Bump-Free TravelingSample

Yesterday, we talked about the bomb Jesus dropped on His disciples near the end of a multi-chapter teaching. He knew that His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father were approaching quickly. Jesus had been sprinkling hints and speaking in vague parables for a good while, and so now, as the inevitable was picking up speed, He was determined to prepare His beloved friends and followers for what was just ahead.

When my parents took a trip, leaving my little brother and me behind with a caregiver or a grandparent, my mother would provide an informational sheet for the grown-up-in-charge. It included details about where my parents would be while away, but also details about our schedule back at home and what to do in case of an emergency. Similarly, in today's reading, you'll cover John 14, the second chapter of a lengthy dissertation from Jesus. This was His 'info sheet' about where He would be going after His death and resurrection. No doubt, the disciples were still scratching their heads as they had never anticipated this amazing journey with Jesus would end this way.

Wasn't Jesus supposed to make everything right? Isn't He the fulfillment of God's plan to end the domination of evil?

Jesus Himself issued the disappointing news to those hoping that struggle had finally come to an end with His statement in John 16, verse 33: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.” The restriction of life on earth meant that pain and struggle would continue to be present. Only in Heaven would the tether to trials be released, once and for all. But ultimately, Jesus clearly stated hope for the hurting when such trials and tribulations arise. The purpose behind experiencing trials and walking through them in partnership with Jesus is found in the before and after statements in verse 33.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me."

The Amplified version of this verse says it like this: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace.” In Hebrew, the word for perfect peace is shalom. According to Strong’s Concordance (7965), shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord.

How are we supposed to have perfect peace, or shalom, when there is so much turmoil surrounding us? How can I have peace when my family members are away from God, or my house was flooded, or my child is sick? Jesus gave the qualifications to find that kind of peace, and it can only be found when we are resting in Him. Like a good Father, He acknowledged the dilemma and anticipated our need. On this earth wrought with sin, we will not be free of trials and tribulations. But Jesus reminded His followers then, and us today, “I realize this is tough. It’s going to continue to be tough until I return to rapture you away. But if you’ll stick close to Me, I AM your perfect peace.”

While God is not the author of confusion, trauma, hurt, or disappointment, He capitalizes on it in order to draw us closer to Him. Intimacy grows between you and your Heavenly Father when you're walking through hard times. When peace is absent everywhere else, finding the peace that blows your mind (Phil 4:7) requires leaning into a God who will never leave you or forsake you (Josh 1:5).

I've walked through dark days of grief in the past several years: the loss of my father, the loss of a family unit I had always treasured, disappointments I couldn't protect my children from. What I've learned again and again is how invaluable and priceless the "sameness" or "steadfastness" of the-God-Who-sees-me truly is. He's always the same. Situations change. Trials come. And yet He's always there. Great is His faithfulness.

Dig a Little Deeper

1. Think back to a trial you've experienced in the past. Did you carry it with or without the peace of God?

2. Which of the descriptive words listed from Strong's Concordance about shalom-peace stuck out to you the most today? Ask God to give you a fresh supply of that kind of peace right now.