left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover.., so that the Destroyer… might not touch them. By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land.” Hebrews 11:27-29

How did Moses transform from a reticent, insecure candidate to a bold, God-dependent leader of millions? Gradually, and by faith in his Lord. God called him, answered his questions, promised His presence, and trained him in faithful obedience. Moses openly communicated every doubt and emotion. His Lord saw him through inadequacy, desperation, frustration, righteous anger, and human impossibility, building faith muscle mass in each experience. His manna never failed, the cloud hovered and guided, the promises kept coming true. (Exodus 16:21,35; Numbers 9:17; 11:9)

When God calls us to new or different service, He does not usually change us overnight. When we willingly step forward, delight in Him, and renew our minds in His word, He shapes our thinking and desires. He develops and proves our gifts as we surrender, test, and approve His revealed will. He leads and equips step by step and challenge by challenge, so we learn to depend on Him in all things small and large. Faith begins as a bud, then grows to full blossom to make an eternal difference in a vast array of opportunities. (Psalm 37:4; Matthew 17:20; Romans 12:1-2)

To what service or task is He calling us today that requires renewed or courageous faith? How can we exercise obedience while trusting Him to prove His promises?

Father, make me willing and bold to step out with You. Increase my faith so all may see that You are sufficient and Your word is true.

“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you…

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you…

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you…  But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 14:16-18; 15:18-19; 16:1-4,6-7

Jesus is the perfect parent. His every intention is borne of love, His every word meaningful and laced with knowledge and grace. He prepared and trained His disciples in the present for all He knew their future would hold, to keep them from falling. He equipped them with appropriate information and spiritual sustenance and power, so they would remember. He met the warning of His coming absence with the promise of His Spirit forever, and that they would be hated in the world by reminding them He had chosen them out of it. They would be persecuted, but He would also, and though they could not now understand, they would soon recall His victory.

And all He pledged His followers before His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, He does for us today because of them. We will face many dangers, toils, and snares, but we need not fall, and we need not fear. Our Lord has gone before us, triumphant in every trial. His Spirit dwells within as comfort, strength, and guide. He metes out knowledge as He sees fit to ready us for what is to come, and some things He does not yet reveal because we might faint or fail were we to know. We can trust Him to prepare us adequately and illumine the substance of His promises in and at the exact time we need.

Looking ahead, what fears- of lack or pain, rejection or hardship- cause worry and consternation? Would we review and take to heart His promises, believing that He works even difficulties for our good and sanctification? That He will never leave or forsake us? That His Spirit abides with and intercedes for us always? (Deuteronomy 31:6; Job 23:10; Romans 8:26-28,31-39; Hebrews 13:5)

Lord, help me apply Your preparation and take hold of Your promises. In all that comes, may I boldly honor Your name.