Miracles and Mysteries: Matthew 8-13Sample

When have you felt the comfort of not being alone in a tough situation?

As a rambunctious teenager growing up, I remember how much better it felt going to the principal’s office each time with a mate who was also in trouble. It was certainly less daunting than going to see the principal by myself for something I’d done, that’s for sure!

Jesus tells His disciples the sobering reality that it is His followers who will inevitably face trouble and persecution at the hands of those who oppose Jesus. While a daunting reality, we can also take great comfort from the rest of Jesus’ words; we have the Holy Spirit who is with us and will guide us in our defence. To know that we have the third person of the living, breathing, almighty God who is with us in our persecution is a wonderful comfort to us in facing the coming challenges. Were we to be left alone to fend for ourselves, it would be fair to feel discouraged and disheartened, as we all know how vulnerable we really are. But Jesus’ promise to give us a Helper in the Spirit can encourage us to persevere in the face of persecution, knowing that what we do is by the power of the God who fights with us, for us, and through us.

Today, ponder this: How does the Holy Spirit assure you in the face of persecution? In what ways can you rely on His power to guide you amidst the opposition to come?